That evening in Mirkwood the feast to celebrate the return of Prince
Legolas took place. Everyone was invited and the grand hall in which the
feast was to be held had never looked so beautiful. It had been adorned
with wreaths of scented flowers, the tables were laden with all kinds of
wonderful foods and the servants of the house of Thranduil were always
present to serve the guests with a little more wine.
Of course, the travelers were the most honoured guests of the evening. Other respected residents of Mirkwood had also been invited. Thranduil welcomed his guests graciously, standing proudly beside his son. Legolas seemed to take the role of Prince of Mirkwood with both sincerity and a seemingly inborn skill. He welcomed each guest cordially, remembering many names and making some greetings personal.
The hobbits were the first of the fellowship to arrive, having known that there would be food. Legolas smiled warmly as he welcomed them, watching with mirth in his eyes as they made straight for the table that was groaning under the weight of all the food. Soon afterwards Gandalf appeared, dressed in his traditional white and carrying his staff.
"There is no one here upon whom you should need to cast an enchantment Gandalf." Thranduil said reproachfully, eyeing the magical staff, to him a weapon, with distaste.
"This is no disrespect on your hospitality my friend." Gandalf said apologetically. "It is mere force of habit with which I carry this staff."
"I am certain Gandalf means no harm by it." Legolas interjected.
"I am aware of that for sure." Thranduil smiled. "Very well Gandalf, please enjoy yourself." As Gandalf walked away Thranduil whispered to his son, "I would not like to be on the receiving end of that staff."
Legolas smiled. As guests entered they remarked on how much Legolas had grown in stature and in spirit during his years away fighting. Thranduil was proud to stand beside his son, very aware that in his prime he had been as fine a young man as Legolas. He watched his son fulfill his role has host in an admirable manner, and not for the first time thought of the peace of the Grey Havens, and how it seemed to call to him. He also knew that Legolas would run the country well without him. But Thranduil did want to stick around, if only to see his first grandchild be born to ensure the continuation of the family line. He wondered if his son would be clever enough to woo and wed the elf maiden who had accompanied their journey. Anánia seemed a very worthy suitor for his son.
As if reading his thoughts, the next guest to appear through the doors was Anánia herself. She was wearing a simple white dress in the style of many elves, borrowed from the wardrobes of the palace. She walked next to Astor, whose wings had made him very difficult to cloth.
"Welcome, honoured guests from the skies and Lothlorien." Thranduil said.
"Yes, welcome." Legolas said, and Thranduil noticed that Legolas's ears went slightly pink when his eyes met with those of the elf maiden.
Astor and Anánia continued into the hall. Legolas and Thranduil welcomed the last of their guests, Aragorn was among them.
"Welcome, King of Gondor." Thranduil said. "It shall be a pleasure to have you dine with us."
"I thank you for your hospitality King Thranduil." Aragorn said. "And I extend the invitation of Gondor, our doors shall be open to you and your people at any time you so wish. I can not begin to return the kindness you have shown myself and my fellow travelers."
"One of your fellow travelers is of my blood." Thranduil replied. "And any friend of my son's shall come to no harm in my country."
"You are a good King, sir." Aragorn said.
"And you sir, are a greater one." Thranduil said. "Please enter and enjoy what services we may offer you, I am sure Gondor can offer better, but we do our best."
"Where is Eldarion?" Legolas asked before Aragorn and Thranduil could argue further of whose country was the greater.
"In the care of one of Mirkwood's nursemaids." Aragorn replied. "Anánia offered to look after him, but I told her she must come here and enjoy herself, the journey ahead shall be the hardest yet."
With that Aragorn began mingling with the other guests. Thranduil and Legolas closed the great oak doors on the hall and also began talking with their guests.
Some hours later the festivities were drawing to a close. Gimli, charged with a tankard or two or fine wine, began telling to anyone who would listen the stories of the dwarves. The hobbits sat contentedly in their chairs, filled with the food of Mirkwood and wondering if they would ever be able to eat again.
"I'm stuffed Mister Frodo." Sam announced, to the merriment of some elves around them. "I doubt I shall ever eat a finer meal."
"You should come to our harvest festival." One elf said. "For the week before we eat nothing but the wasted food of the previous harvest. Then when the fresh harvest has been fully collect we line the very streets with tables and have feasts in the streets! The music plays until the next morning and everyone feasts on the best crop of the year."
"I should very much like to see that." Pippin said, his eyes lighting up.
"Then you shall my little friend." Thranduil said, overhearing their conversation. "At harvest you four shall be my guests and witness the best hospitality Mirkwood can offer."
Astor sat a little further along the table, surrounded by elf maidens who seemed strangely attracted to his unusual physique. He blushed when they complimented him, but did not shrug them off impolitely.
From his father's side, Legolas watched Anánia slowly move away from the crowd of people and break away towards Thranduil.
"Thank you my lord, for a wonderful night." She said as she reached him. "But I grow weary of the music, dancing and heat of this room. With your permission I shall take my leave and walk in your kingdom before retiring to my chambers."
"My permission is not required for you to do so, but I grant it none the less." Thranduil smiled. "Sleep well, child of Lorien."
"I shall walk with you." Legolas said, jumping up. "If you do not object."
"Of course not." Anánia said. The two elves walked away together, and Thranduil watched them go, a smile playing across his face.
Soon the laughter and music coming from the hall was a mere murmur to the two elves. They walked in the cool and open corridors of the palace, not entirely sure where they were going. They did not speak for a while, until they came to a stop beside a slightly dusty tapestry that hung on a wall to their right.
"Would you care to see the most beautiful view in all of Mirkwood?" Legolas asked. Anánia nodded. Carefully, Legolas pulled aside the tapestry to reveal a hidden door in the marble wall. It opened softly at his touch, revealing a narrow spiral staircase that twisted up out of sight. "Come." He said, taking Anania's hand in his and guiding her up the stairs.
She followed him, watching his form in the flickering candlelight that illuminated the passage. She wasn't sure if it was the atmosphere around her, or perhaps the wine inside her, that made her suddenly realize that Legolas was a man, and a fine one at that.
She felt for the first time his hand, warm and firm around her own. She saw before her his broad shoulders, strong and powerful. In the light of a candle he turned to check that she was alright, and she saw his face, aged with the woes of war and yet full of youth, and his eyes sparkling in his face, by far the most beautiful thing about him. He led her on upwards, his hair shining like spun gold in the light. How could she have never noticed this before?
'It is definitely the wine.' She said to herself. She realised that they had reached the top of the stairs, and were now standing in the most fantastic room she had seen in her life.
It was a circular shape, with an archway cut into the eastern wall. Outside this archway ran a balcony around the entire room. She guessed they were at the top of the highest tower of the castle. The room itself was sparsely decorated. Two chairs carved from wood of pure white leaned lazily against one wall. The floor was marble, but a kind of marble that had a blue tone in the light of the setting sun that poured through the window. A grand bed stood at one edge of the room, its four posters carved to look like ivy climbing up a tree. It was dressed in white and gold silk, and the hanging reached the floor and shimmered in the light. The walls were adorned with carving of the history of Mirkwood, of battles won and lost, deaths, births, marriages, festivals. One wall remained blank, yet to be inscribed with a part of history.
"It is beautiful." She gasped, breaking away from Legolas and stepping out onto the balcony. The sun was setting over the lake of Mirkwood. The trees no longer looked foreboding, especially when bathed in the red glow of the sun. The streets lay sleeping below them, and no sound from below reached their sensitive ears.
"I came here often as a young elf." Legolas said, joining her on the balcony. "I could think when I came here." He turned to face her. "Do you like it?" He asked.
"I could never have believed there could exist such a fair and wonderful place." She breathed.
Legolas placed one hand on her arm, and the other under her chin. He turned her head to face him. "I'm glad you think so." He whispered. "I have never shown this place to anyone else. This place is special to me, but I would give it up in an instant for you."
Anánia did not know what to say. But she did not have to speak, for at that moment she found Legolas's lips upon hers. Suddenly her head was filled with thoughts that had never come to her before, and she lost herself in his embrace. It was full of an untold passion, yet as gentle as a butterfly on her skin. She was barely conscious that they had moved back inside the room. She never even felt the covers of the bed, soft on her skin.
She had never known a man in this way before, but Legolas was a gentleman to her. Not a word was spoken nor sound made, in this moment they knew each other perfectly. Anyone standing outside the door would not have known that anyone was even inside the room.
Except Thranduil, as he walked down the corridor far below them he stopped, noticing that the tapestry hiding the staircase had been moved. Carefully he moved it into its rightfully position, smiling knowingly to himself. 'So,' He thought. 'Legolas has her, but can he keep her?'
AN – OK, I know a couple of you will have hated this chapter, but now I have that romance established and out of the way I will concentrate on the main story, Arwen and Aragorn obviously! And I needed them to be close now because then the last chapters will be sadder! Can't say any more now! Please read and review.
Response to reviewers
Grumpy – I think Legolas would get on well with his father, he doesn't seem like a rebellious child. Sorry about the big Legomance here, but its out of the way now. It has peaked!
The True Evenstar – your wish is fulfilled, a fast update and huge fireworks between Legolas and Anánia. You like?
Terreis – I thought I should add a little light hearted fun before getting back to the sad and gloomy story of Arwen's death. Glad you like it too.
Gemma – I have been hinting at this relationship for a long time, and lots of people guessed it was coming. It was only little hints like Legolas leading Anánia's horse and bathing her wounds, small hints like that. I'm sorry that you didn't pick up on them. As for the 'Mary-Sue' theme, I'm sorry you feel that Anánia is a Mary-Sue, I never intended her to be, and by definition she isn't because the story does not revolve around her and she is neither the pivotal character nor the character that all male characters fall for, only Legolas loves her. If she were a Mary-Sue then even Aragorn would fall for her and forget Arwen. I never intended her to a Mary-Sue, but I can kind of see why you thought she might be, but I can assure you she isn't.
Lilwhitelighter – a fast update and Legolas/Anánia action, I think you will have liked this chapter!
CurlyCurlz – I loved your description of Legolas as fire and Aragorn as the dust. It was really poetic, and very true too. Thank you for that piece of insight!
Deana – I think you will have been someone else who liked this chapter, and I am happy to have converted you to a romance fan. And you know romance and angst go very well together...
Ciel Undomiel – Another fantastic ramble there! Well done. Keep it up pppllllleeeaaassseeee!
Queen Arwen – I am truly aiming for faster updates, but things just got on top of me before which is why that last update was so late, this one was quicker though. You like?
Alasse – a short review, but at least I know you are still reading and still liked it. If I didn't get a review from you or my other really loyal readers I would cry!!!
Crazycari – Legolas romances can be OK, but I do get a bit bored of them. Thanks for the review.
Cerridwen – you can say you like it as many times as you like. The slushy will end soon though, back to angst, then maybe some happiness, if you are lucky!
Of course, the travelers were the most honoured guests of the evening. Other respected residents of Mirkwood had also been invited. Thranduil welcomed his guests graciously, standing proudly beside his son. Legolas seemed to take the role of Prince of Mirkwood with both sincerity and a seemingly inborn skill. He welcomed each guest cordially, remembering many names and making some greetings personal.
The hobbits were the first of the fellowship to arrive, having known that there would be food. Legolas smiled warmly as he welcomed them, watching with mirth in his eyes as they made straight for the table that was groaning under the weight of all the food. Soon afterwards Gandalf appeared, dressed in his traditional white and carrying his staff.
"There is no one here upon whom you should need to cast an enchantment Gandalf." Thranduil said reproachfully, eyeing the magical staff, to him a weapon, with distaste.
"This is no disrespect on your hospitality my friend." Gandalf said apologetically. "It is mere force of habit with which I carry this staff."
"I am certain Gandalf means no harm by it." Legolas interjected.
"I am aware of that for sure." Thranduil smiled. "Very well Gandalf, please enjoy yourself." As Gandalf walked away Thranduil whispered to his son, "I would not like to be on the receiving end of that staff."
Legolas smiled. As guests entered they remarked on how much Legolas had grown in stature and in spirit during his years away fighting. Thranduil was proud to stand beside his son, very aware that in his prime he had been as fine a young man as Legolas. He watched his son fulfill his role has host in an admirable manner, and not for the first time thought of the peace of the Grey Havens, and how it seemed to call to him. He also knew that Legolas would run the country well without him. But Thranduil did want to stick around, if only to see his first grandchild be born to ensure the continuation of the family line. He wondered if his son would be clever enough to woo and wed the elf maiden who had accompanied their journey. Anánia seemed a very worthy suitor for his son.
As if reading his thoughts, the next guest to appear through the doors was Anánia herself. She was wearing a simple white dress in the style of many elves, borrowed from the wardrobes of the palace. She walked next to Astor, whose wings had made him very difficult to cloth.
"Welcome, honoured guests from the skies and Lothlorien." Thranduil said.
"Yes, welcome." Legolas said, and Thranduil noticed that Legolas's ears went slightly pink when his eyes met with those of the elf maiden.
Astor and Anánia continued into the hall. Legolas and Thranduil welcomed the last of their guests, Aragorn was among them.
"Welcome, King of Gondor." Thranduil said. "It shall be a pleasure to have you dine with us."
"I thank you for your hospitality King Thranduil." Aragorn said. "And I extend the invitation of Gondor, our doors shall be open to you and your people at any time you so wish. I can not begin to return the kindness you have shown myself and my fellow travelers."
"One of your fellow travelers is of my blood." Thranduil replied. "And any friend of my son's shall come to no harm in my country."
"You are a good King, sir." Aragorn said.
"And you sir, are a greater one." Thranduil said. "Please enter and enjoy what services we may offer you, I am sure Gondor can offer better, but we do our best."
"Where is Eldarion?" Legolas asked before Aragorn and Thranduil could argue further of whose country was the greater.
"In the care of one of Mirkwood's nursemaids." Aragorn replied. "Anánia offered to look after him, but I told her she must come here and enjoy herself, the journey ahead shall be the hardest yet."
With that Aragorn began mingling with the other guests. Thranduil and Legolas closed the great oak doors on the hall and also began talking with their guests.
Some hours later the festivities were drawing to a close. Gimli, charged with a tankard or two or fine wine, began telling to anyone who would listen the stories of the dwarves. The hobbits sat contentedly in their chairs, filled with the food of Mirkwood and wondering if they would ever be able to eat again.
"I'm stuffed Mister Frodo." Sam announced, to the merriment of some elves around them. "I doubt I shall ever eat a finer meal."
"You should come to our harvest festival." One elf said. "For the week before we eat nothing but the wasted food of the previous harvest. Then when the fresh harvest has been fully collect we line the very streets with tables and have feasts in the streets! The music plays until the next morning and everyone feasts on the best crop of the year."
"I should very much like to see that." Pippin said, his eyes lighting up.
"Then you shall my little friend." Thranduil said, overhearing their conversation. "At harvest you four shall be my guests and witness the best hospitality Mirkwood can offer."
Astor sat a little further along the table, surrounded by elf maidens who seemed strangely attracted to his unusual physique. He blushed when they complimented him, but did not shrug them off impolitely.
From his father's side, Legolas watched Anánia slowly move away from the crowd of people and break away towards Thranduil.
"Thank you my lord, for a wonderful night." She said as she reached him. "But I grow weary of the music, dancing and heat of this room. With your permission I shall take my leave and walk in your kingdom before retiring to my chambers."
"My permission is not required for you to do so, but I grant it none the less." Thranduil smiled. "Sleep well, child of Lorien."
"I shall walk with you." Legolas said, jumping up. "If you do not object."
"Of course not." Anánia said. The two elves walked away together, and Thranduil watched them go, a smile playing across his face.
Soon the laughter and music coming from the hall was a mere murmur to the two elves. They walked in the cool and open corridors of the palace, not entirely sure where they were going. They did not speak for a while, until they came to a stop beside a slightly dusty tapestry that hung on a wall to their right.
"Would you care to see the most beautiful view in all of Mirkwood?" Legolas asked. Anánia nodded. Carefully, Legolas pulled aside the tapestry to reveal a hidden door in the marble wall. It opened softly at his touch, revealing a narrow spiral staircase that twisted up out of sight. "Come." He said, taking Anania's hand in his and guiding her up the stairs.
She followed him, watching his form in the flickering candlelight that illuminated the passage. She wasn't sure if it was the atmosphere around her, or perhaps the wine inside her, that made her suddenly realize that Legolas was a man, and a fine one at that.
She felt for the first time his hand, warm and firm around her own. She saw before her his broad shoulders, strong and powerful. In the light of a candle he turned to check that she was alright, and she saw his face, aged with the woes of war and yet full of youth, and his eyes sparkling in his face, by far the most beautiful thing about him. He led her on upwards, his hair shining like spun gold in the light. How could she have never noticed this before?
'It is definitely the wine.' She said to herself. She realised that they had reached the top of the stairs, and were now standing in the most fantastic room she had seen in her life.
It was a circular shape, with an archway cut into the eastern wall. Outside this archway ran a balcony around the entire room. She guessed they were at the top of the highest tower of the castle. The room itself was sparsely decorated. Two chairs carved from wood of pure white leaned lazily against one wall. The floor was marble, but a kind of marble that had a blue tone in the light of the setting sun that poured through the window. A grand bed stood at one edge of the room, its four posters carved to look like ivy climbing up a tree. It was dressed in white and gold silk, and the hanging reached the floor and shimmered in the light. The walls were adorned with carving of the history of Mirkwood, of battles won and lost, deaths, births, marriages, festivals. One wall remained blank, yet to be inscribed with a part of history.
"It is beautiful." She gasped, breaking away from Legolas and stepping out onto the balcony. The sun was setting over the lake of Mirkwood. The trees no longer looked foreboding, especially when bathed in the red glow of the sun. The streets lay sleeping below them, and no sound from below reached their sensitive ears.
"I came here often as a young elf." Legolas said, joining her on the balcony. "I could think when I came here." He turned to face her. "Do you like it?" He asked.
"I could never have believed there could exist such a fair and wonderful place." She breathed.
Legolas placed one hand on her arm, and the other under her chin. He turned her head to face him. "I'm glad you think so." He whispered. "I have never shown this place to anyone else. This place is special to me, but I would give it up in an instant for you."
Anánia did not know what to say. But she did not have to speak, for at that moment she found Legolas's lips upon hers. Suddenly her head was filled with thoughts that had never come to her before, and she lost herself in his embrace. It was full of an untold passion, yet as gentle as a butterfly on her skin. She was barely conscious that they had moved back inside the room. She never even felt the covers of the bed, soft on her skin.
She had never known a man in this way before, but Legolas was a gentleman to her. Not a word was spoken nor sound made, in this moment they knew each other perfectly. Anyone standing outside the door would not have known that anyone was even inside the room.
Except Thranduil, as he walked down the corridor far below them he stopped, noticing that the tapestry hiding the staircase had been moved. Carefully he moved it into its rightfully position, smiling knowingly to himself. 'So,' He thought. 'Legolas has her, but can he keep her?'
AN – OK, I know a couple of you will have hated this chapter, but now I have that romance established and out of the way I will concentrate on the main story, Arwen and Aragorn obviously! And I needed them to be close now because then the last chapters will be sadder! Can't say any more now! Please read and review.
Response to reviewers
Grumpy – I think Legolas would get on well with his father, he doesn't seem like a rebellious child. Sorry about the big Legomance here, but its out of the way now. It has peaked!
The True Evenstar – your wish is fulfilled, a fast update and huge fireworks between Legolas and Anánia. You like?
Terreis – I thought I should add a little light hearted fun before getting back to the sad and gloomy story of Arwen's death. Glad you like it too.
Gemma – I have been hinting at this relationship for a long time, and lots of people guessed it was coming. It was only little hints like Legolas leading Anánia's horse and bathing her wounds, small hints like that. I'm sorry that you didn't pick up on them. As for the 'Mary-Sue' theme, I'm sorry you feel that Anánia is a Mary-Sue, I never intended her to be, and by definition she isn't because the story does not revolve around her and she is neither the pivotal character nor the character that all male characters fall for, only Legolas loves her. If she were a Mary-Sue then even Aragorn would fall for her and forget Arwen. I never intended her to a Mary-Sue, but I can kind of see why you thought she might be, but I can assure you she isn't.
Lilwhitelighter – a fast update and Legolas/Anánia action, I think you will have liked this chapter!
CurlyCurlz – I loved your description of Legolas as fire and Aragorn as the dust. It was really poetic, and very true too. Thank you for that piece of insight!
Deana – I think you will have been someone else who liked this chapter, and I am happy to have converted you to a romance fan. And you know romance and angst go very well together...
Ciel Undomiel – Another fantastic ramble there! Well done. Keep it up pppllllleeeaaassseeee!
Queen Arwen – I am truly aiming for faster updates, but things just got on top of me before which is why that last update was so late, this one was quicker though. You like?
Alasse – a short review, but at least I know you are still reading and still liked it. If I didn't get a review from you or my other really loyal readers I would cry!!!
Crazycari – Legolas romances can be OK, but I do get a bit bored of them. Thanks for the review.
Cerridwen – you can say you like it as many times as you like. The slushy will end soon though, back to angst, then maybe some happiness, if you are lucky!