Translations:
Haryonamin = my prince Meleth-nin = my love Be iest lin, ada = according to your wish, father Aredhelamin = my (Elf) lord Amin sin = I know Melima qúen = fair one Ná tiris = be careful Niramin = I will
The conversation in Elvish will just be re-written in English at the end rather than marking it all and then translating each one, blah, blah, blah. You get the picture.
Chapter 31
"I have to say, I think that was our quickest time ever," said Legolas as Silva neatened his hair. "And in a study too."
"Tuck your shirt it at the back," she said. "Yes, it probably was. Don't worry, we'll do it properly tonight." She grinned and kissed him. "But you have to go back now." He sighed.
"I know."
"I've missed you." She hugged him tightly. "I love you."
"I love you too." He kissed her temple. "I'll see you when this boring trade agreement is all sorted and over with."
"Ok. I'll be just outside the room if you need anything."
"I need you."
"But you shall have to wait, haryonamin." She stroked his cheek with the back of her hand. "Go now, meleth-nin, else we shall be a laughing stock as were all those years ago." He smiled.
"Ok, I'll see you later." He walked out into the hallway and the short distance to the small dining hall. Before he opened the door, he looked back to her and she blew him a kiss. He grinned and walked in.
"Ah, my son, so you've decided to return," said Thranduil. "I was beginning to think we'd lost you."
"I'm sorry, father, I had to return to my chamber." Legolas returned to his seat. "Now, where have we got to?"
"We are about to name the terms of the treaty," said Anris.
"So we were," said Thranduil. "As I was saying, if we aid your city, we would expect aid in return, if and when it was needed."
"And what would that entail?" asked Tarnen.
"If our realm went under attack, we would expect men to help us fight," said Legolas. "And, if possible, some kind of aid to help repair the damage."
"That is much to ask."
"You ask much of us."
"True, but we do not ask for the lives of your men."
"If the enemy surpassed us, they would strike your city anyway. What we ask is only for your benefit."
"He has a point, Tarnen," said Menas. "And it would be most profitable to have the Elves on our side."
"I think you and your son drive a just bargain, King Thranduil," said Anris.
"Sire, I think we should-" began Tarnen.
"And of course, the Elves would aid you in times of war," added Thranduil.
"I think this is all very acceptable," said Anris. "You have yourself a deal, your highness."
"Very well. I shall have the contract written up tonight and we can sign tomorrow."
"Well, that was a lot quicker than anticipated," said Menas, cheerfully.
"I must say, I expected it to take a couple of hours," said Anris.
"We Elves do not make long work of a short task, Master Anris," said Legolas.
"Evidently," said Tarnen. 'I really am going to hit him soon,' Legolas thought.
"Legolas, could you send for Silvawen, please?" said Thranduil. "Since our business is finished, I would have her return."
"My Lady Silvawen is very busy, father," replied Legolas, putting emphasis on the 'my' and glancing at Tarnen.
"I know this, but her priorities lie with us when we have guests residing here." Legolas stood up.
"Be iest lin, ada." He disappeared out of the room to find his beloved.
Tarnen was, somewhat, taken aback. He understood the purpose of that well placed 'my'. It was to warn him off. 'So the prince is bedding the pretty one,' he thought. 'How quaint. Well, if he thinks that one word will stop me getting what I want from her, he's wrong.' Legolas' warning had only given him the extra incentive to get what he wanted. She was a pretty thing and looked game. 'She shouldn't be too hard a conquest. I can see why she targeted the prince, but she won't be staying with him once she's had a taste of me. I've got a bed that needs warming. There won't be a problem.'
"Your highness, may I ask you a personal question?" Tarnen queried.
"It depends on the matter," replied the King.
"Well, I couldn't help but notice a.... closeness between your son and Lady Silvawen. He is very defensive of her. I just wondered about the extent of their association, without being inappropriate."
"Legolas and Silvawen are in a relationship, yes." Thranduil sighed. "My son is generally a very calm person. He does not anger quickly. But when a situation is concerning Silvawen, this all changes. He would readily give his life to keep her from harm and would kill anyone that harmed her. And Silva would do exactly the same in a role reversal." Tarnen's eyes widened a little. 'Perhaps it's a little heavier than I thought. Oh well, I like a challenge.' "Does that answer your question, Master Tarnen?"
"Yes, your highness. I apologise for appearing nosy, it was just a thought that crossed my mind."
"I am not surprised. This is the most subtle they have been for a long time, you are very lucky. Discretion is not a word that appears in either of their vocabularies. Their displays of affection never leave much to the imagination." Anris raised an eyebrow.
"And you allow this?" he questioned.
"I do not have much say in the matter, Master Anris. Silva is in a league of her own. She ranks much higher than I do in the social hierarchy."
At that moment, Legolas and Silva entered once more, laughing. Legolas took his seat and Silva stood before them all, looking at Thranduil, but keeping a shocked-looking Tarnen in the corner of her eye. She curtseyed respectfully to all present.
"You requested my presence, sire," she said.
"We have finished the trade agreement and, I don't know about the others, but I am still hungry," said Thranduil.
"What is your desire, aredhelamin?"
"Well, I'm sure you mentioned something last night about a chocolate cake being made." Silva laughed again.
"As ever, my lord, I should have remembered your taste for chocolate," she giggled. She turned to Legolas, which only made her smile broaden. "Sire, what would you like?" His eyes glinted and he chuckled.
"Many things, but for now I will settle with cake also," he said, cheekily, making her blush slightly. She turned to the three human men.
"Gentlemen, would you care for a slice of our cook's very famous double chocolate gateaux with fresh cream?" she asked. "I must say it is highly recommended by all. I, myself, am rather partial to it." They agreed and soon they were all tucking into the delicious pudding very happily.
Silva was neither impressed, amused or comfortable. As she had placed a plate in front of Tarnen, a hand had run over her rear that was most definitely not Legolas'. She straightened sharply and stiffly and shot Tarnen a dark look. 'Don't touch what you can't have,' she growled. Tarnen was very shocked when he realised he was the only person that had heard this comment because it was within his own mind. She sat next to Legolas angrily, though her anger was discreet to anyone who did not know her well.
"Mani ná raica, nissëhon?" Legolas whispered.
"Mani umë lle nowa?" she hissed in response. Legolas looked at the smug looking Tarnen.
"Vanyë sama sina ainer!" He went to stand.
"N'uma, avá dela, lirimaer!" All eyes turned to them. She placed her hand on his arm and beckoned him to sit again. "E ná n'valda ta." She smiled nervously at the others and then lowered her voice. "Gerich meleth nin, tanya ná ilya tanya erma. Ar umin ilosta, rinten.*" He smiled with small relief.
"Amin sin." He covered her hand with his own and then dropped them both underneath the table, where their fingers stayed laced together.
"Is there a problem, Silvawen?" Thranduil asked. He had caught part of their conversation and was beginning to worry.
"Fine, my lord. I'm sorry for causing a disruption."
"As long as you are well, that is all that matters."
"Yes, I am fine."
"Good. Well, gentlemen, since it is such a nice day outside, what's say I arrange a tour of the grounds for you?"
"I would be happy to escort the three of them around, father," said Legolas.
"Nay, Prince Legolas," said Silva. "You have too many duties today."
"I would gladly escape them.'
"Nay, my lord, you cannot. I shall take them, as I am bound in service to them for the duration of their stay. It is my duty to serve them." He gave her a quizzical look but she squeezed his hand reassuringly.
"I think that is a fine idea," said Anris. "Nevertheless, all I currently wish to do is rest. I am weary, we travelled for much of last night."
"As am I," said Menas. "Would it be possible for us to rest somewhere, King Thranduil?"
"I shall have chambers prepared for you," replied the Elf King.
"I, however, am not in need of rest, presently," said Tarnen. "And I would much like to tour with Lady Silvawen. There's so much more I'd like to see." Silva shuddered at the undertones in that sentence. She knew exactly what he implying and it was thoroughly sickening.
"Silvawen, would you be so kind as to show Master Tarnen around the castle?" Thranduil queried, though his eyes betrayed his true worry and concern for her.
"Of course, my lord," she said, forcing a smile to her fair features. "And I shall arrange the chambers whilst doing so."
"Thank you, melima qúen."
"Ná tiris," said Legolas, worriedly.
"Niramin," she said. She stood up and avoided eye contact with the smarmy human. "Follow me, sire." He stood also and grinned snidely at Legolas.
"Gladly," he said. They exited the room.
"Master Anris, he would not do anything foolish, would he?" Thranduil asked. Anris looked startled.
"No, why do you ask?"
"Do not play innocent, Master Anris," growled Legolas. "We are all very aware of Tarnen's intentions towards my lady."
"As I said earlier, my son is very quick to anger when Silvawen is concerned," said Thranduil. "But if Silva herself feels threatened in anyway, especially if she feels someone is trying to take what she has given solely to Legolas, she can be very dangerous. She is more dangerous than any of my men, Master Anris, and by far more powerful."
"Tarnen is playing with fire," said Legolas. "But he hasn't noticed that he's beginning to get trapped in a ring of it."
"He's not stupid," said Anris. "Your father gave us a fair warning when you departed earlier, and you have made it clear in your own words and actions the consequences of any act upon Lady Silvawen against her will. He will know not to try anything."
"I hope for your sake he does," warned Legolas. "If he lays a finger on her, I cannot promise I will not do anything." And with that he stood and stalked out of the room.
Silva kept as much distance between them as was politely possible. She was not comfortable in the slightest about being alone with this man. There were some parts of the castle and its grounds that were very remote. That was not a good thing.
But they had been alone for several minutes now and still nothing. There was no one about so he'd had the opportunity. Then again, she was still in screaming distance of the small dining room. With this in mind, she was brought out of her thoughts by someone calling her name.
"Silva!" She turned and saw Legolas walking towards her.
"Excuse me one moment, my lord," she said to Tarnen and then walked to meet her lover. "What is wrong, lirimaer?"
"I just wanted to give you something before you left, since I shall probably not see you now till this evening," he replied. He leant forward and claimed her lips possessively. "Just so you know I love you," he added when they pulled apart.
"I already know," she said. "But thanks for reminding me. I may need it to help me survive an afternoon with that creep."
"If he touches you-"
"Hush, don't worry yourself, love. Nothing will happen. I will see you this evening." She turned back to the awaiting man and as she walked away, Legolas smiled smugly at Tarnen in return for the one his was earlier graced with.
"I am sorry, sire," she said when she reached his side once more.
"Please, my lady, call me Tarnen," he said.
"And you must call me Silvawen." 'You're not calling me by my nickname, you sickening mortal.'
"Very well." There was silence for a moment. "Your relationship with Prince Legolas is very close, it appears." She glanced uncertainly at him.
"Yes, it is," she replied. "We share an unbreakable love, though some do not approve of us. But we overcome obstacles as they arrive."
"Why do some not approve? You seem very well suited to me." She smiled briefly.
"Our relationship is not exactly kosher, shall we say. I suppose you could call it a sort of forbidden love. Two of my sisters are very partial to this particular law and never fail to remind me of it whenever they see us together."
"It must be very trying on your relationship to constantly be striking difficulties."
"It can be, but I have found it only makes us stronger."
"It must be comforting to know he is so reliable and faithful." She sighed in remembrance of that day she had almost lost him. "Silvawen? Have I said something to upset you?"
"No, I was just remembering something."
"Don't tell me if you don't feel comfortable." She sighed again.
"He wasn't always faithful." Tarnen raised an eyebrow. "I ran away for a year and a half and in that time, he was tempted, shall we say. I almost lost him. To this day I do not know why he returned to me after what was said between us." 'What the hell did I just say that for?!' she screamed silently. 'He's going to think we've got an unstable relationship!! Bugger!'
Tarnen decided this could be the right moment to strike. She was alone with him and evidently distressed. He could blame it on trying to comfort her if she freaked out. He put a hand on her waist as they walked. She froze.
"I'd rather you didn't do that," she said, archly. He immediately took his hand away.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you further," he said, appearing genuine., though she guessed otherwise. "You appear upset, I meant only to comfort you." She smiled falsely. 'I bet you bloody did.'
"We're about to enter King Thranduil's private flower garden," she said, changing the subject quickly. "Now, you must promise never to say a word about this. Thranduil does not want anyone to know, should they deem him..... well..... a poof." Tarnen sniggered. "I have helped him nurture this garden, though I have done very little physically. I have instructed him in how to care for each individual plant and-" She stood still as they had walked a little way into the secluded garden. 'Why the hell have I brought him here?! No one would hear me however loud I screamed!'
"Silvawen?" She looked from Tarnen to an almost dead plant back to Tarnen and then back to the plant. 'Guests aren't meant to see my powers, but I can't let it die.' She looked tense for a moment. 'Bugger it!' She held her hand over the plant and it sprung back into life. She sighed with relief.
"That's better," she said, with a smile. Tarnen looked well and truly shocked.
"How... did... you...?"
"Don't tell anyone about that either. Visitors aren't meant to know."
Tarnen was freaked out. She was evidently not a normal human woman. (E/N: Oh well, one third right. She's definitely a woman, I think that's the only part of that that was right!) Was she even human, for that matter? Well, whatever she was, that dress she was wearing made her look very appealing and the slight sway of her hips when she walked didn't help in the slightest. Out of the corner of his eye he spotted a small stone bench.
"Can we sit down?" he suddenly said, making her jump slightly.
"Pardon?"
"Can we sit down?" he repeated. "I am starting to feel a little tired now." She agreed uncertainly and they sat down.
Silva was very tense. Nobody, not even Legolas, knew about this garden apart from her and Thranduil, and he was very busy, he wouldn't have time to go there today. They were completely cut off from everyone. 'Not good,' she thought.
Tarnen decided now was the time and he went in for the kill. He placed his hand on her leg and slowly began moving it up. He heard the hitch in her breath and smirked. She grabbed his hand and threw it aside, standing up angrily.
"Master Tarnen," she snapped, though she was trying desperately to keep her cool, "you know of my bond with Prince Legolas. This is not appropriate behaviour." He stood up and walked towards her, she took another step back.
"I don't see that you have a choice." He walked further towards her. Eventually she felt her back connect with a tree with a bump. Now she was panicking, big style.
"You won't get away with this, Tarnen!" she hissed. "You can kiss your treaty goodbye!" He grabbed her shoulder and her breath hitched again. He leant down slightly and pulled a small dagger from his boot. He held it to her neck. She gripped the tree behind her in blind terror. She had no idea what to do.
"You're in no position to make threats, my lady." He kissed her harshly. She sharply snapped her head away from him. He grabbed her jaw and turned her back to face him. "No one is going to find you here. You said yourself, no one knows where we are or knows of this place. You may as well just surrender now." He kissed her again, pressing the knife against her neck a little harder.
He released her chin and moved the hand down. He began lifting her skirt, when it was high enough, he slid his hand under it. He slipped his index finger into her core. She could couldn't take anymore. She raised her hand and slapped him extremely hard. He staggered back.
"You bitch!" He lashed out with the blade and tore her dress from the top of her left shoulder to just below her left breast, exposing a lot more than she would have ever shown him. She knocked the blade out of his still flailing hand. She lifted the torn part of the dress to cover herself.
"Haven't I already told you not to touch what you can't have?!" she snarled and kneed him in the groin, also very hard. He crumpled on the floor in a heap and she marched away furiously.
**
The Elvish conversation:
"What is wrong, sweetheart?" Legolas whispered.
"What do you think?" she hissed in response. Legolas looked at the smug looking Tarnen.
"I will not take this any more!" He went to stand.
"No, don't worry, lovely one!" All eyes turned to them. She placed her hand on his arm and beckoned him to sit again. "He is not worth it." She smiled nervously at the others and then lowered her voice. "You have my love, that is all that matters. And I am not defenceless, remember."
Haryonamin = my prince Meleth-nin = my love Be iest lin, ada = according to your wish, father Aredhelamin = my (Elf) lord Amin sin = I know Melima qúen = fair one Ná tiris = be careful Niramin = I will
The conversation in Elvish will just be re-written in English at the end rather than marking it all and then translating each one, blah, blah, blah. You get the picture.
Chapter 31
"I have to say, I think that was our quickest time ever," said Legolas as Silva neatened his hair. "And in a study too."
"Tuck your shirt it at the back," she said. "Yes, it probably was. Don't worry, we'll do it properly tonight." She grinned and kissed him. "But you have to go back now." He sighed.
"I know."
"I've missed you." She hugged him tightly. "I love you."
"I love you too." He kissed her temple. "I'll see you when this boring trade agreement is all sorted and over with."
"Ok. I'll be just outside the room if you need anything."
"I need you."
"But you shall have to wait, haryonamin." She stroked his cheek with the back of her hand. "Go now, meleth-nin, else we shall be a laughing stock as were all those years ago." He smiled.
"Ok, I'll see you later." He walked out into the hallway and the short distance to the small dining hall. Before he opened the door, he looked back to her and she blew him a kiss. He grinned and walked in.
"Ah, my son, so you've decided to return," said Thranduil. "I was beginning to think we'd lost you."
"I'm sorry, father, I had to return to my chamber." Legolas returned to his seat. "Now, where have we got to?"
"We are about to name the terms of the treaty," said Anris.
"So we were," said Thranduil. "As I was saying, if we aid your city, we would expect aid in return, if and when it was needed."
"And what would that entail?" asked Tarnen.
"If our realm went under attack, we would expect men to help us fight," said Legolas. "And, if possible, some kind of aid to help repair the damage."
"That is much to ask."
"You ask much of us."
"True, but we do not ask for the lives of your men."
"If the enemy surpassed us, they would strike your city anyway. What we ask is only for your benefit."
"He has a point, Tarnen," said Menas. "And it would be most profitable to have the Elves on our side."
"I think you and your son drive a just bargain, King Thranduil," said Anris.
"Sire, I think we should-" began Tarnen.
"And of course, the Elves would aid you in times of war," added Thranduil.
"I think this is all very acceptable," said Anris. "You have yourself a deal, your highness."
"Very well. I shall have the contract written up tonight and we can sign tomorrow."
"Well, that was a lot quicker than anticipated," said Menas, cheerfully.
"I must say, I expected it to take a couple of hours," said Anris.
"We Elves do not make long work of a short task, Master Anris," said Legolas.
"Evidently," said Tarnen. 'I really am going to hit him soon,' Legolas thought.
"Legolas, could you send for Silvawen, please?" said Thranduil. "Since our business is finished, I would have her return."
"My Lady Silvawen is very busy, father," replied Legolas, putting emphasis on the 'my' and glancing at Tarnen.
"I know this, but her priorities lie with us when we have guests residing here." Legolas stood up.
"Be iest lin, ada." He disappeared out of the room to find his beloved.
Tarnen was, somewhat, taken aback. He understood the purpose of that well placed 'my'. It was to warn him off. 'So the prince is bedding the pretty one,' he thought. 'How quaint. Well, if he thinks that one word will stop me getting what I want from her, he's wrong.' Legolas' warning had only given him the extra incentive to get what he wanted. She was a pretty thing and looked game. 'She shouldn't be too hard a conquest. I can see why she targeted the prince, but she won't be staying with him once she's had a taste of me. I've got a bed that needs warming. There won't be a problem.'
"Your highness, may I ask you a personal question?" Tarnen queried.
"It depends on the matter," replied the King.
"Well, I couldn't help but notice a.... closeness between your son and Lady Silvawen. He is very defensive of her. I just wondered about the extent of their association, without being inappropriate."
"Legolas and Silvawen are in a relationship, yes." Thranduil sighed. "My son is generally a very calm person. He does not anger quickly. But when a situation is concerning Silvawen, this all changes. He would readily give his life to keep her from harm and would kill anyone that harmed her. And Silva would do exactly the same in a role reversal." Tarnen's eyes widened a little. 'Perhaps it's a little heavier than I thought. Oh well, I like a challenge.' "Does that answer your question, Master Tarnen?"
"Yes, your highness. I apologise for appearing nosy, it was just a thought that crossed my mind."
"I am not surprised. This is the most subtle they have been for a long time, you are very lucky. Discretion is not a word that appears in either of their vocabularies. Their displays of affection never leave much to the imagination." Anris raised an eyebrow.
"And you allow this?" he questioned.
"I do not have much say in the matter, Master Anris. Silva is in a league of her own. She ranks much higher than I do in the social hierarchy."
At that moment, Legolas and Silva entered once more, laughing. Legolas took his seat and Silva stood before them all, looking at Thranduil, but keeping a shocked-looking Tarnen in the corner of her eye. She curtseyed respectfully to all present.
"You requested my presence, sire," she said.
"We have finished the trade agreement and, I don't know about the others, but I am still hungry," said Thranduil.
"What is your desire, aredhelamin?"
"Well, I'm sure you mentioned something last night about a chocolate cake being made." Silva laughed again.
"As ever, my lord, I should have remembered your taste for chocolate," she giggled. She turned to Legolas, which only made her smile broaden. "Sire, what would you like?" His eyes glinted and he chuckled.
"Many things, but for now I will settle with cake also," he said, cheekily, making her blush slightly. She turned to the three human men.
"Gentlemen, would you care for a slice of our cook's very famous double chocolate gateaux with fresh cream?" she asked. "I must say it is highly recommended by all. I, myself, am rather partial to it." They agreed and soon they were all tucking into the delicious pudding very happily.
Silva was neither impressed, amused or comfortable. As she had placed a plate in front of Tarnen, a hand had run over her rear that was most definitely not Legolas'. She straightened sharply and stiffly and shot Tarnen a dark look. 'Don't touch what you can't have,' she growled. Tarnen was very shocked when he realised he was the only person that had heard this comment because it was within his own mind. She sat next to Legolas angrily, though her anger was discreet to anyone who did not know her well.
"Mani ná raica, nissëhon?" Legolas whispered.
"Mani umë lle nowa?" she hissed in response. Legolas looked at the smug looking Tarnen.
"Vanyë sama sina ainer!" He went to stand.
"N'uma, avá dela, lirimaer!" All eyes turned to them. She placed her hand on his arm and beckoned him to sit again. "E ná n'valda ta." She smiled nervously at the others and then lowered her voice. "Gerich meleth nin, tanya ná ilya tanya erma. Ar umin ilosta, rinten.*" He smiled with small relief.
"Amin sin." He covered her hand with his own and then dropped them both underneath the table, where their fingers stayed laced together.
"Is there a problem, Silvawen?" Thranduil asked. He had caught part of their conversation and was beginning to worry.
"Fine, my lord. I'm sorry for causing a disruption."
"As long as you are well, that is all that matters."
"Yes, I am fine."
"Good. Well, gentlemen, since it is such a nice day outside, what's say I arrange a tour of the grounds for you?"
"I would be happy to escort the three of them around, father," said Legolas.
"Nay, Prince Legolas," said Silva. "You have too many duties today."
"I would gladly escape them.'
"Nay, my lord, you cannot. I shall take them, as I am bound in service to them for the duration of their stay. It is my duty to serve them." He gave her a quizzical look but she squeezed his hand reassuringly.
"I think that is a fine idea," said Anris. "Nevertheless, all I currently wish to do is rest. I am weary, we travelled for much of last night."
"As am I," said Menas. "Would it be possible for us to rest somewhere, King Thranduil?"
"I shall have chambers prepared for you," replied the Elf King.
"I, however, am not in need of rest, presently," said Tarnen. "And I would much like to tour with Lady Silvawen. There's so much more I'd like to see." Silva shuddered at the undertones in that sentence. She knew exactly what he implying and it was thoroughly sickening.
"Silvawen, would you be so kind as to show Master Tarnen around the castle?" Thranduil queried, though his eyes betrayed his true worry and concern for her.
"Of course, my lord," she said, forcing a smile to her fair features. "And I shall arrange the chambers whilst doing so."
"Thank you, melima qúen."
"Ná tiris," said Legolas, worriedly.
"Niramin," she said. She stood up and avoided eye contact with the smarmy human. "Follow me, sire." He stood also and grinned snidely at Legolas.
"Gladly," he said. They exited the room.
"Master Anris, he would not do anything foolish, would he?" Thranduil asked. Anris looked startled.
"No, why do you ask?"
"Do not play innocent, Master Anris," growled Legolas. "We are all very aware of Tarnen's intentions towards my lady."
"As I said earlier, my son is very quick to anger when Silvawen is concerned," said Thranduil. "But if Silva herself feels threatened in anyway, especially if she feels someone is trying to take what she has given solely to Legolas, she can be very dangerous. She is more dangerous than any of my men, Master Anris, and by far more powerful."
"Tarnen is playing with fire," said Legolas. "But he hasn't noticed that he's beginning to get trapped in a ring of it."
"He's not stupid," said Anris. "Your father gave us a fair warning when you departed earlier, and you have made it clear in your own words and actions the consequences of any act upon Lady Silvawen against her will. He will know not to try anything."
"I hope for your sake he does," warned Legolas. "If he lays a finger on her, I cannot promise I will not do anything." And with that he stood and stalked out of the room.
Silva kept as much distance between them as was politely possible. She was not comfortable in the slightest about being alone with this man. There were some parts of the castle and its grounds that were very remote. That was not a good thing.
But they had been alone for several minutes now and still nothing. There was no one about so he'd had the opportunity. Then again, she was still in screaming distance of the small dining room. With this in mind, she was brought out of her thoughts by someone calling her name.
"Silva!" She turned and saw Legolas walking towards her.
"Excuse me one moment, my lord," she said to Tarnen and then walked to meet her lover. "What is wrong, lirimaer?"
"I just wanted to give you something before you left, since I shall probably not see you now till this evening," he replied. He leant forward and claimed her lips possessively. "Just so you know I love you," he added when they pulled apart.
"I already know," she said. "But thanks for reminding me. I may need it to help me survive an afternoon with that creep."
"If he touches you-"
"Hush, don't worry yourself, love. Nothing will happen. I will see you this evening." She turned back to the awaiting man and as she walked away, Legolas smiled smugly at Tarnen in return for the one his was earlier graced with.
"I am sorry, sire," she said when she reached his side once more.
"Please, my lady, call me Tarnen," he said.
"And you must call me Silvawen." 'You're not calling me by my nickname, you sickening mortal.'
"Very well." There was silence for a moment. "Your relationship with Prince Legolas is very close, it appears." She glanced uncertainly at him.
"Yes, it is," she replied. "We share an unbreakable love, though some do not approve of us. But we overcome obstacles as they arrive."
"Why do some not approve? You seem very well suited to me." She smiled briefly.
"Our relationship is not exactly kosher, shall we say. I suppose you could call it a sort of forbidden love. Two of my sisters are very partial to this particular law and never fail to remind me of it whenever they see us together."
"It must be very trying on your relationship to constantly be striking difficulties."
"It can be, but I have found it only makes us stronger."
"It must be comforting to know he is so reliable and faithful." She sighed in remembrance of that day she had almost lost him. "Silvawen? Have I said something to upset you?"
"No, I was just remembering something."
"Don't tell me if you don't feel comfortable." She sighed again.
"He wasn't always faithful." Tarnen raised an eyebrow. "I ran away for a year and a half and in that time, he was tempted, shall we say. I almost lost him. To this day I do not know why he returned to me after what was said between us." 'What the hell did I just say that for?!' she screamed silently. 'He's going to think we've got an unstable relationship!! Bugger!'
Tarnen decided this could be the right moment to strike. She was alone with him and evidently distressed. He could blame it on trying to comfort her if she freaked out. He put a hand on her waist as they walked. She froze.
"I'd rather you didn't do that," she said, archly. He immediately took his hand away.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you further," he said, appearing genuine., though she guessed otherwise. "You appear upset, I meant only to comfort you." She smiled falsely. 'I bet you bloody did.'
"We're about to enter King Thranduil's private flower garden," she said, changing the subject quickly. "Now, you must promise never to say a word about this. Thranduil does not want anyone to know, should they deem him..... well..... a poof." Tarnen sniggered. "I have helped him nurture this garden, though I have done very little physically. I have instructed him in how to care for each individual plant and-" She stood still as they had walked a little way into the secluded garden. 'Why the hell have I brought him here?! No one would hear me however loud I screamed!'
"Silvawen?" She looked from Tarnen to an almost dead plant back to Tarnen and then back to the plant. 'Guests aren't meant to see my powers, but I can't let it die.' She looked tense for a moment. 'Bugger it!' She held her hand over the plant and it sprung back into life. She sighed with relief.
"That's better," she said, with a smile. Tarnen looked well and truly shocked.
"How... did... you...?"
"Don't tell anyone about that either. Visitors aren't meant to know."
Tarnen was freaked out. She was evidently not a normal human woman. (E/N: Oh well, one third right. She's definitely a woman, I think that's the only part of that that was right!) Was she even human, for that matter? Well, whatever she was, that dress she was wearing made her look very appealing and the slight sway of her hips when she walked didn't help in the slightest. Out of the corner of his eye he spotted a small stone bench.
"Can we sit down?" he suddenly said, making her jump slightly.
"Pardon?"
"Can we sit down?" he repeated. "I am starting to feel a little tired now." She agreed uncertainly and they sat down.
Silva was very tense. Nobody, not even Legolas, knew about this garden apart from her and Thranduil, and he was very busy, he wouldn't have time to go there today. They were completely cut off from everyone. 'Not good,' she thought.
Tarnen decided now was the time and he went in for the kill. He placed his hand on her leg and slowly began moving it up. He heard the hitch in her breath and smirked. She grabbed his hand and threw it aside, standing up angrily.
"Master Tarnen," she snapped, though she was trying desperately to keep her cool, "you know of my bond with Prince Legolas. This is not appropriate behaviour." He stood up and walked towards her, she took another step back.
"I don't see that you have a choice." He walked further towards her. Eventually she felt her back connect with a tree with a bump. Now she was panicking, big style.
"You won't get away with this, Tarnen!" she hissed. "You can kiss your treaty goodbye!" He grabbed her shoulder and her breath hitched again. He leant down slightly and pulled a small dagger from his boot. He held it to her neck. She gripped the tree behind her in blind terror. She had no idea what to do.
"You're in no position to make threats, my lady." He kissed her harshly. She sharply snapped her head away from him. He grabbed her jaw and turned her back to face him. "No one is going to find you here. You said yourself, no one knows where we are or knows of this place. You may as well just surrender now." He kissed her again, pressing the knife against her neck a little harder.
He released her chin and moved the hand down. He began lifting her skirt, when it was high enough, he slid his hand under it. He slipped his index finger into her core. She could couldn't take anymore. She raised her hand and slapped him extremely hard. He staggered back.
"You bitch!" He lashed out with the blade and tore her dress from the top of her left shoulder to just below her left breast, exposing a lot more than she would have ever shown him. She knocked the blade out of his still flailing hand. She lifted the torn part of the dress to cover herself.
"Haven't I already told you not to touch what you can't have?!" she snarled and kneed him in the groin, also very hard. He crumpled on the floor in a heap and she marched away furiously.
**
The Elvish conversation:
"What is wrong, sweetheart?" Legolas whispered.
"What do you think?" she hissed in response. Legolas looked at the smug looking Tarnen.
"I will not take this any more!" He went to stand.
"No, don't worry, lovely one!" All eyes turned to them. She placed her hand on his arm and beckoned him to sit again. "He is not worth it." She smiled nervously at the others and then lowered her voice. "You have my love, that is all that matters. And I am not defenceless, remember."