Chapter 23 ~ Meeting the King

There was a private garden some little distance from the gates of the Halls. It was filled with spring flowers and the sunlight lit it through most of the day no matter the sun's angle in the sky. Many of the birds Thranduil used as messengers lived here in the trees round about it and Thranduil would always come here when he needed solitude and peace.

He let his mind run over the conversation with his son. He had not intended to lose his temper with him but Legolas could be so obstinate. He was still reeling that Legolas could have made such a decision. It seemed so unlike him. But then he had become best friends with a dwarf so perhaps he shouldn't be too surprised.

He could see the strength of feeling Legolas clearly had for this woman. It had been fairly clear even in his letters to him but the look on his son's face when he had spoken of her was one Thranduil had never seen in him before. His entire expression had lit up and his eyes had shone.

He recognised that feeling. He had felt exactly the same way about Legolas's mother. She would not have been so set against this, he knew that. He could almost hear her voice scolding him gently for being too harsh on their child. He shook his head. No. This was too serious a matter. He could not approve, nor would he. And if he did not approve, how could he permit the ceremony here? It would be awkward, yes, to turn guests back, but it would have to be done. At least Legolas would learn not to defy his father...

Thranduil stopped himself. He really was thinking of Legolas as an elfling. And Legolas was not. Far from it. His fury at his father calling him that had been understandable and Thranduil regretted using the term even though he held by his opinion that Legolas was not thinking clearly. But then that too was perhaps an unfair assessment of his son. He was never hot-headed by nature. It was one of the qualities that Thranduil most admired in Legolas: that he was reasonable without being cold; fair and just, never judgmental; he would always carefully assess any situation and then invariably make the right decision. He could do so at speed if necessary which is why he was the good warrior his father knew him to be. No, it was not like Legolas to let his feelings get the better of him. Possibly there was more to this than he had first thought.

Thranduil heard movement behind him and turned to find his son had entered the garden.

"Am I disturbing you, father?"

"No. No. Just taking some air. Clearing my head. Come, walk with me a little. We need to talk I think."

Legolas nodded and smiled, "Yes indeed. It is why I came to find you. I thought you might be here."

And so as they walked Thranduil asked his son about Fuineth and his love for her in more detail. Legolas spoke with passion and some tears about his feelings, his struggle against them and his near despair. Thranduil, his anger abated somewhat, could hear the sincerity in his son's words. He did not doubt now that this had been a hard decision for Legolas and he told him so.

Legolas allowed himself a smile. "I am glad you accept this is not a mere fancy, adar. It is so much more than that."

Thranduil nodded, "I can see that. It is clear in the way you speak of her."

Legolas looked at him, "You will like her, you know. Naril thinks so too."

Thranduil looked intrigued, "Does he now?" He laughed softly. "Well then perhaps I had better meet her, do you not think?"

Legolas hesitated, "Father, I would ask one thing. Do not blame her. Do not feel anger toward her for my feelings about her. She tried to fight against this as much for my sake as hers. She.." His voice faltered, his throat tightening, "It causes her great distress to think of the loss I shall face and I know she would have spared me that if she could."

Thranduil nodded but said nothing.

"She is nervous of meeting you. I had warned her you would not approve."

"Indeed? Well then I shall have to put her at her ease a little if I am to get to know her." Legolas looked at his father gratefully. Thranduil continued, "Well I think our guests should be refreshed after their journey by now. I shall come and meet this mortal who has stolen my son's heart."

Legolas looked at him and, though his father's face was impassive, the eyes sparkled.

Legolas grinned.

Thranduil shook his head and his look became more serious, "But Legolas do not forget what I said to you. Despite what you have told me and the clearer insight I now have into this matter, my answer is still the same. I cannot approve of such a union and how can I allow a ceremony to take place here in my Halls if I do not approve?"

Legolas nodded and replied quietly, "You also said you would wait till you had met her before you made a decision, did you not?"

Thranduil nodded in his turn and the two quietly walked back together to the Halls.

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The guests settled themselves in their rooms and then were taken to have something to eat. Legolas still did not arrive so once she had eaten a little something Fuineth excused herself, leaving Gimli deep in conversation with Naril, Túveren and Elsbeth regaling them with tales of his previous visit here, and went back to her room to finish unpacking.

The chambers she had been given were cut into the rock at a higher level, with a long narrow window cut out into the steep, high slope above the gates and the river. It was curtained with foliage and greenery, but the view below of the rushing river and the sound of the water as it sped past was wonderful. She could see nothing but trees and the river and the air was full of the noise of the water and birdsong from the nearby branches. She stood there, elbows on the sill, her chin in her hands and her eyes closed, relishing the feel of the air on her face and the musky smell of the forest below.

There was a knock on the door and she said "Come in" but stayed gazing out of the window still. She heard the door open and when the person didn't speak she looked over her shoulder at them to see who it was. It was Legolas. She smiled.

"It is a beautiful view from here."

"And from here," he grinned.

She laughed and he came over to her and put his arm around her waist joining her to look out of the window.

"Ah, it gladdens my heart to be back here once again. I love Ithilien, but Eryn Lasgalen will always be dear to me."

She nodded, "It is to be expected, Legolas."

She turned now, looking to find any clue in his face as to what may have occurred during his meeting. Seeing nothing she said, "You were long with your father."

His brow furrowed for a second. He sighed. "He does not change. Nor would I expect him to."

She had her hand on the small of his back now, looking up at him concerned. "I'm sure he loves you and only wants what he thinks is best for you."

He looked at her, and smiled gently, "I know. And I love him dearly also." He hesitated then said softly, "He does not approve, Fuineth. But then that comes as no surprise to either of us, is that not so?" She nodded, her gaze having fallen from him at his words.

She looked back out to the forest once more, her throat tightening. She had known it. Legolas had warned her. Still she had hoped it would not be so.

Legolas saw her sadness, and pulled her to him so he could wrap both his arms about her. "Fuineth, it will not change anything, remember that. We must give him a little time to get to know you and then he will better understand my decision." He laughed softly and looked down at her, "After all he has not even met you yet."

She smiled and he bent to kiss her gently. He looked into her eyes and murmured, "How could he fail to approve once he knows how beautiful you are?"

Her lips met his and they held a passionate embrace for some minutes till there came a knock upon her door. Legolas kept his arms about her as he bade them enter.

An elf-maid opened the door, clearly a little startled at hearing Legolas's voice reply to her knock and even more surprised at seeing him standing at the window with his arms about Fuineth.

"My lord.. forgive me.. your father is asking for you once more, and.. Lady Fuineth."

Legolas nodded, "Thank you we will shall be there presently."

As the elf-maid closed the door Legolas laughed loudly. "Well, within an hour or so everyone will now know which it is of the women I have arrived with that is my betrothed, I would imagine."

She smiled but could not hide her sudden nervousness. He hugged her close, "Don't be nervous, Fuineth. He is really very kind and gentle." She looked at him as he added, "Well, he can be when he wants to be." He grinned.

Legolas started for the door but Fuineth was rummaging in a drawer where she had unpacked the little she had brought with her.

"Fuineth? What are you about?"

She looked at him, blushing a little. "I did not tell you Legolas because I wasn't sure how you might react. I suppose I should let you tell me if it is a good idea or no before I offend your father, though I would hope I would not."

He looked at her, curious.

She sighed, "Do not be angry with me, Legolas, but I was talking with the Queen before I left Minas Tirith and I mentioned to her how nervous I was about coming here to meet him. She had guessed that we thought he would not approve. She advised me to bring a present with me, a token for him. She said it might help ease things a little."

"She was right and it was good advice, and I am not angry with you that you mentioned this to her." He drew closer to her now, taking her hand and smiling at her.

Fuineth nodded, relieved. Her tone was vaguely apologetic when she spoke, "Legolas I did not have anything to give." He looked at her now. "I had nothing that would be appropriate. I bought a length of cloth, such that he might have a tunic made from, but I know it is not nearly fine enough for an Elvenking, nor indeed as fine as anything an elf could make."

"Do not worry, meleth nín. He will be deeply touched by the gesture. The gift itself is of no consequence."

He could see there was more, however. She hesitated.

"The Queen insisted I bring something that she herself gave me. I would not have taken it except she insisted on it, calling it a gift from her to me in thanks for the service I had given her in my short time as a lady-in- waiting for her. I could not refuse it."

He waited to see what it was and then gasped as she held out a golden belt buckle, carved into the shape of two leaves intertwined and with two rows of jewels inlaid into it.

"It is beautiful, Fuineth."

She smiled, glad that he approved. "Will it be acceptable, do you think? Would he like it?"

He nodded, and then grinned, "She has done you a great service by giving you such a thing. You guessed at it but I do not think you realise quite how much."

She sighed with relief, "The Valar be praised. I had been worried. I was concerned it might not suitable, that it might be too much and seem too rich a gift from someone such as I. I am glad you approve. Truly you have eased my heart."

He laughed, "Fuineth, you should have told me. I could have saved you all your anxiety. Have you really been worrying about this all this time?"

She nodded, feeling herself flushing now and not a little foolish.

He laughed again, "Ai, Fuineth. I love you so. Truly I do." And he kissed her.

Having seen the cloth she had brought – a light green with gold embroidery – and approved that also, they headed downstairs to the Throne Room. Elsilion was waiting for them and took the cloth and the buckle from them as he showed them in.

Thranduil sat upon his stone-carved throne at one end of the chamber. As Fuineth walked past the pillars towards him she could see him watching her closely. He was tall, lithe, and with long blond hair, like his son, that flowed about his shoulders. About his head was a garland crown of early spring forest flowers. He had rings on his fingers that glinted in the torchlight and he held a carved oaken staff in one hand. His clothes were green and brown, as seemed to be common to many there, but she could tell even from here they were of rich and fine materials. The brocade and embroidery on the tunic was intricate and detailed and, like Elsilion, jewels glinted at Thranduil's throat. She suddenly remarked how simply Legolas always dressed. She smiled a little at this thought.

At last she stood before the Elvenking. Legolas stood back a little as she curtsied and kept her gaze low as he stood and stepped down to greet her.

"Lady Fuineth," he said, his voice rich and mellow, as he took her hand though he did not kiss it.

"Your highness. I am most honoured to meet you."

He nodded. "Legolas has told me much about you. I look forward to getting you know you better while you stay with us here."

She smiled, "You are too gracious, your highness."

At a nod from Legolas Elsilion stepped forward and coughed. Fuineth, seeing him there, said, "Oh. These are for you, your highness. Not much, I know, but I trust they might please you."

Legolas stepped forward now, "You see what you have done to her, father? She is being terribly formal out of fear of you and that will not do at all."

She flushed, almost wishing the ground would open up beneath her, as he said this. There was a soft laugh from Elsilion and even the king had the ghost of a smile on his face.

"He is right, my dear. You need not be so formal with me. You are betrothed to my son, are you not?"

She flushed even more now, but smiled at him gratefully, "Le hannon, your highness."

Thranduil smiled then, "Ah yes, Legolas said you speak Sindarin."

She nodded, flushing still, "A little. I still have a lot to learn. I can understand more than I have the confidence to say."

Smilingly Legolas added, "She knows a lot more than she would admit, I can assure you, father, though I fear I am embarrassing her by saying so."

"And so you are," retorted Thranduil. Then, more kindly he turned to Fuineth, "I thank you for your gifts, my dear. It was a most thoughtful and generous gesture on your part. I am touched. Truly." She smiled and nodded her head.

Elsilion left them then, taking the gifts with him, while Thranduil sat back on his throne once more and Legolas seated Fuineth on a seat near to them and he sat beside her. He took her hand.

"Isn't she the fairest thing, father?"

Fuineth blushed to her ears again and whispered, "Legolas, please!"

"Indeed she is, Legolas, but I fear you are embarrassing your betrothed dreadfully."

Thranduil paused, watching them both as Legolas held her hand and gazed at her while she, pink with embarrassment, gazed at her feet. Finally the King spoke, "Legolas, leave us for a moment. I wish to talk to Lady Fuineth alone if you do not mind."

Legolas nodded. As he rose he squeezed Fuineth's hand to reassure her as he saw the slight panic in her eyes. He kissed her hand, bowed towards his father and left.

There was a silence then for a few moments. Fuineth was unable to meet his gaze, though she knew he was looking at her, and stayed staring at her hands in her lap.

At last she heard him shift slightly in his seat. "Lady Fuineth, I am sure Legolas has told you I do not approve of this marriage."

Her heart sank. She said quietly, "Yes, your highness."

"I do not want you to think it is any reflection on you. I have only just met you after all. I can certainly see why he finds you attractive," she blushed, "but, and this is the point, Lady Fuineth, you are mortal." She nodded. "He tells me you both fought long and hard against your feelings, is that so?"

She nodded once more and now looked up at him, "Yes, your highness, that is so. I cannot speak for Legolas, but for myself I did everything I could to not succumb to this. You must know, my liege, that I fought hard as much for your son's sake as my own if not more so for his sake than mine. It will be a bitter blow indeed for him when it comes, I know, and it breaks my heart to think of it. I would have spared him that if I could, you must believe me."

The King stayed silent for a while.

"I do. I do believe you. And I am glad that you understand the situation so clearly, even though Legolas had told me that you did. I wanted to see for myself what you had to say about it. It will be bitter for him. I too would wish to spare him that. I must be honest with you, Lady Fuineth, if I thought he would take notice of me I would forbid this marriage."

She sat shocked into silence at this.

The King continued, "It may be my son has spent too long in the South with new found friends for him to think so lightly on this matter, but it is not done for elf and man to mix like this. It is a path fraught with perils and great sorrow. My son is a prince, an elf of renown now since the war, and for him to spurn his own kind like this pleases me not. It pleases me not at all."

Fuineth was flushing now. She wanted to say something but knew not if she should. At last she said, quietly, "Forgive me if I seem impertinent, your highness, but I think you do your son a great injustice to speak of him so. He is indeed an elf of renown and a prince, but he is more than that. He is a kind and simple elf, one who loves others no matter their race or station for all are equal to his eyes and in equal merit of his affection and attention."

There was a snort from the throne but no more so she continued.

"Do not say he thinks lightly of our decision, for he does not I assure you, your highness, as I am sure he himself has told you. It pained him greatly, probably more than I, to admit to himself how he felt. We are only agreed upon this because the pain of losing each other now would be as great as the loss to come. At least now we have a chance to share something wonderful together before it is gone, and all too soon."

She felt a tear fall unto her cheek as she spoke, and she dropped her head to compose herself. She took a breath and looked up at the Elvenking, who was looking a little softer at her now, "If I may be frank with you, my liege, then know that I love him dearly, and that I always will. No matter what may happen, even if you were to forbid this, he would have my heart. He says I make him happy, and I am glad. For surely something so tender and wonderful as this cannot be wrong compared to the pain and suffering we would endure apart from each other?"

The King came off his throne and, taking her hand, sat next to her. "Lady Fuineth, you have moved me much in what you have said, but in truth you did not need to convince me of your love for Legolas, nor of his for you. It is clear even in the way you look at each other. Nor is that where my objection lies. Forgive me if I seemed harsh in what I said, and you are right, I was not just in what I said of Legolas just now. But I do not approve, nor can I. You must know this."

She nodded, her head bowed and another tear fell. She could not speak. She could hear the determination in his voice. It was clear that he was resolute. She suddenly wondered what had passed between he and Legolas. She looked at him, considering this and fearing the worst.

"If you do not approve you will still permit us to marry, will you not?"

The King dropped his gaze. "As I said, Lady Fuineth, I cannot stop my son from choosing his own path, much as I would wish to." She nodded.

He stood and offered her his arm, "Come. I have things I must attend to, but I feel sure Legolas will be nearby somewhere worrying no doubt about what I am saying to you. Come with me and we shall find him for you and then we must greet my other guests, your travelling companions, before I must busy myself once more."

She nodded. "I thank you, your highness," and took his arm.

Legolas was in fact outside the door, waiting in the corridor, conversing with Elsilion and two other nobles of the court. Túveren, Elsbeth and Gimli were there also, come to greet the King their host. Legolas smiled when he saw Fuineth and his father, glad to see them arm in arm, but as Thranduil was busy greeting his guests he took her to one side.

"How was it? What did he talk to you about?"

She smiled, "Well he was plain in his speaking but in a way I am glad he did so. He told me frankly he does not approve and even that he would forbid it if he thought you would listen."

Legolas's face grew dark, "He should not have told you that."

She shook her head, "Don't be angry, meleth nín. He wanted to be honest to me and I am grateful to him. Now at least I know exactly how he feels." She paused, "And he knows exactly how I feel. I think it was that more than anything else that he wished to know from me. You had told him, of course, but he wanted to hear it for himself."

"Such as?"

"How much I love you, but more that I understood our situation."

Legolas nodded but his brow was still furrowed in anger.

She held a hand to his cheek. "Legolas, he told me very clearly it was nothing to do with me. He complimented me and admitted he does not yet know me. He made it clear he would be like this were it any elf marrying any mortal. You do not need me to tell you that."

Legolas sighed, "I know. I warned you of it myself in Minas Tirith, did I not?" She nodded.

Fuineth spent the afternoon in the King's company. He learned much from her about her life and her family. He could see she was intelligent and with a quick sense of humour and that Legolas was right: she was beautiful. He began to understand something more of why Legolas loved her. If it wasn't for the fact that she was betrothed to his son he would have liked her instantly.

Both Legolas and Naril were with them and they would occasionally exchange a glance when the King or Fuineth laughed at something the other had said.

Naril leaned over and whispered to Legolas, "See. Told you he would like her."

Legolas nodded and grinned.

He was pleased to see Fuineth more relaxed with his father and he could tell the King was doing everything he could to make her feel at ease. They had a natural affinity with each other, which was quite astonishing given Thranduil's reputation. Fuineth met him match for match and would scold and tease him just as if he were any other elf. He had thanked her once more for her gifts since he had had a chance to look at them more closely than when she first presented them to him in the Throne Room. The buckle had impressed him greatly and, even though Fuineth had worried the material would not be fine enough, he had liked the feel of it and the design of the embroidery so she had chosen well.

Later that evening, after the banquet held in honour of the returned Prince, Legolas got some clue as to how his father viewed her when Thranduil took him to one side to speak to him.

"I like her," was all he said.

Legolas looked at him, a grin on his face, "Did I not tell you you would? Do you have some understanding now?"

Thranduil's face did not show any emotion but his eyes glinted slightly.

"Perhaps," he said non-committally. "She is fair. Very fair indeed. But at first I was worried today in the Throne Room that she seemed weak, like so many of these mortals are, particularly their women but then she showed me something of her true character when we spoke alone."

He paused, his eyes glinting once again as he looked at his son and a smile flickered upon his lips.

"She answered me back, you know."

Legolas raised his eyebrows but said nothing.

"She was very polite about it, very courteous, but told me in no uncertain terms that I didn't know what I was talking about."

Legolas was stunned and not a little amused.

"Yes," said Thranduil ignoring his son's smirk, "I like her."