Translations:
Ion-nin = my son
A'maelamin = my beloved
Chapter 39
Well, where do you think she is likely to be?!" yelled Thranduil. The servant before him flinched.
"I-I-In the f-forest, m-my lord?" he tested.
"Exactly! Get out there and look for her! In case you'd forgotten, she's still injured! She needs to be back here, where she's safe! Get going!"
"Y-yes, my l-lord!"
"And get those damn women in here whilst you're at it!" The servant ran at top speed from the room.
Ten minutes later, the four visiting sisters stood before Thranduil. Rath with her usual calm, stern demeanour and straight-backed pride, Arian looking intensely worried, Riel looking petrified of the angry king and Nilia was still angry, though now a little apprehensive.
"Would one of you care to give me an explanation?" enquired the King, trying to remain as calm as possible. "My darling son has decided to be a pain in the backside and not tell me a thin except that 'She wants to be alone'."
"Silvawen and Chanilia were arguing," said Rath, seemingly unaffected by the angry Elvenking.
"About?"
"Your darling son."
"Why? What has he done this time?"
"Nothing. My sisters, Arianrhod and Chanilia, do not approve of Prince Legolas' relationship with out youngest sister. To be blunt, they do not think he is good enough for her and, also, the two are breaking laws."
"That alone would not make Silva run off."
"You'd be surprised."
"I think not. Silva is not that petty." Rath raised an eyebrow as though to say, 'if you say so'. "What was said to make her flee as she did?"
"That I cannot answer. I heard only the end of the last sentence before Silvawen struck Chanilia. Thranduil's eyes widened and he looked at Nilia.
"She hit you?" Nilia nodded.
"She slapped me without any warning."
"Wow. You must have really pissed her off. I have never known her strike anyone except the stories of Haldir and my son."
"Well, you can add me to that list now."
"I want to know what you said to her." Nilia blushed.
"I- well, um, I do regret it, really I do. I never meant to upset her this much. I was angry at the time and-"
"What did you say?"
"Well, I, sort of, insulted Legolas, a little. And her, a bit, I guess, and, well-"
"Chanilia, I wish to know the words you used against my daughter." The four sisters looked shocked and almost insulted at that remark.
"I'm sorry, my lord, but since when has she been your 'daughter'?" Rath asked scornfully. Thranduil glared at her.
"Is that relevant to the situation?"
"I think so, yes."
"Well, if you must know, since she first arrived here, I have considered her as a daughter figure. She was not reluctant to me thinking like this and has told me herself she considers her father. We may not be related by blood, but this does not hinder our relationship. Now, Chanilia, if you please." Nilia sighed in resignation. She knew she could not get out of this in any way. She would just have to repeat what she'd said and suffer whatever consequences there were.
"I basically called their relationship a sham and that she was just using him for her own pleasure. I called it a meaningless fling. I made a snide comment about marriage and I also called Silva a few things."
"Such as?" Nilia looked at the floor.
"A tart, a floozy and a whore."
"And is it common practice among your kind to insult and offend those you call kin?" Nilia shook her head. "I thought not. Well, I must say, I am surprised she endured that much from you and all you got was a slap."
"She also told us to leave," said Riel, sadly. "She said she never wanted to see any of us."
"All of you?" Riel nodded. "But I thought only Chanilia argued with her."
"As you know, I share Nilia's views," said Arian, "thought I would never voice them, especially not in such an aggressive manner. And Rath stuck up for Nilia."
"I did not stick up for her. I told Silva to leave Nilia alone because, though ill, I knew full well that Silva could injure Nilia in her rage and regret it, no matter what she says."
"I didn't say anything, so she probably thinks I agree too," said Riel.
"Don't worry about her, she is fine." They turned and saw Legolas standing at the front of the room.
"You have found her?" Thranduil asked anxiously.
"No, but we have spoken."
".........eh?"
"You have a mind link?" said Rath.
"It shocks you that much? Didn't you know we are soulmates?" She glared furiously at him, but he disregarded it. "I have convinced her to return and she is going to go straight back to the Healing House. She still wishes to be alone, however, so I have promised her that she will have no visitors until she specifically requests someone's company."
"Thank you, ion-nin," Thranduil said.
"I might be wrong, but didn't Silva ask you all to leave?" Legolas said maliciously.
"We didn't think she meant it," said Riel.
"Well, you thought wrong. She doesn't want to know you anymore. She has detached herself from you. She says she will aid in Sauron's destruction, but after she wants nothing more to do with you."
"And stay here with you?" scoffed Rath. She didn't actually mean what she said, but she was currently highly pissed off, and did secretly think that her youngest sister could aim a little bit higher.
"Obviously. Now, if you will excuse me, I am now returning to my chamber. Good afternoon, father." He left as quickly and silently as he entered.
"Excuse me, my lord," Riel suddenly said and then ran after the Prince. Thranduil watched after her, slightly confused.
"Isauriel is the only one of us who has no quarms whatsoever with Silva's choice," said Arian, answering the King's silent questions. "She is extremely happy for them and has, in fact, taken quite a liking to the young Prince. Recently, they are often to be found in conversation when not with Silva. They seemingly enjoy one another's company, immensely."
"Yeah, it makes you wonder, doesn't it?" said Nilia, darkly.
"Don't you think you've said enough?!" Rath and Nilia looked shocked as Arian lost her temper with the Water spirit. "Is it your aim to completely crush our sister? You're not content with her sending you away but you have to drag us three into it as well! Why is it so necessary for you to cause hassle?!" Nilia blinked a couple of times.
"I-I don't.... I'm.... I'm sorry."
"There's no point in apologising to us, Chanilia," said Thranduil, his anger now rapidly ebbing. "You evidently really upset Silva - knowing the things you have said, I can back that up 100% - and your actions have affected your sisters as well."
"I.... what can I do?"
"When she is ready to listen, go and talk to her," said Rath. "She was really angry before, but she's a reasonable woman if she thinks you are sincere. Come on, you've known her for time uncountable and friendship is very important to Sil. She's not going to throw it away, just so long as you accept everything about her. Legolas is part of her life, a major part. We've all got to understand that."
"I couldn't have put it better myself," said the now smiling King of Mirkwood. "You are all welcome to stay in my home for as long as you need to. I would not have you leave until everything is sorted with Silva."
"That's good because we wouldn't have left anyway," sad Arian.
"Well, I'm glad everything has now been sorted between us. No hard feelings?"
"Of course not," the sisters chorused.
**
Riel caught up with the Prince, but still he ignored her. He couldn't be doing with all this. Why did he have to be such a problem to Arian and Nilia? Why could they just give their consent and be done with it? That way they could all get on with their lives peacefully. 'Oh, what I'd give for a peaceful life,' he sobbed silently.
"Legolas, will you please listen?" Riel asked for the fourth time. She stopped, sighed,, rolled his eyes and finally turned to her.
"What?"
"Does Silva mean it?"
"Mean what?"
"That she wants us all to leave and never speak again." At first, he was going to ignore her and walk on, attempting a peaceful life, but he saw the worry and desperation in her eyes and took pity.
"Yes, at the time," he eventually said," but do not worry. She holds nothing against you in particular. She told you all to leave on a spur of the moment."
"I am over the moon that she has finally found herself a life partner. Us two have never cared for rules, so I certainly don't care is she's breaking one - or several - now." He smiled gratefully.
"Having your support means a lot to me - to both of us."
"You're more than welcome. I would not lose Silva's friendship for anything."
"I noticed. I am glad she has been able to keep at least one person's loyalty."
"We've seen too much and done too much for something like this to break us apart." Legolas looked intrigued. "We're infamous back at home, you know. We're partners in crime, real mischief-makers. People are careful not to make enemies of us." Legolas laughed in surprise.
"I should like to hear more of this mischievous Silvawen. Come with me, we'll go somewhere we can talk properly." He took he to a small in which there were several comfortable sofas and chairs. They both took a seat.
"Well, you must remember, Legolas, we are no longer talking about Silvawen of Mirkwood, but of Laroleia, Handmaiden of Yavanna Kementári and the most beautiful Maiar spirit to ever have lived." Legolas looked completely stunned.
"Her name is not really Silvawen?" Riel shook her head.
"You do not know this already?"
"No..... she's never told me that. Not that she served Yavanna Kementári or that she was the most beautiful Maiar."
"O-oh. I-I....."
"Why would have not have told me all this?"
"I don't know. Perhaps she thought that that was her past and it doesn't apply to her present. Her life with you is as Silvawen." There was an awkward silence. "Well, I suppose I should explain to you now that I have successfully confused you, but still I wonder at her not telling you this herself. Anyway, on our way to Middle Earth, we decided that it would be better for as few people as possible to know of our identities and abilities. So we took new names. Silva was most reluctant to do this, however, since she was very, very, very proud of her identity and wanted everyone in Middle Earth to know she was beautiful and powerful and , essentially, invincible as she could beat almost any enemy. But we convinced her it was for the best when Rath came up with the name Silvawen - Forest Maiden." Legolas felt a mixture of joy at knowing this new information about his lover, but also deceit. He had thought her to be Silvawen and nothing else for eight years now, but that wasn't true. That was just a cover.
"And she is the most beautiful Maiar spirit?" he said again. Riel nodded.
"But there is a sort of debate about that now. Well, I say debate, Silva argues it with herself. But when we got off the ship - well, in my and Silva's case, we were thrown off - our appearances had changed and Silva decided she was second best to Rath." Legolas raised an eyebrow.
"That's definitely a personal opinion."
"Well, you see, it must have an element of truth in it."
"Why is that?"
"Silva has never, ever admitted to anyone being prettier than her specifically. She has always said that the Valar have beauty and splendour beyond that which the Maiar have. But she outright said that Rath was prettier than she. In fact she said it several times and at one point even said she was ugly compared to Rath." Legolas snorted.
"Well, I cannot see it. And how do you mean your appearances changed?"
"I mean really, changed, especially with Silva."
"What did she look like in the Valinor?"
"She had straight, waist-length, jet-black hair and sapphire blue eyes. And she had the light of Aman in her face - we all did- but that has faded. In Gandalf's words, we now look mortal. If ever you return to the Valinor with Silva, you're in for a shock." He was trying to get his head around this information but he just couldn't make sense of it. In the Valinor, she was, basically, a completely different person. She was mischievous, vain, outspoken, famous, powerful, feared and beautiful beyond recognition. But now she had to bow to the way of mortals and the fair folk. She was recognised as prestigious, but to most she was only another woman, here to serve the world of men. 'Tarnen proved that one,' he thought bitterly.
He felt guilty again. If she truly was that beautiful in the Undying Lands, then she obviously could have had her pick of any one. She could easily have chosen someone more suitable to spend her life with. He was depriving her of the easy life, a life where she would argue with her sisters.
Riel could see the mental cogs turning and could tell by the look on his face he was worried. And from all she'd just told him, she guessed he was feeling like a burden.
"She never believed in love," she said after a while. He looked at her quizzically. "You probably find that hard to believe but it is true. She always mocked anyone who claimed they were in love. She was a lot more promiscuous when she was younger, but in recent centuries, any man ever lucky enough to get a 'proper' kiss out of her became news that spread like wild fire. Success stories were hot gossip because Silva's opinions were widely known. And they must have caught when she'd been drunk and dared, else it would not have happened. Everyone knows that Silvawen flirts outrageously with anyone and everyone, but it's only fun. It will never go anywhere."
"But how can you not believe in love?"
"That was most people's reaction in the beginning, but we all got used to it. And that's also the reason Nilia and Arian don't want to accept your coupling. They're sceptical because she didn't believe in love. Until she met you. That sounds really corny but it's true." Legolas blushed a little.
"I still can't help thinking I'm holding her back though."
"Haven't you listened to what I've just said? You should feel privileged - immensely privileged - not guilty. You know what she's like, how much of a free spirit she is. She would not tie herself to just anyone. I had begun to think no one would ever tame her heart, but you seem to have managed it." He still looked uncertain. "Look, we can go and ask her, if you like." He laughed in spite of himself.
"No, it's ok." He shook his head. "I'm too easily unsettled, aren't I?" She nodded, smiling. "Well, that was certainly very enlightening. I shall take up a conversation with a'maelamin about all that. But for now, I do believe we were going to discuss your antics in your homeland...."
**
".... and then.... then.... to top it off, she jumped and shouted 'Long live the Valars' undies'!!!" Legolas and Riel were in absolute pieces. They had been talking all afternoon about practical jokes she and Silva had played on people. Now they had moved onto to drunken dares that Silva had willingly - and sometimes soberly - participated in. Riel was curled up on the floor, clutching her sides, wracked with spasms of silent laughter. Legolas had tears of mirth streaming down his cheeks with his head in his hands. Silva had certainly led an entertaining life.
"Come on now, you're turn," gasped Riel.
"I don't get drunk very often at all," he replied, still giggly. (E/N: Can you imagine Legolas giggly.......... awww, BLESS!)
"Awww, come on, you've got to have done some stupid things in a state of drunkenness."
"That I do not deny, but they are neither funny nor pleasant memories for me."
"You mean to say you've never done stupid dares when drunk?" He shook his head.
"Elves are waaaaay too sensible for that kind of thing. That's why I was chuffed to bits when I met Arwen. Although we've never gotten drunk together, I can tell you now, she's not the sweet, innocent, shy Elven princess everyone makes her out to be."
"Much like out darling Silvawen then, only with a different race and stuff, because Silva's not an Elven Princess."
"Indeed. I'm not surprised they are such firm friends." The door of the room swung open and then went to close, but opened again. A female head popped around the door - it was Silva's most favoured chambermaid.
"There you are, your highness," she said exasperatedly. "My Lady sent me to find you and hour and half ago. She requests both of you in her company."
"It took you that long?" he asked.
"You were meant to be in your chamber, my lord. But you weren't and you rarely use these rooms, so I was not to know to look for you here."
"Oh. Sorry. We'll be there in a minute." She left abruptly, slamming the door. "I have to tell Silva to stop teaching her maids insolence. They were never like that until she got here."
Ion-nin = my son
A'maelamin = my beloved
Chapter 39
Well, where do you think she is likely to be?!" yelled Thranduil. The servant before him flinched.
"I-I-In the f-forest, m-my lord?" he tested.
"Exactly! Get out there and look for her! In case you'd forgotten, she's still injured! She needs to be back here, where she's safe! Get going!"
"Y-yes, my l-lord!"
"And get those damn women in here whilst you're at it!" The servant ran at top speed from the room.
Ten minutes later, the four visiting sisters stood before Thranduil. Rath with her usual calm, stern demeanour and straight-backed pride, Arian looking intensely worried, Riel looking petrified of the angry king and Nilia was still angry, though now a little apprehensive.
"Would one of you care to give me an explanation?" enquired the King, trying to remain as calm as possible. "My darling son has decided to be a pain in the backside and not tell me a thin except that 'She wants to be alone'."
"Silvawen and Chanilia were arguing," said Rath, seemingly unaffected by the angry Elvenking.
"About?"
"Your darling son."
"Why? What has he done this time?"
"Nothing. My sisters, Arianrhod and Chanilia, do not approve of Prince Legolas' relationship with out youngest sister. To be blunt, they do not think he is good enough for her and, also, the two are breaking laws."
"That alone would not make Silva run off."
"You'd be surprised."
"I think not. Silva is not that petty." Rath raised an eyebrow as though to say, 'if you say so'. "What was said to make her flee as she did?"
"That I cannot answer. I heard only the end of the last sentence before Silvawen struck Chanilia. Thranduil's eyes widened and he looked at Nilia.
"She hit you?" Nilia nodded.
"She slapped me without any warning."
"Wow. You must have really pissed her off. I have never known her strike anyone except the stories of Haldir and my son."
"Well, you can add me to that list now."
"I want to know what you said to her." Nilia blushed.
"I- well, um, I do regret it, really I do. I never meant to upset her this much. I was angry at the time and-"
"What did you say?"
"Well, I, sort of, insulted Legolas, a little. And her, a bit, I guess, and, well-"
"Chanilia, I wish to know the words you used against my daughter." The four sisters looked shocked and almost insulted at that remark.
"I'm sorry, my lord, but since when has she been your 'daughter'?" Rath asked scornfully. Thranduil glared at her.
"Is that relevant to the situation?"
"I think so, yes."
"Well, if you must know, since she first arrived here, I have considered her as a daughter figure. She was not reluctant to me thinking like this and has told me herself she considers her father. We may not be related by blood, but this does not hinder our relationship. Now, Chanilia, if you please." Nilia sighed in resignation. She knew she could not get out of this in any way. She would just have to repeat what she'd said and suffer whatever consequences there were.
"I basically called their relationship a sham and that she was just using him for her own pleasure. I called it a meaningless fling. I made a snide comment about marriage and I also called Silva a few things."
"Such as?" Nilia looked at the floor.
"A tart, a floozy and a whore."
"And is it common practice among your kind to insult and offend those you call kin?" Nilia shook her head. "I thought not. Well, I must say, I am surprised she endured that much from you and all you got was a slap."
"She also told us to leave," said Riel, sadly. "She said she never wanted to see any of us."
"All of you?" Riel nodded. "But I thought only Chanilia argued with her."
"As you know, I share Nilia's views," said Arian, "thought I would never voice them, especially not in such an aggressive manner. And Rath stuck up for Nilia."
"I did not stick up for her. I told Silva to leave Nilia alone because, though ill, I knew full well that Silva could injure Nilia in her rage and regret it, no matter what she says."
"I didn't say anything, so she probably thinks I agree too," said Riel.
"Don't worry about her, she is fine." They turned and saw Legolas standing at the front of the room.
"You have found her?" Thranduil asked anxiously.
"No, but we have spoken."
".........eh?"
"You have a mind link?" said Rath.
"It shocks you that much? Didn't you know we are soulmates?" She glared furiously at him, but he disregarded it. "I have convinced her to return and she is going to go straight back to the Healing House. She still wishes to be alone, however, so I have promised her that she will have no visitors until she specifically requests someone's company."
"Thank you, ion-nin," Thranduil said.
"I might be wrong, but didn't Silva ask you all to leave?" Legolas said maliciously.
"We didn't think she meant it," said Riel.
"Well, you thought wrong. She doesn't want to know you anymore. She has detached herself from you. She says she will aid in Sauron's destruction, but after she wants nothing more to do with you."
"And stay here with you?" scoffed Rath. She didn't actually mean what she said, but she was currently highly pissed off, and did secretly think that her youngest sister could aim a little bit higher.
"Obviously. Now, if you will excuse me, I am now returning to my chamber. Good afternoon, father." He left as quickly and silently as he entered.
"Excuse me, my lord," Riel suddenly said and then ran after the Prince. Thranduil watched after her, slightly confused.
"Isauriel is the only one of us who has no quarms whatsoever with Silva's choice," said Arian, answering the King's silent questions. "She is extremely happy for them and has, in fact, taken quite a liking to the young Prince. Recently, they are often to be found in conversation when not with Silva. They seemingly enjoy one another's company, immensely."
"Yeah, it makes you wonder, doesn't it?" said Nilia, darkly.
"Don't you think you've said enough?!" Rath and Nilia looked shocked as Arian lost her temper with the Water spirit. "Is it your aim to completely crush our sister? You're not content with her sending you away but you have to drag us three into it as well! Why is it so necessary for you to cause hassle?!" Nilia blinked a couple of times.
"I-I don't.... I'm.... I'm sorry."
"There's no point in apologising to us, Chanilia," said Thranduil, his anger now rapidly ebbing. "You evidently really upset Silva - knowing the things you have said, I can back that up 100% - and your actions have affected your sisters as well."
"I.... what can I do?"
"When she is ready to listen, go and talk to her," said Rath. "She was really angry before, but she's a reasonable woman if she thinks you are sincere. Come on, you've known her for time uncountable and friendship is very important to Sil. She's not going to throw it away, just so long as you accept everything about her. Legolas is part of her life, a major part. We've all got to understand that."
"I couldn't have put it better myself," said the now smiling King of Mirkwood. "You are all welcome to stay in my home for as long as you need to. I would not have you leave until everything is sorted with Silva."
"That's good because we wouldn't have left anyway," sad Arian.
"Well, I'm glad everything has now been sorted between us. No hard feelings?"
"Of course not," the sisters chorused.
**
Riel caught up with the Prince, but still he ignored her. He couldn't be doing with all this. Why did he have to be such a problem to Arian and Nilia? Why could they just give their consent and be done with it? That way they could all get on with their lives peacefully. 'Oh, what I'd give for a peaceful life,' he sobbed silently.
"Legolas, will you please listen?" Riel asked for the fourth time. She stopped, sighed,, rolled his eyes and finally turned to her.
"What?"
"Does Silva mean it?"
"Mean what?"
"That she wants us all to leave and never speak again." At first, he was going to ignore her and walk on, attempting a peaceful life, but he saw the worry and desperation in her eyes and took pity.
"Yes, at the time," he eventually said," but do not worry. She holds nothing against you in particular. She told you all to leave on a spur of the moment."
"I am over the moon that she has finally found herself a life partner. Us two have never cared for rules, so I certainly don't care is she's breaking one - or several - now." He smiled gratefully.
"Having your support means a lot to me - to both of us."
"You're more than welcome. I would not lose Silva's friendship for anything."
"I noticed. I am glad she has been able to keep at least one person's loyalty."
"We've seen too much and done too much for something like this to break us apart." Legolas looked intrigued. "We're infamous back at home, you know. We're partners in crime, real mischief-makers. People are careful not to make enemies of us." Legolas laughed in surprise.
"I should like to hear more of this mischievous Silvawen. Come with me, we'll go somewhere we can talk properly." He took he to a small in which there were several comfortable sofas and chairs. They both took a seat.
"Well, you must remember, Legolas, we are no longer talking about Silvawen of Mirkwood, but of Laroleia, Handmaiden of Yavanna Kementári and the most beautiful Maiar spirit to ever have lived." Legolas looked completely stunned.
"Her name is not really Silvawen?" Riel shook her head.
"You do not know this already?"
"No..... she's never told me that. Not that she served Yavanna Kementári or that she was the most beautiful Maiar."
"O-oh. I-I....."
"Why would have not have told me all this?"
"I don't know. Perhaps she thought that that was her past and it doesn't apply to her present. Her life with you is as Silvawen." There was an awkward silence. "Well, I suppose I should explain to you now that I have successfully confused you, but still I wonder at her not telling you this herself. Anyway, on our way to Middle Earth, we decided that it would be better for as few people as possible to know of our identities and abilities. So we took new names. Silva was most reluctant to do this, however, since she was very, very, very proud of her identity and wanted everyone in Middle Earth to know she was beautiful and powerful and , essentially, invincible as she could beat almost any enemy. But we convinced her it was for the best when Rath came up with the name Silvawen - Forest Maiden." Legolas felt a mixture of joy at knowing this new information about his lover, but also deceit. He had thought her to be Silvawen and nothing else for eight years now, but that wasn't true. That was just a cover.
"And she is the most beautiful Maiar spirit?" he said again. Riel nodded.
"But there is a sort of debate about that now. Well, I say debate, Silva argues it with herself. But when we got off the ship - well, in my and Silva's case, we were thrown off - our appearances had changed and Silva decided she was second best to Rath." Legolas raised an eyebrow.
"That's definitely a personal opinion."
"Well, you see, it must have an element of truth in it."
"Why is that?"
"Silva has never, ever admitted to anyone being prettier than her specifically. She has always said that the Valar have beauty and splendour beyond that which the Maiar have. But she outright said that Rath was prettier than she. In fact she said it several times and at one point even said she was ugly compared to Rath." Legolas snorted.
"Well, I cannot see it. And how do you mean your appearances changed?"
"I mean really, changed, especially with Silva."
"What did she look like in the Valinor?"
"She had straight, waist-length, jet-black hair and sapphire blue eyes. And she had the light of Aman in her face - we all did- but that has faded. In Gandalf's words, we now look mortal. If ever you return to the Valinor with Silva, you're in for a shock." He was trying to get his head around this information but he just couldn't make sense of it. In the Valinor, she was, basically, a completely different person. She was mischievous, vain, outspoken, famous, powerful, feared and beautiful beyond recognition. But now she had to bow to the way of mortals and the fair folk. She was recognised as prestigious, but to most she was only another woman, here to serve the world of men. 'Tarnen proved that one,' he thought bitterly.
He felt guilty again. If she truly was that beautiful in the Undying Lands, then she obviously could have had her pick of any one. She could easily have chosen someone more suitable to spend her life with. He was depriving her of the easy life, a life where she would argue with her sisters.
Riel could see the mental cogs turning and could tell by the look on his face he was worried. And from all she'd just told him, she guessed he was feeling like a burden.
"She never believed in love," she said after a while. He looked at her quizzically. "You probably find that hard to believe but it is true. She always mocked anyone who claimed they were in love. She was a lot more promiscuous when she was younger, but in recent centuries, any man ever lucky enough to get a 'proper' kiss out of her became news that spread like wild fire. Success stories were hot gossip because Silva's opinions were widely known. And they must have caught when she'd been drunk and dared, else it would not have happened. Everyone knows that Silvawen flirts outrageously with anyone and everyone, but it's only fun. It will never go anywhere."
"But how can you not believe in love?"
"That was most people's reaction in the beginning, but we all got used to it. And that's also the reason Nilia and Arian don't want to accept your coupling. They're sceptical because she didn't believe in love. Until she met you. That sounds really corny but it's true." Legolas blushed a little.
"I still can't help thinking I'm holding her back though."
"Haven't you listened to what I've just said? You should feel privileged - immensely privileged - not guilty. You know what she's like, how much of a free spirit she is. She would not tie herself to just anyone. I had begun to think no one would ever tame her heart, but you seem to have managed it." He still looked uncertain. "Look, we can go and ask her, if you like." He laughed in spite of himself.
"No, it's ok." He shook his head. "I'm too easily unsettled, aren't I?" She nodded, smiling. "Well, that was certainly very enlightening. I shall take up a conversation with a'maelamin about all that. But for now, I do believe we were going to discuss your antics in your homeland...."
**
".... and then.... then.... to top it off, she jumped and shouted 'Long live the Valars' undies'!!!" Legolas and Riel were in absolute pieces. They had been talking all afternoon about practical jokes she and Silva had played on people. Now they had moved onto to drunken dares that Silva had willingly - and sometimes soberly - participated in. Riel was curled up on the floor, clutching her sides, wracked with spasms of silent laughter. Legolas had tears of mirth streaming down his cheeks with his head in his hands. Silva had certainly led an entertaining life.
"Come on now, you're turn," gasped Riel.
"I don't get drunk very often at all," he replied, still giggly. (E/N: Can you imagine Legolas giggly.......... awww, BLESS!)
"Awww, come on, you've got to have done some stupid things in a state of drunkenness."
"That I do not deny, but they are neither funny nor pleasant memories for me."
"You mean to say you've never done stupid dares when drunk?" He shook his head.
"Elves are waaaaay too sensible for that kind of thing. That's why I was chuffed to bits when I met Arwen. Although we've never gotten drunk together, I can tell you now, she's not the sweet, innocent, shy Elven princess everyone makes her out to be."
"Much like out darling Silvawen then, only with a different race and stuff, because Silva's not an Elven Princess."
"Indeed. I'm not surprised they are such firm friends." The door of the room swung open and then went to close, but opened again. A female head popped around the door - it was Silva's most favoured chambermaid.
"There you are, your highness," she said exasperatedly. "My Lady sent me to find you and hour and half ago. She requests both of you in her company."
"It took you that long?" he asked.
"You were meant to be in your chamber, my lord. But you weren't and you rarely use these rooms, so I was not to know to look for you here."
"Oh. Sorry. We'll be there in a minute." She left abruptly, slamming the door. "I have to tell Silva to stop teaching her maids insolence. They were never like that until she got here."