Chapter 10 ~ "After The Ball Was Over"
Lord Legolas and Lady Fuineth barely left each other's sides for the remainder of the evening. They danced together often and delighted in doing so. They would talk as they danced frequently laughing at something one had whispered in the other's ear.
Every time Legolas looked in her eyes he could see them filled with laughter and a warmth he could scarcely fathom. It was just this one night, he was telling himself, with the wine and the music; one night when he could almost forget himself and then tomorrow everything will be as it was and nothing more.
For her part Fuineth was overwhelmed by how she was feeling. She loved being in his company, whether dancing, talking with the others or even alone as they had been earlier on the balcony. Every time she found him looking at her it pleased her more than she thought possible. Every time she held his hand or felt his touch upon her in a dance she delighted in the feel of him. She had no idea what was happening. She also put it down to the heat, the music, and excitement of the evening.
There was a worry in her mind, however. She found herself looking at him and considering how handsome he was, and that appalled her. He had shown her such kindness and friendship: it was not proper for her to regard in him such a way, not least because of his station but also as one of the Eldar and she a mortal. She did her best to push such thoughts to the back of her mind. Besides, she had the impression that he did not altogether approve of love between the kinds – something Túveren had said one day though she could not now remember what – so there was little point in her even entertaining the hope or allowing it to form.
Even with these concerns in their minds, though, they enjoyed the evening. It was really quite late when the guests began to leave or head for their chambers at last and but a few hours before the dawn.
Orophin and Rúmil had already smuggled a flagon of wine away a little while before and had disappeared. Elladan and Haldir were in deep discussion with the King above their cups. The Queen was saying her farewells to the guests that were leaving. Túveren was to see Elsbeth home, Orodor having left some time before since he was on early watch the next day.
Elrohir took Fuineth's hand and kissed it, "I bid you good evenin', my lady, or perhapss that should be good mornin', and may I thank you ssincerely and (what'z more) with all my heart for the dance you allowed me. It waz truly a joy and a delight: indeed a bounty that I could never have hoped for, a pleashure..."
Fuineth smiled graciously and tried not to laugh as Legolas cut him off and told him to go and sleep it off since he had clearly had far too much of the Dorwinion his father had sent the King. Elrohir stuck his tongue out at him, bowed once more with a muttered farewell to Fuineth, and weaved his way to his chambers.
Legolas turned to Fuineth, "Well, I believe everyone has enjoyed themselves this evening."
"Indeed, my lord. Was this dance worth your travelling all the way from Ithilien for?" She tried to keep a straight face.
"Well now, let me see. It was certainly better than the dance my father held in Eryn Lasgalen last year but not a patch on the one I attended in Lorien many years ago: that was astonishing."
She had not expected him to take her question so seriously. Then she saw his eyes smiling in the half-light and laughed. They lapsed into silence, sat on a bench side by side, watching as the last of the guests made their farewells.
At last she said quietly, "I suppose we had better say our farewells also." He nodded, but neither of them moved.
Queen Arwen came over to them. "Lady Fuineth, I am glad you are still here. I am about to retire to my chambers, could you come and assist me?"
"Certainly, your highness," replied Fuineth, standing as she did so. Queen Arwen did not move at first, clearly expecting Fuineth to come with her straight away.
Legolas stood also and took the Queen's hand, "Queen Undomiel. It has been a most entertaining evening. One that will be long remembered here in Minas Tirith, I am sure. I thank you for your hospitality."
The Queen nodded her thanks while Legolas turned to Fuineth. Again taking her hand he kissed it tenderly and looked into her eyes as he straightened. The Queen was saying farewell to Elladan and Haldir and Legolas took the opportunity, "My lady, it has gladdened my heart to have spent such a night with you. I do not think I could have spent it with one more fair or more enchanting."
Fuineth flushed, "My lord, you flatter me overmuch." Her eyes flicked back up to meet his as she continued, "Though, I for my part can honestly say that I could not have wished for better company than yours this night." He smiled, touched by her words.
The Queen was coming back to them so Fuineth turned to go, but she knew he was watching her leave. As she came to the door she turned her head, and sure enough he was sat back against the table, not having moved at all, just watching her with a smile on his face and a light in his eye.
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Most of the guests left the next day. The elves from Lorien and Rivendell were to stay for a little while, however, and though the remainder of the elves returned to Ithilien, Legolas and the same two stewards who had come with him to Osgiliath stayed for some days also to enjoy their company.
Fuineth, as one of Arwen's ladies-in-waiting, found that she was often with the guests that remained, as was her brother who knew some of them very well already. Legolas took every opportunity he had to speak to her and once or twice they managed to meet and talk, ever walking arm in arm, in the garden above the city on their own though often it was never very long before either they were joined by company or had to return to it.
Four days or so after the dance Fuineth was reading alone in an antechamber when there came a knock at the door. It was some time after noon and she had barely seen Lord Legolas that day but now she looked up to find that it was him standing in the doorway. She also noticed he was in his travelling clothes of simple greens and browns.
"You are leaving, my lord?" She closed the book on her lap.
"Yes, my lady. Am I disturbing you? I wished to say farewell before I left. The Queen told me you were here."
"You are not disturbing me, my lord."
As he moved toward her and came to sit next to her on the window seat he saw sadness in her face. "Lady Fuineth, is there anything the matter?"
"No, not at all, my lord. It's just ... I hadn't realised you would be going quite so soon."
He looked down. "It was never my intention to stay even as long as I have. I have things I must attend to in Ithilien."
She nodded, her voice betraying no emotion, "Of course, my lord."
There was a brief silence, neither looking at the other. Then in a very quiet voice Legolas said, "My lady, you have not forgotten my invitation for you to come to Ithilien I trust?"
She looked at him suddenly, "My lord, how can you ask such a thing? Of course I have not. I regret I do not know when I might fulfill my promise, though. I cannot travel alone, of course, and needs must wait for when my brother can bring me and he is due to marry soon. The timing is out of my hands. You know that."
Legolas nodded, "Forgive me, I was merely trying to remind you." He looked at her, hesitating for a moment before he said, "I wish to see you again, my lady. Soon."
She sat mesmerised by the expression on his face, hardly daring to breathe. "My lord?"
"Do not forget, Lady Fuineth, it may not be so long till we will meet again, or so I dare to hope. The Queen is discussing the possibility of coming with her brothers when they visit Ithilien before their journey home. If that happens you will no doubt travel with her, will you not?"
He could see the sadness deepen in her eyes at his words.
"I would indeed, my lord, but it is not certain that it will occur and it seems likely that Lord Elrond's sons will travel to Ithilien alone. It would also depend upon when my brother chooses to get married as to whether I could travel with her highness even if she were to go. He is thinking to marry in a month or two which could make it impossible. Then there is also talk, as you may know, my lord, that the King and Queen may journey North ere the summer. If that comes to pass I will endeavour to come to Ithlien once more before I go, but if the Queen does not come to Ithilien with her brothers, or else I cannot go with her, I do not see how I may be able to do so."
Legolas nodded, the disappointment in his face now matching the sadness in her own. "I do not know when I can next come to Minas Tirith, Lady Fuineth. It may not be for many months."
Nothing was certain, then, and in that moment he felt his throat tighten at the thought that he may not see her for all that time. It shocked him to realise the strength of feeling he now had for her.
Fuineth felt tears, seemingly coming from nowhere.
He saw her eyes glistening with them. In that moment he realised that she felt it too, that they were both in danger, and yet he could not help himself: he reached out, took her hand and held it.
They sat like that for many moments, not speaking, her hand in his: Lady Fuineth now looking out the window willing herself not to cry and yet with a tear rolling down her cheek; and he just watching her, seeing in her the same struggle and fight that he was going through.
At last he spoke, his voice filled with tenderness and sadness, "Maybe it is for the best, my lady, I do not know. Perhaps a little time apart ..."
She looked at him, a gasp on her lips and astonishment in her eyes. Then, as he watched, he saw her realise what he was talking about and her head dropped and she tried to pull her hand away, but he stopped her by laying his other hand on hers and saying in a near whisper, "Do not misunderstand me, my lady, it is not something I would wish for, but my head tells me otherwise."
She nodded, lifted her head and looked at him as calmly as she could but the distress was clear in her face. "I understand you, my lord, and perhaps you are right. Indeed, I am sure you are. Possibly we should have said as much to ourselves before now."
He nodded his agreement and murmured, "I am sorry," as she closed her eyes unable to look at him or to stop another tear from falling.
There was a knock on the door. Legolas, not letting go of her hand, called "Come in" in a surprisingly commanding tone given the emotions rolling through him in that moment.
A messenger appeared through the half open door. "My Lord Legolas? Forgive me, but I have been sent to fetch you. Your horse is ready and the others are mounted and await you."
Legolas nodded, "I will be there presently."
"Very good, my lord," and the messenger disappeared back through the door.
He gave her hand a gentle squeeze as he said, "Forgive me, but I must leave. It has been a great pleasure for me to get to know you better while I have been here. I have ever enjoyed your company, Lady Fuineth."
She could not look at him, but in a voice more tender than he could have imagined she said, "And I yours, lord Legolas."
He opened his mouth to say more, but could not find the words. He reached out and gently moved a lock of hair that had fallen across her face and by accident his fingers gently brushed her cheek as he did so. She did not stir at his touch but neither did she stop him. "Navaer, hiril nín."
She nodded, still not looking at him, "Navaer, hîr nín". There was the hint of a quaver in her voice and he knew then that she felt this parting as deeply as he.
He stood, letting her hand fall upon the seat where he had just sat and walked to the door where he turned to look at her once more before he left. She did not move nor look round towards him but remained as she was looking out of the window and, though he could not see them, he guessed rightly that the tears were streaming down her face.
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Legolas seemed strangely quiet when he came out into the Place of the Fountain for his horse. The Galadhrim were to travel with him, along with his two stewards, while the Queen's brothers stayed for a while longer in Minas Tirith.
As their horses moved off towards the Citadel Gate and so down through the city, the elves exchanged stories and chattered but Legolas kept himself at the back of the party and did not join in. Haldir and Rúmil exchanged glances but said nothing.
Legolas Greenleaf, Prince of Eryn Lasgalen and Lord of Ithilien, was returning to his realm but his thoughts were to remain on Minas Tirith and one there whom he may not see again before autumn came upon the land once more: one whom he knew he could not contemplate ever loving or having for his own.
navaer = farewell
hir nin = my lord
hiril nin = my lady
Lord Legolas and Lady Fuineth barely left each other's sides for the remainder of the evening. They danced together often and delighted in doing so. They would talk as they danced frequently laughing at something one had whispered in the other's ear.
Every time Legolas looked in her eyes he could see them filled with laughter and a warmth he could scarcely fathom. It was just this one night, he was telling himself, with the wine and the music; one night when he could almost forget himself and then tomorrow everything will be as it was and nothing more.
For her part Fuineth was overwhelmed by how she was feeling. She loved being in his company, whether dancing, talking with the others or even alone as they had been earlier on the balcony. Every time she found him looking at her it pleased her more than she thought possible. Every time she held his hand or felt his touch upon her in a dance she delighted in the feel of him. She had no idea what was happening. She also put it down to the heat, the music, and excitement of the evening.
There was a worry in her mind, however. She found herself looking at him and considering how handsome he was, and that appalled her. He had shown her such kindness and friendship: it was not proper for her to regard in him such a way, not least because of his station but also as one of the Eldar and she a mortal. She did her best to push such thoughts to the back of her mind. Besides, she had the impression that he did not altogether approve of love between the kinds – something Túveren had said one day though she could not now remember what – so there was little point in her even entertaining the hope or allowing it to form.
Even with these concerns in their minds, though, they enjoyed the evening. It was really quite late when the guests began to leave or head for their chambers at last and but a few hours before the dawn.
Orophin and Rúmil had already smuggled a flagon of wine away a little while before and had disappeared. Elladan and Haldir were in deep discussion with the King above their cups. The Queen was saying her farewells to the guests that were leaving. Túveren was to see Elsbeth home, Orodor having left some time before since he was on early watch the next day.
Elrohir took Fuineth's hand and kissed it, "I bid you good evenin', my lady, or perhapss that should be good mornin', and may I thank you ssincerely and (what'z more) with all my heart for the dance you allowed me. It waz truly a joy and a delight: indeed a bounty that I could never have hoped for, a pleashure..."
Fuineth smiled graciously and tried not to laugh as Legolas cut him off and told him to go and sleep it off since he had clearly had far too much of the Dorwinion his father had sent the King. Elrohir stuck his tongue out at him, bowed once more with a muttered farewell to Fuineth, and weaved his way to his chambers.
Legolas turned to Fuineth, "Well, I believe everyone has enjoyed themselves this evening."
"Indeed, my lord. Was this dance worth your travelling all the way from Ithilien for?" She tried to keep a straight face.
"Well now, let me see. It was certainly better than the dance my father held in Eryn Lasgalen last year but not a patch on the one I attended in Lorien many years ago: that was astonishing."
She had not expected him to take her question so seriously. Then she saw his eyes smiling in the half-light and laughed. They lapsed into silence, sat on a bench side by side, watching as the last of the guests made their farewells.
At last she said quietly, "I suppose we had better say our farewells also." He nodded, but neither of them moved.
Queen Arwen came over to them. "Lady Fuineth, I am glad you are still here. I am about to retire to my chambers, could you come and assist me?"
"Certainly, your highness," replied Fuineth, standing as she did so. Queen Arwen did not move at first, clearly expecting Fuineth to come with her straight away.
Legolas stood also and took the Queen's hand, "Queen Undomiel. It has been a most entertaining evening. One that will be long remembered here in Minas Tirith, I am sure. I thank you for your hospitality."
The Queen nodded her thanks while Legolas turned to Fuineth. Again taking her hand he kissed it tenderly and looked into her eyes as he straightened. The Queen was saying farewell to Elladan and Haldir and Legolas took the opportunity, "My lady, it has gladdened my heart to have spent such a night with you. I do not think I could have spent it with one more fair or more enchanting."
Fuineth flushed, "My lord, you flatter me overmuch." Her eyes flicked back up to meet his as she continued, "Though, I for my part can honestly say that I could not have wished for better company than yours this night." He smiled, touched by her words.
The Queen was coming back to them so Fuineth turned to go, but she knew he was watching her leave. As she came to the door she turned her head, and sure enough he was sat back against the table, not having moved at all, just watching her with a smile on his face and a light in his eye.
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Most of the guests left the next day. The elves from Lorien and Rivendell were to stay for a little while, however, and though the remainder of the elves returned to Ithilien, Legolas and the same two stewards who had come with him to Osgiliath stayed for some days also to enjoy their company.
Fuineth, as one of Arwen's ladies-in-waiting, found that she was often with the guests that remained, as was her brother who knew some of them very well already. Legolas took every opportunity he had to speak to her and once or twice they managed to meet and talk, ever walking arm in arm, in the garden above the city on their own though often it was never very long before either they were joined by company or had to return to it.
Four days or so after the dance Fuineth was reading alone in an antechamber when there came a knock at the door. It was some time after noon and she had barely seen Lord Legolas that day but now she looked up to find that it was him standing in the doorway. She also noticed he was in his travelling clothes of simple greens and browns.
"You are leaving, my lord?" She closed the book on her lap.
"Yes, my lady. Am I disturbing you? I wished to say farewell before I left. The Queen told me you were here."
"You are not disturbing me, my lord."
As he moved toward her and came to sit next to her on the window seat he saw sadness in her face. "Lady Fuineth, is there anything the matter?"
"No, not at all, my lord. It's just ... I hadn't realised you would be going quite so soon."
He looked down. "It was never my intention to stay even as long as I have. I have things I must attend to in Ithilien."
She nodded, her voice betraying no emotion, "Of course, my lord."
There was a brief silence, neither looking at the other. Then in a very quiet voice Legolas said, "My lady, you have not forgotten my invitation for you to come to Ithilien I trust?"
She looked at him suddenly, "My lord, how can you ask such a thing? Of course I have not. I regret I do not know when I might fulfill my promise, though. I cannot travel alone, of course, and needs must wait for when my brother can bring me and he is due to marry soon. The timing is out of my hands. You know that."
Legolas nodded, "Forgive me, I was merely trying to remind you." He looked at her, hesitating for a moment before he said, "I wish to see you again, my lady. Soon."
She sat mesmerised by the expression on his face, hardly daring to breathe. "My lord?"
"Do not forget, Lady Fuineth, it may not be so long till we will meet again, or so I dare to hope. The Queen is discussing the possibility of coming with her brothers when they visit Ithilien before their journey home. If that happens you will no doubt travel with her, will you not?"
He could see the sadness deepen in her eyes at his words.
"I would indeed, my lord, but it is not certain that it will occur and it seems likely that Lord Elrond's sons will travel to Ithilien alone. It would also depend upon when my brother chooses to get married as to whether I could travel with her highness even if she were to go. He is thinking to marry in a month or two which could make it impossible. Then there is also talk, as you may know, my lord, that the King and Queen may journey North ere the summer. If that comes to pass I will endeavour to come to Ithlien once more before I go, but if the Queen does not come to Ithilien with her brothers, or else I cannot go with her, I do not see how I may be able to do so."
Legolas nodded, the disappointment in his face now matching the sadness in her own. "I do not know when I can next come to Minas Tirith, Lady Fuineth. It may not be for many months."
Nothing was certain, then, and in that moment he felt his throat tighten at the thought that he may not see her for all that time. It shocked him to realise the strength of feeling he now had for her.
Fuineth felt tears, seemingly coming from nowhere.
He saw her eyes glistening with them. In that moment he realised that she felt it too, that they were both in danger, and yet he could not help himself: he reached out, took her hand and held it.
They sat like that for many moments, not speaking, her hand in his: Lady Fuineth now looking out the window willing herself not to cry and yet with a tear rolling down her cheek; and he just watching her, seeing in her the same struggle and fight that he was going through.
At last he spoke, his voice filled with tenderness and sadness, "Maybe it is for the best, my lady, I do not know. Perhaps a little time apart ..."
She looked at him, a gasp on her lips and astonishment in her eyes. Then, as he watched, he saw her realise what he was talking about and her head dropped and she tried to pull her hand away, but he stopped her by laying his other hand on hers and saying in a near whisper, "Do not misunderstand me, my lady, it is not something I would wish for, but my head tells me otherwise."
She nodded, lifted her head and looked at him as calmly as she could but the distress was clear in her face. "I understand you, my lord, and perhaps you are right. Indeed, I am sure you are. Possibly we should have said as much to ourselves before now."
He nodded his agreement and murmured, "I am sorry," as she closed her eyes unable to look at him or to stop another tear from falling.
There was a knock on the door. Legolas, not letting go of her hand, called "Come in" in a surprisingly commanding tone given the emotions rolling through him in that moment.
A messenger appeared through the half open door. "My Lord Legolas? Forgive me, but I have been sent to fetch you. Your horse is ready and the others are mounted and await you."
Legolas nodded, "I will be there presently."
"Very good, my lord," and the messenger disappeared back through the door.
He gave her hand a gentle squeeze as he said, "Forgive me, but I must leave. It has been a great pleasure for me to get to know you better while I have been here. I have ever enjoyed your company, Lady Fuineth."
She could not look at him, but in a voice more tender than he could have imagined she said, "And I yours, lord Legolas."
He opened his mouth to say more, but could not find the words. He reached out and gently moved a lock of hair that had fallen across her face and by accident his fingers gently brushed her cheek as he did so. She did not stir at his touch but neither did she stop him. "Navaer, hiril nín."
She nodded, still not looking at him, "Navaer, hîr nín". There was the hint of a quaver in her voice and he knew then that she felt this parting as deeply as he.
He stood, letting her hand fall upon the seat where he had just sat and walked to the door where he turned to look at her once more before he left. She did not move nor look round towards him but remained as she was looking out of the window and, though he could not see them, he guessed rightly that the tears were streaming down her face.
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Legolas seemed strangely quiet when he came out into the Place of the Fountain for his horse. The Galadhrim were to travel with him, along with his two stewards, while the Queen's brothers stayed for a while longer in Minas Tirith.
As their horses moved off towards the Citadel Gate and so down through the city, the elves exchanged stories and chattered but Legolas kept himself at the back of the party and did not join in. Haldir and Rúmil exchanged glances but said nothing.
Legolas Greenleaf, Prince of Eryn Lasgalen and Lord of Ithilien, was returning to his realm but his thoughts were to remain on Minas Tirith and one there whom he may not see again before autumn came upon the land once more: one whom he knew he could not contemplate ever loving or having for his own.
navaer = farewell
hir nin = my lord
hiril nin = my lady
