Chapter Twelve: The Kiss in the Cellars

While Legolas lay in his bed wondering if Síriel loved him as he slipped into rest, the maiden was laying herself to sleep as well. Her thoughts at once strayed to the kiss the Prince had given her on her cheek several months before. Often she traced the spot where he had placed his lips on her face with her fingertips. What had he meant by kissing her? Did he love her? She remembered the look in his eyes on that fateful day in the woods. She had read something in them. Now she knew what it was—love. He loved her. She found herself often thinking about him, wondering how he was, wishing he were with her. Her heart was slowly turning towards him. She was still uncertain, though, of whether or not she loved him, if his kiss was an affectionate one or not.

The following day, she awoke early. There seemed to be another feast the King was making preparations for. Eru, it seemed that every day there was some reason for a feast to be held! Her sire wanted her to see what the King desired from Lake-town, if anything. Then she would have to go to the cellars and check what was left before deciding what they needed to buy from Lake-town. She smiled as she thought of the possibility of seeing Legolas. She could not deny that she missed him.

"Do not forget to check the cellars, Síriel." Gil-celeb told her.

"I will not, adar. Le cenithon ned lû thent!" she told him.

She made her way leisurely towards the palace, delighting in the day. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining brightly, birds were singing, and a soft breeze toyed with her hair, whipping it behind her. If she was lucky enough, she could spend some time later on in the woods.

When she was inside the palace, she made her way down the familiar passages to the throne room. She hoped there was no council being held. A few times she was forced to wait, wasting precious time. She hoped today would not be one of those days.

Fortunately, it was not. And, fortunately, Legolas was also present with his sire. They were discussing the upcoming feast and its occasion when a servant announced that Síriel wanted to speak with Thranduil.

"Let her in!" Legolas cried immediately.

Thranduil smiled. His son had told him of the conspiracy he had made the previous night with the kitchen-maiden Celebrindal. Thranduil had to admit that it was quite clever, and it would be a complete shock to his people. However, so long as Legolas was happy, he was content.

"Síriel, how wonderful to see you." Thranduil said.

The maiden bowed. As her eyes met Legolas, she blushed.

"I hope you are well." she said quietly.

"We are well, and yourself?" Legolas asked.

"Im vaer. I am here because I heard there is another feast, a much more important one, and my sire sent me."

Legolas and Thranduil exchanged a smile.

"Indeed, Síriel. I wish to make a request. We need more wine, more food, and anything fit for decorating purposes. Only make sure they are highly decorative. Settle for nothing else, even if the price is high. Also, if you could bring with you two rolls of red silk material, enough for a mantle, robe, tunic, and leggings. And a matching pair of soft shoes as well, for a maiden." Thranduil said. "I think that is all, is it not, Legolas?"

Legolas nodded.

"Indeed it is." he affirmed.

Síriel bowed again.

"Very well. Garo arad vaer, aran nín, ernil nín." she said.

"Mar bedithach?" Legolas asked her.

"This evening. We will return in a fortnight. Is that good enough?"

Thranduil nodded.

"The feast will be in a month." he told her.

She left the throne room. As she was walking through the corridors towards the cellars, she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned around.

"Ernil nín?"

Legolas smiled at her.

"I have not seen you for some time." he told her. "I missed you."

She looked up at him quickly, searching his face. His breath caught as he looked into her emerald eyes. He loved them dearly.

"I missed you, too." she whispered.

They reached the cellars. There was no one around them. They were completely alone. Legolas turned her around so she faced him.

"I have been thinking about you every night, ever since the incident in the woods." he said softly.

His hands went to cup her chin. She was blushing.

"You have been thinking about me?" she asked.

Legolas did not reply. He brushed her cheeks with light strokes of his fingertips. She shuddered involuntarily. Legolas smiled.

"My mind has been occupied with you, Síriel." he told her.

Her eyes met his gaze. She looked deeply into their sapphire depths. There was desire written in them. Or so she thought.

She could not stop what happened next. Legolas moved towards her slowly as she backed away from him right against the cellar wall. Then his face had come too close. She felt his lips assaulting hers and was lost. A single moan escaped her. Her hands slipped on their own accord from the wall, where they were braced, until they were around his neck. She felt his hands cup the sides of her face as he pulled her in for a much deeper kiss. He was like a sweet fire coursing through her. She kissed him back aggressively in response, causing him to moan slightly.

When they broke apart to regain their breath, they both were assured of what the other felt, and how they felt as well. Legolas smiled at her. She returned the smile with one of her own.

"I must check the cellars, or my sire will be angry." she said.

"Then I will help you." Legolas told her.

They went to each storage area in the cellar, checking to see what was on hand. Síriel kept a careful list. There was no need to buy something that was already present. At last, they were finished.

"I must go now, Legolas." she said. "Adar will be looking for me."

Legolas brushed back the hair from her face.

"Take care, you hear? I want you back safe and sound." he said.

"I will." she told him.

He smiled lovingly at her. Then he pulled her in for another kiss. When they broke apart, Síriel ran her fingertips over his face. She traced the pointed tips on both of his ears gently.

"Navaer." she said at last.

"No i Melian na le." he told her as she left. "I will wait for you."

Sindarin Translations:

Le cenithon ned lû thent: see you later

Garo arad vaer: have a good day

Mar bedithach: when will you leave

No i Melian na le: may the Valar be with you