Chapter 8 ~ The Banquet
The day of the banquet was a busy one and there was much to do. Even the night before it, when her brother had returned her to the palace, she had been summoned to the Queen's chambers to discuss dresses and what both the Queen and her ladies-in-waiting would be wearing.
Fuineth had been given a dress made by the elves of Rivendell that she had kept aside for an occasion such as this. It was dark green with silver embroidery of leaves and tendrils on the sleeves, neck and hem of the skirt. She had a silver belt from Rohan, worn on the hip with the strap hanging low in front as was the style there, that the Queen agreed went very well with it.
"The colour suits you, Fuineth," she had said and Fuineth had been glad.
Fuineth had very little jewellery: a ring from her father and a bracelet, now broken though she kept it still, that her mother had always worn were all she possessed. The Queen insisted on giving her a thin circle of silver ornately and delicately fashioned in the center, to be worn across the forehead. It was clearly elvish and a thing of great beauty.
"I cannot accept such a rich gift, your highness. You do me too much honour."
"Nonsense, Fuineth. You needs must have something pretty to wear with such a dress, and both I and the other ladies in court have many similar things and will be wearing them. You will not seem out of place with it, indeed I think it suits you wonderfully and you will please me greatly if you accept and wear it tomorrow night." Fuineth murmured her thanks, though she was a little overwhelmed by such a gift.
The following morning she again found she had some time to herself, and went outside to escape from the bustle inside that was now approaching the level of near-hysteria.
It was not so cold as the previous day, nor as windy. Grey clouds scudded across the sky towards the South, but here the sky was clear and the air crisp. She walked a little while, looking out across the Pelennor and picking out once more those places shown to her by the prince the previous day. She looked East towards Ithilien and wondered when she might be able to visit him there as she had promised she would. She had mentioned it to Túveren, but it seemed unlikely she would be able to go before his marriage in a month or two.
After some little while she began to feel the cold and she was also worried she may be needed inside. She was sorry she had missed Lord Legolas but had known he was likely to have been too busy along with the other ambassadors to meet her. The King would be in his chambers most of the day and it was arranged that food would be sent up for him and the select group with him sometime after midday. She was not surprised Lord Legolas had been unable to escape.
However, as she made her way back towards the White Tower and the High Court she saw a tall figure walking towards her. She smiled.
"Hiril nín," and he bowed before coming closer, "I fear I have arrived too late. You are on your way back inside."
She nodded, "Yes, but only because I fear they may be looking for me. It is a busy day today, for us both."
"Yes indeed. I am sorry I was not able to get here before, but I have been locked in conference all morning."
He sighed and she smiled. "Such are the responsibilities of your station, my lord, much as they may tire you. I knew not to expect you, though I confess I am glad to see you."
He smiled, pleased at this admission of hers. "Would you walk with me a little, perhaps? Or must you go straight away?" he asked.
She considered, looking at him smiling at her. "I can spare a little time with you, my lord. After all is it not part of my duties this day to make the guests feel welcome? A guest has asked me to walk with him, and so I will do as he requests."
He smiled more broadly, as she pretended to put on a mock-serious air almost as if she was trying to justify it before the Queen herself. "A fair assessment, and one that no-one could say was not justified. This guest shall be most upset if he cannot have the pleasure of your company if only for a few minutes, and as you say, you must not under any circumstances upset the guests." His eyes were glittering with amusement.
She nodded. "Exactly so, my lord," she agreed before releasing that soft peal of laughter he loved so well.
They did indeed walk only for a little while. Legolas himself needed to return ere long to the conferences and discussions being held. They talked of general things, nothing of consequence, simply enjoying each other's presence. Sometimes they would walk so close she could feel the brush of her shoulder against his arm, but he did not seem to notice or if he did he did not react. After a little while they walked back to the White Tower where he kissed her hand farewell and returned to the King.
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The rest of the day seemed to just disappear it went past so quickly. Before she knew it, Fuineth and the other three ladies-in-waiting were called for and began to prepare themselves. When they were ready they in turn went to help dress and prepare the Queen.
There was much excitement and giggling amongst them all, and even Queen Undomiel joined in at times. Fuineth watched her as she stood there, asking if she was ready. She looked beautiful, and Fuineth told her so, as did the other ladies-in-waiting. The Queen flushed slightly and thanked them. Then they left to make their way to the large antechamber next to the banqueting hall.
As the Queen and her ladies entered a murmur went round the room, for truly Arwen looked magnificent, and her ladies-in-waiting were a sight to behold also. King Elessar came forward and, greeting his Queen with a kiss on the cheek, murmured how beautiful she looked. Then he led her off, arm in arm, to greet some of the guests.
Fuineth was immediately confronted by her brother. "Fuineth, you look wonderful," he grinned.
"Thankyou Túveren, and you also."
He was dressed in a sumptuous tunic of blue and gold. A gift from the King and of elvish make.
As they talked and were joined by the two Rohirrim, Elsbeth (Túveren's bethrothed) and her brother Orodor, Fuineth saw Legolas on the other side of the room watching her. He was dressed in a silver tunic, and his hair shone and reflected the brilliance of the colour. He nodded, smiling, and she returned his greeting but he did not move though he watched her still. Her attention was distracted by a question directed to her, and when she next looked up Legolas was deep in conversation with Elladan and Rúmil.
Legolas has seen her come in, and had been amazed. He knew she was beautiful but this: this was beyond anything he had imagined. The line and cut of the dress, the elvish silver band upon her brow meant that she was all he could look at. He could not wrest his eyes from her, much as his head was telling him to. After a while she looked up and caught his gaze, and he nodded, not able to move, not trusting himself to go over there and talk to her, and she nodded in return and smiled. It seemed to him she had a smile of such beauty and tenderness, indeed he had thought so even that terrible night when they had first met each other.
Just then he heard a voice behind him, "Legolas? You seem distracted. Is anything amiss?"
He turned to find Elladan and Rúmil looking at him; Elladan with mere curiosity but there seemed something of a grin about Rúmil's mouth and his eyes were twinkling.
"Not at all, Elladan. Distracted by my own thoughts is all. What are you grinning at, Rúmil?"
"Oh, nothing. Nothing at all, my dear Legolas. Though she is beautiful, is she not?"
Legolas raised an eyebrow. "Of whom do you speak, Rúmil? There are many beautiful ladies here this evening, not least of which is Elladan's sister, the fair Undomiel."
Elladan's curiosity was piqued now, "Yes, who are you speaking of, Rúmil? Is there someone here who has captured your eye already?" He was grinning, hoping for some titbit that he and the others could tease Rúmil about mercilessly for the rest of the evening.
"No, not me, I fear, Elladan. But I think someone may have caught Legolas's eye ..."
Elladan's eyes snapped back to Legolas, "Indeed?" 'Even better,' he thought.
Legolas's face showed nothing, though there was a little colour to his cheeks that hadn't been there before.
"Rúmil, you were ever a gossip and spreader of false rumour," returned Legolas, keeping his tone light and jesting, "I would take no notice of him, Elladan. You know better than I how he can be."
Elladan laughed, "Well that is true enough. Rúmil, forgive me, but I will take whatever information you feel you have with a pinch of salt."
Rúmil said nothing, though he held Legolas's gaze and merely nodded slowly. Then he laughed, "Enough of this. I have no wish to embarrass my old friend. And you are right, it may be I am mistaken, for if I am correct I would be exceeding surprised."
At this Elladan raised an eyebrow and made a mental note to quiz Rúmil on all this later in the evening.
As a way of trying to change the subject Legolas addressed Elladan: "I had forgotten you and your brother knew Túveren so well. Did you meet him often at Rivendell before the War?"
"Yes indeed. He visited us very often. I first met him when he was but a lad when his father visited us once." He shook his head and sighed, his voice quiet for a moment, "Bad business that. Orc attack." There was a brief silence. "Still, he would come North quite frequently even when he went to Rohan. He..," there was a pause and Elladan giggled conspiratorially, "He was quite a one with the ladies, from what we heard."
Rúmil raised his eyebrow, "Really?"
"Oh yes. And I am not just talking amongst the Dúnedain either."
Rúmil roared with laughter, "You have to be jesting, Elladan. Elf-maidens? With young Túveren?"
Legolas was grinning: suddenly a question he had long had in his mind was answered for him though he had suspected this was the case.
"I am not, I assure you, Rúmil. Ask Elrohir he'll tell you."
"What will I tell Rúmil?" asked his brother, coming to join them and overhearing the last part of the conversation.
"About Túveren and elf-maids," said Rúmil.
Elrohir laughed, "Oh that! Of course! It was common knowledge in Rivendell. Very skilled too apparently."
That made them all raise their eyebrows and then collapse into laughter.
"I'm serious," insisted Elrohir, "We need to talk to the boy, perhaps he may teach us something!" Another roar of laughter.
As they wiped their eyes and still were chuckling Rúmil noticed the stewards entering the hall to say the food was ready. "Come, let's eat!"
Fuineth was turning to leave when she found a pair of grey-green eyes looking into her own, "May I take you through to the banquet, my lady?"
She smiled, "I would be honoured, my lord, except that Lord Erkenbrand has just asked me. But I thank you for your offer."
The disappointment was gone from his eyes when he turned to face the proud man he now noticed next to him. He bowed. "Forgive me, Lord Erkenbrand."
"Not at all Lord Legolas, and well met. We did not have a chance to talk earlier in the Throne Room. I do not think we have seen each other since I left here to take the body of King Theoden to Rohan some years ago."
"No indeed. It is good to see you once more." Legolas bowed to Fuineth and turned to joined the feast.
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Lord Legolas was at the high table with the King and Queen, Elladan and Elrohir, the two most important ambassadors from Prince Imrahil, the two Rohirrim and the three Galadhrim. Fuineth was on the table nearest to them with various important guests and her brother. She and Legolas would occasionally catch each others' eye and smile, but otherwise the banquet itself passed without note. There were some speeches and toasts at the end, and it was clear that everyone was enjoying themselves. Then the servants came in to clear the tables and move them to the sides to make space for the dancing and the minstrels, of which there were two sets, Ithilien elves and Gondorian musicians, who now took turns to play dances and more rousing tunes than the quiet songs played through the meal.
Fuineth noticed several females - elves and human - were crowded round Legolas, the Galadhrim and the twins asking for dances. She smiled, but caught Legolas's glance as he looked up with a flattered if exasperated look on his face. He excused himself and came over to her.
"Well, I could not take you into dinner, but perhaps I will be allowed at least one dance with you this evening, my lady?"
She smiled more broadly, "But of course, my lord. I would be delighted. Though will you find time?" She looked over his shoulder as she said this indicating the throng of women round his friends, "It would seem there are many who would demand such an honour."
He laughed, "True enough, my lady. But you may notice that they are asking us, whereas I am here asking you."
Something in his tone made her look at him. She smiled, all at once feeling very shy. "I thank you, my lord," she murmured, and suddenly she could not hold his gaze and felt herself reddening in spite of herself, "You do me a great honour."
The music was swelling now and people were taking their places. "Shall we?" Legolas asked with a smile, offering his hand.
She took it and he led her to the floor, and there for the first time they danced. Moving in rhythm, never leaving each others gaze for a moment as their hands touched and parted and they turned and moved and met once more. Fuineth felt breathless as it ended and not due to the dance, which had not been an energetic one.
Túveren appeared next to them. "Lord Legolas, may I?" He indicated his sister and Lord Legolas bowed with a murmured, "Of course," as her brother led her back out to the floor.
As she turned to her starting position she found she was facing Legolas and she smiled shyly at him as he stood there, eyes twinkling by the light of the torches, watching her as the music struck up once more.
Then there was lady at his side, pulling him by the hand and he had little choice but to be gracious and join her in the dance, though all he wanted to do was watch Túveren and his sister. Even as he moved mechanically with the woman now in front of him, now walking round him, now turned away and back again, he was thinking of Fuineth, and how she had looked and how she had felt as he had touched her hand, her arm, her waist.
He shook his head. This was beyond all reason, far from anything he had ever expected. He had never shown any interest in a mortal before, and he had his pick of any elf maid he so chose. It ran contrary to everything he had ever believed till now. But there was something about her, had been even as she had sat still in the darkness of his room in Edoras singing her Quenya song of love found and love lost, and though he dared not admit it to himself he found himself attracted to her. The way she was dressed tonight was not helping.
The dance ended. He thanked the lady graciously, and turned to find that Fuineth was already taken for the next dance. 'And by Erkenbrand,' Legolas noted with some annoyance.
He moved off to find a drink when Rúmil caught him by the arm. "Forgive me if I was overbold earlier, my friend. I meant only to tease, thinking I was not near the mark, but I saw by your expression I hit nearer than I guessed. I did not mean to offend."
Legolas smiled, "I am sure I don't know what you mean, Rúmil. If you think I have affections for someone you are much mistaken."
Rúmil looked at him, considering for a moment. "I understand. I think I would feel the same if it were me, and considering what you have said about mortal women in the past. . ."
Legolas's eyes flashed but he said nothing.
Rúmil noted the clenching in his jaw, though, and hurriedly added, "As I say I would feel the same in your position I am sure. Not that there is a position, of course, since there is no-one particular in your affections. Let us let the matter drop, shall we?"
He smiled at his friend, and Legolas relented. He knew that Rúmil meant nothing by it. He was more annoyed with himself that he had done something by which Rúmil had guessed that which Legolas did not even want to admit to himself as yet. He returned his smile, "Have no fear, my friend. I am not angry. Come, let us find some wine, and then some women to dance with."
Rúmil clasped him round the shoulder. "Now that, my dear Legolas, sounds like a fine plan indeed!"
Several more dances went by and in each one Fuineth found herself with a different partner. Some were people she knew well – such as the Rohirrim – others ones she had just met and whom she had a duty to make feel welcome and she would not have refused.
As yet another dance ended, she heard steps behind her. "My Lady Fuineth. Could I have the honour of the next dance?" She turned to find herself looking into the blue eyes and fair-haired countenance of her future brother-in-law, Elsbeth's brother and Captain of the Guard.
She nodded her head graciously, smiling, and saying, "You flatter me Orodor, but I need to rest. I will gladly have the next dance after this with you if you will be so good as to find me something to wet my throat. It is dreadful warm in here."
"Certainly, come with me," and he held out his arm for her to take.
Legolas had not stopped either. The Galadhrim and the twins were clearly enjoying themselves, as was he to a certain extent, but he could not get his mind away from Fuineth, nor stop looking at her every now and then. She was a good dancer, lithe and with flowing graceful movements.
He looked for her once more over the shoulder of his current dancing partner as the music ended and when he saw her moving away from the floor arm in arm with someone for a moment he froze and only relaxed when he realised who it was. This was becoming ridiculous. He needed to get a hold of himself. Perhaps he had had too much wine at the banquet. He moved away, giving his apologies to yet another woman who had approached him in a hopeful manner for the next dance. His throat was parched: he needed a drink.
As Orodor and Fuineth moved back through the assembled guests towards the ring of dancing couples to await the next dance, a figure in silver approached them. "My lady Fuineth, are you enjoying the dance?"
"Very much, my lord, and you?"
"But of course, though I must admit it would be made more pleasant if I could catch you long enough to have another dance with you."
She beamed, "But of course, Lord Legolas, I should enjoy that very much. Do you know Captain Orodor? His sister is betrothed to Túveren."
"But of course. It is good to see you once again, Orodor, I have heard of your sister's betrothal to Túveren. He is a good friend and may I congratulate your sister on her choice."
"My Lord, I thank you. I too am delighted for them both."
As the music faded, Fuineth apologised to Legolas explaining she had promised the next dance to Orodor, but his would be the next after that. He nodded and drained his cup watching with smiling eyes as she danced.
As he watched her, though, he could hear raised voices behind him. One was Orophin's and there was another in a lower register with a thicker accent. He turned.
Orophin was standing glaring down at one of the dwarves. Legolas sighed. Not now. Not here. He went over to them. "Orophin! Nafur! What is going on here? Please, whatever it is I am sure that, once heads are clearer and less wine drunk, tomorrow it will not seem so serious."
The dwarf and the elf glowered at each other and Legolas could see the other two dwarves looked less than pleased also.
"Orophin, why are you not dancing? Are there not enough beauties here for you?" Túveren had joined Legolas, throwing a questioning glance towards him. "Here, Orophin, Túveren will help you find your brothers and perhaps introduce you to some pretty maid to dance with the while."
He looked at Túveren meaningfully as he said this and then, hearing the music dying away, added, "Tell Lady Fuineth I will have to miss this dance, but I will take the next one with her if I may." Túveren nodded and led Orophin away and as he did so Legolas used his best diplomatic skills to calm the ire of the dwarves.
When he had finally finished with them, the next dance had begun and he was pleased to see that Fuineth had managed to find another partner for it: clearly one the captains of Minas Tirith since he was wearing his livery. Legolas turned instead to join Túveren at one of the tables to have another cup before the next dance began.
"I have been hearing of your exploits in Rivendell, Túveren of the Dúnedain."
Túveren looked at him suspiciously. "What do you mean, Lord Legolas?"
Legolas grinned, "Elladan and Elrohir were telling me. Quite the ladies man, so I hear."
He laughed as Túveren groaned, "Elbereth, does everyone in Rivendell know? The one thing I cannot cope with about elves is the chatter: you all tell everybody everything!"
Legolas just laughed all the more. "I am surprised, though, that no elf- maid captured your heart in all your dalliances."
Túveren shook his head and smiled, a little sadly his friend thought, and then brightened suddenly, "But now I have Elsbeth. She is truly wonderous. As beautiful as any elven maid I will swear!"
Legolas grinned, "Indeed."
As he spoke Túveren turned to watch Elsbeth who was dancing with one of the Dol Amroth ambassadors. He smiled, clearly delighting in watching her, when Legolas suddenly saw him stiffen and murmur, "Elbereth!"
"What is it?" asked Legolas as he saw his friend's lips grow tight in anger and his eyes narrow. He looked in the same direction and could see nothing untoward, unless... it seemed that Túveren's gaze was now fixed upon his sister.
Before Legolas could say any more Orodor approached them and, bending towards them both, hands spread on the table, he said to Túveren, "Have you seen Torgil?" Túveren nodded, shaking with anger now, and Orodor was looking dark indeed.
Legolas looked from one to the other, concern and incomprehension written all over his face. Through clenched teeth Orodor explained, "The captain dancing with the Lady Fuineth is a worm and a scoundrel of the vilest sort. If I had my way I would run him out of the Guard but my hands are tied. When Túveren last met him it came to blows over insults Torgil had made and it was not Túveren that came off the worst I am pleased to say. Torgil knows exactly whom he is dancing with and this is a deliberate insult to Túveren."
"He has a very low opinion of the people of the North." Túveren looked at Legolas as he spoke and the fury was unmistakeable in his voice, "and also of the elves I might add."
Legolas raised an eyebrow and his tone was cool, "Indeed?"
He was watching Fuineth now, anxiously looking for a sign of anything untoward. At first he saw nothing but the dance and his heart began to relax. It was but a dance after all, despite whatever history there may be between Túveren and this man, but then he saw it, just for the briefest instant: a flash of pain in her eyes, and he saw him holding her by the wrist hard enough that her skin was white around his grip, and he had moved close to her. Far too close for Legolas's liking.
On seeing him leap up, anger clear upon his face, Túveren and Orodor also quickly stood and turned trying to see what it was that Legolas had reacted to. Before they had time to ask him, the music was ending once more, and they could see Torgil leading Fuineth away. They seemed to be talking courteously enough but just once she managed to look round behind her as if trying to find someone in the crowd and Legolas, his keen eyes serving him better than the other two in the flickering lights of the torches, could see panic written in her eyes.
With a roar he was off, the other two following close behind him, pushing his way through the throng so he could get to the other side of the room where he could see Torgil leading her away into the shadows.
Hiril nin = my lady
The day of the banquet was a busy one and there was much to do. Even the night before it, when her brother had returned her to the palace, she had been summoned to the Queen's chambers to discuss dresses and what both the Queen and her ladies-in-waiting would be wearing.
Fuineth had been given a dress made by the elves of Rivendell that she had kept aside for an occasion such as this. It was dark green with silver embroidery of leaves and tendrils on the sleeves, neck and hem of the skirt. She had a silver belt from Rohan, worn on the hip with the strap hanging low in front as was the style there, that the Queen agreed went very well with it.
"The colour suits you, Fuineth," she had said and Fuineth had been glad.
Fuineth had very little jewellery: a ring from her father and a bracelet, now broken though she kept it still, that her mother had always worn were all she possessed. The Queen insisted on giving her a thin circle of silver ornately and delicately fashioned in the center, to be worn across the forehead. It was clearly elvish and a thing of great beauty.
"I cannot accept such a rich gift, your highness. You do me too much honour."
"Nonsense, Fuineth. You needs must have something pretty to wear with such a dress, and both I and the other ladies in court have many similar things and will be wearing them. You will not seem out of place with it, indeed I think it suits you wonderfully and you will please me greatly if you accept and wear it tomorrow night." Fuineth murmured her thanks, though she was a little overwhelmed by such a gift.
The following morning she again found she had some time to herself, and went outside to escape from the bustle inside that was now approaching the level of near-hysteria.
It was not so cold as the previous day, nor as windy. Grey clouds scudded across the sky towards the South, but here the sky was clear and the air crisp. She walked a little while, looking out across the Pelennor and picking out once more those places shown to her by the prince the previous day. She looked East towards Ithilien and wondered when she might be able to visit him there as she had promised she would. She had mentioned it to Túveren, but it seemed unlikely she would be able to go before his marriage in a month or two.
After some little while she began to feel the cold and she was also worried she may be needed inside. She was sorry she had missed Lord Legolas but had known he was likely to have been too busy along with the other ambassadors to meet her. The King would be in his chambers most of the day and it was arranged that food would be sent up for him and the select group with him sometime after midday. She was not surprised Lord Legolas had been unable to escape.
However, as she made her way back towards the White Tower and the High Court she saw a tall figure walking towards her. She smiled.
"Hiril nín," and he bowed before coming closer, "I fear I have arrived too late. You are on your way back inside."
She nodded, "Yes, but only because I fear they may be looking for me. It is a busy day today, for us both."
"Yes indeed. I am sorry I was not able to get here before, but I have been locked in conference all morning."
He sighed and she smiled. "Such are the responsibilities of your station, my lord, much as they may tire you. I knew not to expect you, though I confess I am glad to see you."
He smiled, pleased at this admission of hers. "Would you walk with me a little, perhaps? Or must you go straight away?" he asked.
She considered, looking at him smiling at her. "I can spare a little time with you, my lord. After all is it not part of my duties this day to make the guests feel welcome? A guest has asked me to walk with him, and so I will do as he requests."
He smiled more broadly, as she pretended to put on a mock-serious air almost as if she was trying to justify it before the Queen herself. "A fair assessment, and one that no-one could say was not justified. This guest shall be most upset if he cannot have the pleasure of your company if only for a few minutes, and as you say, you must not under any circumstances upset the guests." His eyes were glittering with amusement.
She nodded. "Exactly so, my lord," she agreed before releasing that soft peal of laughter he loved so well.
They did indeed walk only for a little while. Legolas himself needed to return ere long to the conferences and discussions being held. They talked of general things, nothing of consequence, simply enjoying each other's presence. Sometimes they would walk so close she could feel the brush of her shoulder against his arm, but he did not seem to notice or if he did he did not react. After a little while they walked back to the White Tower where he kissed her hand farewell and returned to the King.
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The rest of the day seemed to just disappear it went past so quickly. Before she knew it, Fuineth and the other three ladies-in-waiting were called for and began to prepare themselves. When they were ready they in turn went to help dress and prepare the Queen.
There was much excitement and giggling amongst them all, and even Queen Undomiel joined in at times. Fuineth watched her as she stood there, asking if she was ready. She looked beautiful, and Fuineth told her so, as did the other ladies-in-waiting. The Queen flushed slightly and thanked them. Then they left to make their way to the large antechamber next to the banqueting hall.
As the Queen and her ladies entered a murmur went round the room, for truly Arwen looked magnificent, and her ladies-in-waiting were a sight to behold also. King Elessar came forward and, greeting his Queen with a kiss on the cheek, murmured how beautiful she looked. Then he led her off, arm in arm, to greet some of the guests.
Fuineth was immediately confronted by her brother. "Fuineth, you look wonderful," he grinned.
"Thankyou Túveren, and you also."
He was dressed in a sumptuous tunic of blue and gold. A gift from the King and of elvish make.
As they talked and were joined by the two Rohirrim, Elsbeth (Túveren's bethrothed) and her brother Orodor, Fuineth saw Legolas on the other side of the room watching her. He was dressed in a silver tunic, and his hair shone and reflected the brilliance of the colour. He nodded, smiling, and she returned his greeting but he did not move though he watched her still. Her attention was distracted by a question directed to her, and when she next looked up Legolas was deep in conversation with Elladan and Rúmil.
Legolas has seen her come in, and had been amazed. He knew she was beautiful but this: this was beyond anything he had imagined. The line and cut of the dress, the elvish silver band upon her brow meant that she was all he could look at. He could not wrest his eyes from her, much as his head was telling him to. After a while she looked up and caught his gaze, and he nodded, not able to move, not trusting himself to go over there and talk to her, and she nodded in return and smiled. It seemed to him she had a smile of such beauty and tenderness, indeed he had thought so even that terrible night when they had first met each other.
Just then he heard a voice behind him, "Legolas? You seem distracted. Is anything amiss?"
He turned to find Elladan and Rúmil looking at him; Elladan with mere curiosity but there seemed something of a grin about Rúmil's mouth and his eyes were twinkling.
"Not at all, Elladan. Distracted by my own thoughts is all. What are you grinning at, Rúmil?"
"Oh, nothing. Nothing at all, my dear Legolas. Though she is beautiful, is she not?"
Legolas raised an eyebrow. "Of whom do you speak, Rúmil? There are many beautiful ladies here this evening, not least of which is Elladan's sister, the fair Undomiel."
Elladan's curiosity was piqued now, "Yes, who are you speaking of, Rúmil? Is there someone here who has captured your eye already?" He was grinning, hoping for some titbit that he and the others could tease Rúmil about mercilessly for the rest of the evening.
"No, not me, I fear, Elladan. But I think someone may have caught Legolas's eye ..."
Elladan's eyes snapped back to Legolas, "Indeed?" 'Even better,' he thought.
Legolas's face showed nothing, though there was a little colour to his cheeks that hadn't been there before.
"Rúmil, you were ever a gossip and spreader of false rumour," returned Legolas, keeping his tone light and jesting, "I would take no notice of him, Elladan. You know better than I how he can be."
Elladan laughed, "Well that is true enough. Rúmil, forgive me, but I will take whatever information you feel you have with a pinch of salt."
Rúmil said nothing, though he held Legolas's gaze and merely nodded slowly. Then he laughed, "Enough of this. I have no wish to embarrass my old friend. And you are right, it may be I am mistaken, for if I am correct I would be exceeding surprised."
At this Elladan raised an eyebrow and made a mental note to quiz Rúmil on all this later in the evening.
As a way of trying to change the subject Legolas addressed Elladan: "I had forgotten you and your brother knew Túveren so well. Did you meet him often at Rivendell before the War?"
"Yes indeed. He visited us very often. I first met him when he was but a lad when his father visited us once." He shook his head and sighed, his voice quiet for a moment, "Bad business that. Orc attack." There was a brief silence. "Still, he would come North quite frequently even when he went to Rohan. He..," there was a pause and Elladan giggled conspiratorially, "He was quite a one with the ladies, from what we heard."
Rúmil raised his eyebrow, "Really?"
"Oh yes. And I am not just talking amongst the Dúnedain either."
Rúmil roared with laughter, "You have to be jesting, Elladan. Elf-maidens? With young Túveren?"
Legolas was grinning: suddenly a question he had long had in his mind was answered for him though he had suspected this was the case.
"I am not, I assure you, Rúmil. Ask Elrohir he'll tell you."
"What will I tell Rúmil?" asked his brother, coming to join them and overhearing the last part of the conversation.
"About Túveren and elf-maids," said Rúmil.
Elrohir laughed, "Oh that! Of course! It was common knowledge in Rivendell. Very skilled too apparently."
That made them all raise their eyebrows and then collapse into laughter.
"I'm serious," insisted Elrohir, "We need to talk to the boy, perhaps he may teach us something!" Another roar of laughter.
As they wiped their eyes and still were chuckling Rúmil noticed the stewards entering the hall to say the food was ready. "Come, let's eat!"
Fuineth was turning to leave when she found a pair of grey-green eyes looking into her own, "May I take you through to the banquet, my lady?"
She smiled, "I would be honoured, my lord, except that Lord Erkenbrand has just asked me. But I thank you for your offer."
The disappointment was gone from his eyes when he turned to face the proud man he now noticed next to him. He bowed. "Forgive me, Lord Erkenbrand."
"Not at all Lord Legolas, and well met. We did not have a chance to talk earlier in the Throne Room. I do not think we have seen each other since I left here to take the body of King Theoden to Rohan some years ago."
"No indeed. It is good to see you once more." Legolas bowed to Fuineth and turned to joined the feast.
----------------------------------------------
Lord Legolas was at the high table with the King and Queen, Elladan and Elrohir, the two most important ambassadors from Prince Imrahil, the two Rohirrim and the three Galadhrim. Fuineth was on the table nearest to them with various important guests and her brother. She and Legolas would occasionally catch each others' eye and smile, but otherwise the banquet itself passed without note. There were some speeches and toasts at the end, and it was clear that everyone was enjoying themselves. Then the servants came in to clear the tables and move them to the sides to make space for the dancing and the minstrels, of which there were two sets, Ithilien elves and Gondorian musicians, who now took turns to play dances and more rousing tunes than the quiet songs played through the meal.
Fuineth noticed several females - elves and human - were crowded round Legolas, the Galadhrim and the twins asking for dances. She smiled, but caught Legolas's glance as he looked up with a flattered if exasperated look on his face. He excused himself and came over to her.
"Well, I could not take you into dinner, but perhaps I will be allowed at least one dance with you this evening, my lady?"
She smiled more broadly, "But of course, my lord. I would be delighted. Though will you find time?" She looked over his shoulder as she said this indicating the throng of women round his friends, "It would seem there are many who would demand such an honour."
He laughed, "True enough, my lady. But you may notice that they are asking us, whereas I am here asking you."
Something in his tone made her look at him. She smiled, all at once feeling very shy. "I thank you, my lord," she murmured, and suddenly she could not hold his gaze and felt herself reddening in spite of herself, "You do me a great honour."
The music was swelling now and people were taking their places. "Shall we?" Legolas asked with a smile, offering his hand.
She took it and he led her to the floor, and there for the first time they danced. Moving in rhythm, never leaving each others gaze for a moment as their hands touched and parted and they turned and moved and met once more. Fuineth felt breathless as it ended and not due to the dance, which had not been an energetic one.
Túveren appeared next to them. "Lord Legolas, may I?" He indicated his sister and Lord Legolas bowed with a murmured, "Of course," as her brother led her back out to the floor.
As she turned to her starting position she found she was facing Legolas and she smiled shyly at him as he stood there, eyes twinkling by the light of the torches, watching her as the music struck up once more.
Then there was lady at his side, pulling him by the hand and he had little choice but to be gracious and join her in the dance, though all he wanted to do was watch Túveren and his sister. Even as he moved mechanically with the woman now in front of him, now walking round him, now turned away and back again, he was thinking of Fuineth, and how she had looked and how she had felt as he had touched her hand, her arm, her waist.
He shook his head. This was beyond all reason, far from anything he had ever expected. He had never shown any interest in a mortal before, and he had his pick of any elf maid he so chose. It ran contrary to everything he had ever believed till now. But there was something about her, had been even as she had sat still in the darkness of his room in Edoras singing her Quenya song of love found and love lost, and though he dared not admit it to himself he found himself attracted to her. The way she was dressed tonight was not helping.
The dance ended. He thanked the lady graciously, and turned to find that Fuineth was already taken for the next dance. 'And by Erkenbrand,' Legolas noted with some annoyance.
He moved off to find a drink when Rúmil caught him by the arm. "Forgive me if I was overbold earlier, my friend. I meant only to tease, thinking I was not near the mark, but I saw by your expression I hit nearer than I guessed. I did not mean to offend."
Legolas smiled, "I am sure I don't know what you mean, Rúmil. If you think I have affections for someone you are much mistaken."
Rúmil looked at him, considering for a moment. "I understand. I think I would feel the same if it were me, and considering what you have said about mortal women in the past. . ."
Legolas's eyes flashed but he said nothing.
Rúmil noted the clenching in his jaw, though, and hurriedly added, "As I say I would feel the same in your position I am sure. Not that there is a position, of course, since there is no-one particular in your affections. Let us let the matter drop, shall we?"
He smiled at his friend, and Legolas relented. He knew that Rúmil meant nothing by it. He was more annoyed with himself that he had done something by which Rúmil had guessed that which Legolas did not even want to admit to himself as yet. He returned his smile, "Have no fear, my friend. I am not angry. Come, let us find some wine, and then some women to dance with."
Rúmil clasped him round the shoulder. "Now that, my dear Legolas, sounds like a fine plan indeed!"
Several more dances went by and in each one Fuineth found herself with a different partner. Some were people she knew well – such as the Rohirrim – others ones she had just met and whom she had a duty to make feel welcome and she would not have refused.
As yet another dance ended, she heard steps behind her. "My Lady Fuineth. Could I have the honour of the next dance?" She turned to find herself looking into the blue eyes and fair-haired countenance of her future brother-in-law, Elsbeth's brother and Captain of the Guard.
She nodded her head graciously, smiling, and saying, "You flatter me Orodor, but I need to rest. I will gladly have the next dance after this with you if you will be so good as to find me something to wet my throat. It is dreadful warm in here."
"Certainly, come with me," and he held out his arm for her to take.
Legolas had not stopped either. The Galadhrim and the twins were clearly enjoying themselves, as was he to a certain extent, but he could not get his mind away from Fuineth, nor stop looking at her every now and then. She was a good dancer, lithe and with flowing graceful movements.
He looked for her once more over the shoulder of his current dancing partner as the music ended and when he saw her moving away from the floor arm in arm with someone for a moment he froze and only relaxed when he realised who it was. This was becoming ridiculous. He needed to get a hold of himself. Perhaps he had had too much wine at the banquet. He moved away, giving his apologies to yet another woman who had approached him in a hopeful manner for the next dance. His throat was parched: he needed a drink.
As Orodor and Fuineth moved back through the assembled guests towards the ring of dancing couples to await the next dance, a figure in silver approached them. "My lady Fuineth, are you enjoying the dance?"
"Very much, my lord, and you?"
"But of course, though I must admit it would be made more pleasant if I could catch you long enough to have another dance with you."
She beamed, "But of course, Lord Legolas, I should enjoy that very much. Do you know Captain Orodor? His sister is betrothed to Túveren."
"But of course. It is good to see you once again, Orodor, I have heard of your sister's betrothal to Túveren. He is a good friend and may I congratulate your sister on her choice."
"My Lord, I thank you. I too am delighted for them both."
As the music faded, Fuineth apologised to Legolas explaining she had promised the next dance to Orodor, but his would be the next after that. He nodded and drained his cup watching with smiling eyes as she danced.
As he watched her, though, he could hear raised voices behind him. One was Orophin's and there was another in a lower register with a thicker accent. He turned.
Orophin was standing glaring down at one of the dwarves. Legolas sighed. Not now. Not here. He went over to them. "Orophin! Nafur! What is going on here? Please, whatever it is I am sure that, once heads are clearer and less wine drunk, tomorrow it will not seem so serious."
The dwarf and the elf glowered at each other and Legolas could see the other two dwarves looked less than pleased also.
"Orophin, why are you not dancing? Are there not enough beauties here for you?" Túveren had joined Legolas, throwing a questioning glance towards him. "Here, Orophin, Túveren will help you find your brothers and perhaps introduce you to some pretty maid to dance with the while."
He looked at Túveren meaningfully as he said this and then, hearing the music dying away, added, "Tell Lady Fuineth I will have to miss this dance, but I will take the next one with her if I may." Túveren nodded and led Orophin away and as he did so Legolas used his best diplomatic skills to calm the ire of the dwarves.
When he had finally finished with them, the next dance had begun and he was pleased to see that Fuineth had managed to find another partner for it: clearly one the captains of Minas Tirith since he was wearing his livery. Legolas turned instead to join Túveren at one of the tables to have another cup before the next dance began.
"I have been hearing of your exploits in Rivendell, Túveren of the Dúnedain."
Túveren looked at him suspiciously. "What do you mean, Lord Legolas?"
Legolas grinned, "Elladan and Elrohir were telling me. Quite the ladies man, so I hear."
He laughed as Túveren groaned, "Elbereth, does everyone in Rivendell know? The one thing I cannot cope with about elves is the chatter: you all tell everybody everything!"
Legolas just laughed all the more. "I am surprised, though, that no elf- maid captured your heart in all your dalliances."
Túveren shook his head and smiled, a little sadly his friend thought, and then brightened suddenly, "But now I have Elsbeth. She is truly wonderous. As beautiful as any elven maid I will swear!"
Legolas grinned, "Indeed."
As he spoke Túveren turned to watch Elsbeth who was dancing with one of the Dol Amroth ambassadors. He smiled, clearly delighting in watching her, when Legolas suddenly saw him stiffen and murmur, "Elbereth!"
"What is it?" asked Legolas as he saw his friend's lips grow tight in anger and his eyes narrow. He looked in the same direction and could see nothing untoward, unless... it seemed that Túveren's gaze was now fixed upon his sister.
Before Legolas could say any more Orodor approached them and, bending towards them both, hands spread on the table, he said to Túveren, "Have you seen Torgil?" Túveren nodded, shaking with anger now, and Orodor was looking dark indeed.
Legolas looked from one to the other, concern and incomprehension written all over his face. Through clenched teeth Orodor explained, "The captain dancing with the Lady Fuineth is a worm and a scoundrel of the vilest sort. If I had my way I would run him out of the Guard but my hands are tied. When Túveren last met him it came to blows over insults Torgil had made and it was not Túveren that came off the worst I am pleased to say. Torgil knows exactly whom he is dancing with and this is a deliberate insult to Túveren."
"He has a very low opinion of the people of the North." Túveren looked at Legolas as he spoke and the fury was unmistakeable in his voice, "and also of the elves I might add."
Legolas raised an eyebrow and his tone was cool, "Indeed?"
He was watching Fuineth now, anxiously looking for a sign of anything untoward. At first he saw nothing but the dance and his heart began to relax. It was but a dance after all, despite whatever history there may be between Túveren and this man, but then he saw it, just for the briefest instant: a flash of pain in her eyes, and he saw him holding her by the wrist hard enough that her skin was white around his grip, and he had moved close to her. Far too close for Legolas's liking.
On seeing him leap up, anger clear upon his face, Túveren and Orodor also quickly stood and turned trying to see what it was that Legolas had reacted to. Before they had time to ask him, the music was ending once more, and they could see Torgil leading Fuineth away. They seemed to be talking courteously enough but just once she managed to look round behind her as if trying to find someone in the crowd and Legolas, his keen eyes serving him better than the other two in the flickering lights of the torches, could see panic written in her eyes.
With a roar he was off, the other two following close behind him, pushing his way through the throng so he could get to the other side of the room where he could see Torgil leading her away into the shadows.
Hiril nin = my lady
