Between the Lines
By Penpunk
Disclaimer: See past chapters...
Chapter 11: A New You
After leaving Legolas, Kat wandered around the Aelin-Brethil palace, hoping she would somehow come across Elenril's chambers. The palace was fortunately smaller than what Kat had expected.
Kat wandered around the first two floors of the palace, ducking in and out of various rooms, but not having any luck finding the room she wanted. Walking up to the third floor of the palace, Kat came across an elf maid carrying a tray of food. She hoped that that food was being delivered to Elenril's room, so Kat followed the elf discretely. The elf maid stopped at a door at the end of a long dark corridor. She knocked quietly and waited to be let in. Kat took a chance, hoping that this was the right tray of food going to the right room. As Kat walked up, the elf turned with the tray of food.
"Oh, your Highness! Forgive me, I thought you were in your room," said Kat. "Would you rather me have this food delivered to you in another room?"
"I had an errand to run but I am here now," said Kat, raising her chin in the air, trying to act as regal as possible. "You may leave the tray and go."
"Yes, your Highness," said the elf as she opened the door for Kat. The elf came in after her and left the ray of food on a small table in the corner and left.
Kat stood and looked around. The room of Elenril. It was dark and empty. The windows had heavy drapery covering them. Kat walked over to the windows and threw open the curtains. Dull light filtered into the dirty windows. It looked as though it had been a long time since anyone had used this room. The bed in the corner was made and a thick layer of dust covered it and the rest of the furniture. Everything in the room was either black or dark green; not an expected color scheme for an elf. Everything seemed too dark and cave-like for an elf's liking, although Elenril was not exactly a normal elf.
Kat walked over to the tray of food and began to eat. She was ravenous, so any caution towards the strange food was forgotten. The food was odd but good. It was a little heartier than the food in Rivendell and Mirkwood.
A knock on the door brought Kat out of her thoughts. Kat walked over to the door and opened it. Luinuial walked in as the door was opened.
"Good to be home, isn't it?" said the Queen as she took a seat at the table and began to pick at Kat's food.
"It is," said Kat as she sat down.
"You don't sound happy to be here," said Luinuial. "Is something the matter, my daughter?"
"No, nothing is wrong," said Kat as she wiped her mouth off on a napkin. "I was just concerned about Prince Legolas' condition. I was wondering if he could be moved someplace other than a jail cell."
"Why are you so concerned for this Silvan?" asked Luinuial with annoyance. "A jail cell is good enough for him."
"I just think we should be more respectful of his title. He is, after all, a prince. He was also my escort and a very good one at that. And he has an injury he sustained during our journey. Please Mother, can he have somewhere else to stay? For me?"
"I am not your father, Elenril. Sweet talking does not work on me. However, I will allow him to stay in a spare room, if it will make you happy and end this matter. I am growing weary of this elf and would rather not hear about him anymore."
"Thank you," said Kat. "It does make me happy."
"Does this have to do with your previous relationship with this Silvan?"
"No, it doesn't. And his name is Legolas. You don't need to keep calling him 'Silvan'," said Kat. She knew she would come off strange to the people Elenril knew. Kat was definitely out of character.
"I have a surprise for you, Elenril my darling. I know it will please you very much," said Luinuial, blowing off Kat's last comment as if she didn't hear it. She stood and flashed Kat a sly smile before slipping out the door. She returned with an elf on her arm. The elf was tall and dark, with broad shoulders and long arms. His hair was jet black, as were his eyes. He was dressed in dark grays and black with a sword strapped to his back.
The other immediately recognized the elf as Dalkir but that's all the information she was provided with.
"My Lady," said the elf as he bowed. He had a crooked smile plastered across his face as he looked Kat up and down. "It is good to see you again."
Kat curtsied to the elf. The way he looked at her made her feel uneasy. Elenril was obviously familiar with this man. A kind of familiarity that seemed to be expected of Elenril.
"I'll leave you two alone," said Luinuial as she made for the door.
"And what of Prince Legolas?" said Kat as she looked past Dalkir.
"It will be taken care of," said the Queen with a wave of her hand. She walked out and closed the door behind her. Immediately, Dalkir moved toward Kat and wrapped his long arms around her.
"It's been such a long time," he said in a low and rough voice. He smothered her mouth with his in one quick movement. Kat pulled back from him and struggled to pull out of his arms.
"Let me go," said Kat as she pulled free. Dalkir laughed as he chased Kat around the room.
"I love it when you're like this," said Dalkir as he cornered her around the table. "Come Elenril, let's finished these games later. Won't you sate my longing for you?"
"I will not," said Kat, disgusted by the elf's forwardness.
"Come my little Avari Princess," said Dalkir as he grabbed Kat by the arm and wrapped her in a rough embrace. "Let me be your Avari prince."
"Let go of me!" screamed Kat as she struggle against him. "You are crossing the line. I can have the guards in here like that." Kat snapped her fingers.
"Is this a new game? Are you going to have me locked to the bed? Maybe a beating or two?" Dalkir strutted over to Elenril's bed after Kat got away from him and flopped down, causing clouds of dust to fly around the room.
"You're sick," said Kat as she crossed her arms over her chest tightly.
"You could say that, I guess," he said with his disgusting smile. "And now that I think of it, you do all the time."
"Please leave, Dalkir," said Kat.
"You don't really mean that, my little lothsairin," said Dalkir as he stood.
"I do," said Kat.
"Who is this Prince Legolas you were speaking about?" he asked. His face grew dark in jealousy as he stared at Kat. His black eyes bore holes into Kat as he looked at her accusingly.
"He was my escort home," answered Kat.
Dalkir walked up to Kat and grabbed her by the arms.
"Are you sure? He's not more than that?"
"Of course not," answered Kat, getting nervous. Dalkir's grip tightened on her arm as he continued to stare at her.
"Because if I find out that this Silvan has laid even one finger on my beautiful flower, he will pay," Dalkir let go of Kat and cradled her face in his hands. He swept aside her hair and smothered her mouth with yet another hard and aggressive kiss. Kat struggled to get free, but Dalkir's grip was too tight.
"I think you should leave," said Kat after she broke free of his lips.
"As you like, my Lady," said Dalkir as he made his way to the door. "I will be returning, however. I want to be here when your mother makes her big announcement."
"What big announcement?" asked Kat as Dalkir walked out the door.
"Goodbye, my ravishing elven beauty," said Dalkir without turning. "Hopefully we can pick up from where we left off."
"What announcement?" yelled Kat.
Dalkir kept walking down the corridor and out of sight. Kat closed the door to the room, extremely confused and frustrated. Dalkir was obviously one of Elenril's lovers. Just thinking about the advances of the elf sent shivers up Kat's spine. Instead of exhausting herself with continued contemplation, Kat walked over to her bed, pulled off the dusty coverings and crawled into the sheets, trying to rest her mind a little before diving back into her hectic new situation.
"My Lady?"
Kat woke with a start at the sound of the quiet male voice. She opened her eyes to see an elven male standing above her.
"What are you doing in here?" asked Kat as she pulled the bed sheets around her now wrinkled gown.
"The Queen sent me to wake you," he said as he averted his eyes.
"What time is it?" asked Kat as she rubbed her eyes with the back of her fists.
"My Lady, it is just short of midday," said the elf. "Her Majesty sends word to meet her in the dining room. You will be dining with her and his highness, Lord Carandil."
"My brother has returned to Aelin-Brethil?" said Kat, reminding herself of their relation.
"Yes, my Lady," said the elf as he backed out of Kat's room. "Shall I send word that you will be down soon?"
"Actually, would you mind staying until I am ready and escorting me down there?" asked Kat as she stood and wrapped the discarded bed covering around her.
"As you wish my Lady," said the elf. "I will wait outside until you are ready."
"Thank you," said Kat as the elf closed the door. Making him wait would make finding the dining room much easier. Kat hated not having directions of the palace laid out in her head. She had Elenril's lovers laid out easily in her borrowed memory, but could the elf have at least left directions to the bathroom? Kat shook her head as she rummaged through Elenril's closest, finding an airy blue dress and slipping it on quickly. She ran a brush through her dark tresses before opening the door and allowing her escort to take her to the dining room.
As Kat entered the dining room on the first floor of the palace, she was greeted by Carandil's bright smile. He stood up from the table and hugged Kat warmly.
"I'm so happy to see you, Elenril," said Carandil as he pulled away. "It's so wonderful to see you well again."
"It's nice to see you as well," said Kat. She was truly happy to see Carandil. He was one person who was kind to her from the beginning and obviously loved and cared for his sister very much. He was very unusual in the sense of where he grew up. Much too kind and elf-like to be from Aelin-Brethil. Kat was very glad for that.
"Ah, to hear your sweet voice again makes my heart sing!" said Carandil as he picked Kat up and spun her around, making her laugh out loud.
"Carandil, you're acting like a fool. Sit down," said Luinuial. She glared at her son as he set Kat back on her feet.
"Yes Mother," said Carandil as he sat back down at the Queen's right side. Kat sat down next to her, sitting across from Carandil. He looked up at Kat quickly to give her a smile before looking back down at his place setting.
"When did you arrive, Carandil?" asked Kat.
"Last night," said Carandil. "I went looking for you but was informed that you were asleep."
"I didn't mean to sleep so long," said Kat. "Traveling can take a lot out of you."
"Tell me about it," said Carandil.
"Anyway," said Luinuial, interrupting their conversation, "as I was telling your brother, the leaders of the Avari tribe are coming tonight for dinner. I need you both dressed in your finest and on time for the feast."
"What's the occasion?" asked Carandil as an elf set food in front of him. Similar plates were set in front of Luinuial and Kat.
"I am making an important announcement," said Luinuial. "The future of our existence as a kingdom relies on it."
"So what's the need for the Avari to attend," asked Carandil darkly. Luinuial sent him a look of anger at his tone. Carandil didn't seem to be on the best terms with the Avari elves, and for that, wasn't in the best terms with his mother.
"Their future as a tribe is also concerned," said the Queen. "The Avari have been a vital source of protection for years. Our people have intermarried and for that, our bonds have grown strong, but it is not enough. Something else must be done."
The three ate silently for the rest of the meal, Carandil glancing up at Kat occasionally with a smile. Luinuial was the first to finish and rise from the table.
"Remember, this occasion is important. Do not be late."
She turned and left the room, as Kat and Carandil finished their meal.
"Great," said Carandil as soon as the Queen was out of earshot. "Just what I wanted to do with my time. Mingling with Avari."
"Surely you are overreacting," said Kat. Kat really had no idea. She didn't really have much experience with the Avari, other than Dalkir. She knew that she was herself part Avari, and Elenril had left some emotions and memories connected with her own experience as an Avari, but nothing about the culture.
"You know how those elves are, Elenril," said Carandil. "Most stay hidden in their black hoods, not speaking a word, while the rest act like foolish mortals, with no honor or self respect."
"Well, she only said that we have to attend. Nothing more. We can sit back and entertain ourselves," said Kat, though Carandil's words did make her feel anger. The essence of Elenril that still remained was very offended by Carandil's words.
"You'll be too busy flirting with Dalkir to avoid mingling," said Carandil. He had bitterness in his voice as he said it. "Or is he still your number one? Is there someone else I should know about?"
"I have no idea what you are insinuating," said Kat. "If you mean that disgusting excuse for an elf, then I definitely have no idea."
"Come on Ele," said Carandil. "You aren't fooling anyone. I know how you have a thing for Avari princes. If not Dalkir, then who?"
"Drop in Carandil," said Kat as she rose from the table.
"Fair enough," said Carandil as he rose as well. "I will see you tonight Elenril. Good day."
He bowed and left Kat standing alone in the dining room. Kat wished, just once, that she could be around someone for more than five minutes before they made her feel horrible for some reason. Everyone had the talent for bringing up some reason for Kat to sense shamefulness. Damn Elenril. Kat only hoped that wherever she was, she decided to give the business of bringing shame upon herself a rest for once. Kat left the dining room, once again searching the palace, this time looking for her lost and locked away companion.
Since moving up from the dank cell in the bowels of the palace, Legolas had finally started to feel better. The room he had been locked in had a window, though it was closed and locked, but he didn't care. At least natural light was pouring in. The room itself wasn't so bad either. It was bigger than he had expected and he was even provided with a change of clothes and some food. The bed was a big improvement from the stone floor. Elenril had really come through on her promise. Something that made Legolas feel better about his situation.
After eating all the food that had been brought up and taking a long nap on the soft bed, Legolas felt alive again. He picked up the clothing he had been provided and started to strip off his soiled ones.
Just as he was completely undressed, the door of the room flew open. Legolas was quick to grab something to cover himself.
"Oh! I am so sorry," said Kat as she walked in and quickly covered her eyes. "I didn't realize you were dressing."
She closed the door in front of her and Legolas scrambled to put his clothes on quickly.
"Are you decent?" asked Kat as she kept her eyes closed tightly.
"Yes," said Legolas as he finished pulling on his fresh pair of trousers.
Kat opened her eyes and walked in the door and saw Legolas standing shirtless but very very red with embarrassment. He slipped a tunic on while avoiding Kat's eyes.
"I am so sorry," said Kat. "All I wanted to do was find out where they took you."
"Well, you found me."
Kat turned red with embarrassment.
"It's alright," said Legolas quietly. "I'm glad you found me."
"How do you like your new accommodations?" asked Kat as she crossed her arms over her chest. Her own face felt hot with embarrassment.
"They are much better," said Legolas. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," said Kat. "I'm sorry I can't do more. My mother is being quite unreasonable about this whole situation."
"It's ok," said Legolas. He smiled at her briefly before looking away and walking over to the small window. "Forgive me for intruding, Elenril, but didn't you know this would happen? Didn't you know I would be caught and imprisoned?"
"I didn't know," said Kat. Legolas looked at her incredulously. "I really didn't, Legolas. Please believe me."
"Any luck getting me out of here?" asked Legolas, changing the subject as he sat on the small bed in the corner of the room. He motioned for Kat to sit next to him. She complied and sat at the opposite end of the bed.
"I've been trying," said Kat. "My mother is being a little unreasonable to say the least."
"Don't take this the wrong way, but what does your mother have against Silvan elves? Isn't she part Silvan? Aren't you as well?"
"Yes, we are," said Kat. "But we are also Avari. You know that the Avari have always had mistrust for elves other than their own."
Kat felt strange offering an answer to Legolas when she really had no idea what she was talking about. Her brain felt as if it had taken Elenril's memories as its own. This subject seemed to be important to Elenril since she was given so much information and emotion related to it.
"Was the marriage between you mother and father arranged?" asked Legolas. "I don't mean to be intrusive. I am sorry if I am."
"It's fine," said Kat with a wave of her hand. Not like she cared. It wasn't her life she was talking about. "To answer your question, no, it wasn't an arranged marriage."
"If it wasn't arranged," said Legolas, "then why did they marry? He was a Silvan elf."
"My mother didn't always feel this way about Silvan elves," said Kat. "She married my father for love. Others were against the marriage, especially the Avari members."
"My father, too," added Legolas.
"No one saw the benefit of the match," continued Kat. "My father was from Lorien. Lorien would rather have nothing to do with Aelin-Brethil. My grandparents wanted her to marry another Avari. She wanted my father."
"If she was so in love, why does she hate Silvans?"
"Because he left for the undying lands," said Kat. "He left her with two little elflings. It was hard for her."
"She's bitter?" asked Legolas.
"Bitter, lonely, angry," said Kat. "Take your pick."
"I had no idea," said Legolas.
"What about you?" said Kat, deciding to change the subject before she ran out of answers. "What was growing up like in Mirkwood? What were your parents like?"
Legolas gave a little laugh in response.
"So we're turning this around on me, are we?"
Kat smiled back and nodded.
"It was as normal as growing up a prince could get," said Legolas. "Being shuffled between various lessons and royal engagements. Hated both. I was a lousy student and hated dressing up. Still do."
"I bet you were a whiner," said Kat with a grin.
"Like you wouldn't believe," said Legolas, shaking his head. "I drove my mother insane."
"Your mother, did she...?"
"Yes, she left for the undying lands," said Legolas. "A long time ago."
"Were you close?"
Legolas nodded.
"Sorry, if you don't' want..."
"No, no Elenril," said Legolas. "It's okay. I mean, you understand how I feel. Your father left, too."
Kat nodded. She didn't know if the real Elenril would really understand Legolas, but Kat did. Her father, back in England, had left when she was fifteen. She knew the feeling of abandonment and loneliness. Her mother tried to avoid the pain of his leaving by becoming involved with everything she could, leaving Kat and her sister to care for themselves. Kat put her best face forward, giving everything she could to make Julie's life easier. She resented the actions of her mother in response to her father's leaving, but did everything to maintain a loving image of their mother for Julie.
"Why did she leave?" asked Kat.
"Her brother and father were part of the Last Alliance," said Legolas. "They both were killed in battle. Staying in Middle-Earth caused much pain. She stayed a lot longer than I would have; stayed until I was independent enough to live without her."
"How did your father take it?"
"He was the one who wanted her to go," said Legolas. "She would have stayed otherwise. He hated seeing her so unhappy."
"Takes someone strong to do that," said Kat.
"He is," said Legolas. "Strongest, most noble elf I know."
Kat and Legolas continued to talk about their childhoods and growing up. Kat took the liberty of taking her own childhood and "Middle-earthed" it. She felt liberated talking about something she actually knew. She felt better being able to talk about her own life. It made her feel closer to home and less lonely sharing it. Legolas was just as enthusiastic to talk himself. It seemed to Kat that he was really letting go and letting her in.
They slowly slipped into silence for a while, looking around the room.
"You know," said Legolas, breaking the silence and looking back at Kat, "I just realized that I didn't really know that much about you. We've never talked like this before, even when we were still getting married. I mean, I knew enough to... well, I... you know what I mean."
Kat nodded.
"But I've learned more about you in the last few days than I ever did before."
"I can say that same thing about you," said Kat.
They drifted into an uncomfortable silence. Legolas briefly caught Kat's eye and gave her a warm smile. Kat smiled back. She looked away but out of the corner of her eye could see Legolas moving closer to her. She looked over at him in mid-scoot. He froze and slowly came to rest next to her, trying to play the whole thing off.
"How is the gash on your side?" asked Kat as she looked away from him.
"Oh, it's okay I guess," said Legolas as he looked away too.
"Can I see?" asked Kat as she looked back at him. He nodded and lifted his tunic over his head. The wrapping around the wound was old and a little soaked through. "When did you wash this last?"
"Right before we got here," answered Legolas as he watched Kat tenderly check his wound.
Kat unwrapped Legolas' chest. She stood up and walked over to a small table in the corner of Legolas' room. On it was a small basin of water and a towel. She brought it over to the bed with her and set it on the floor in front of her. She dipped the towel in the water and then lightly dabbed Legolas' wound.
Legolas watched her closely.
"It doesn't look too bad," said Kat as she washed it carefully. "It's healing very well."
"That's good to hear," said Legolas.
Kat finished washing the wound before rewrapping it. She checked to make sure it wasn't too tight before smoothing the bandage with her hands. Legolas watched her hands move over his chest.
"It isn't too tight, is it?" asked Kat as she continued to place the wrapping.
"No," said Legolas as he caught Kat's hands in his own. "No, it's perfect. Thank you."
Kat looked up at Legolas slowly as he took her hands in his. He brought one to his mouth and kissed the back of her hand lightly.
"You're welcome," muttered Kat as she slowly pulled her hands back from Legolas. He looked a little crestfallen at the action but said nothing.
"Legolas, I'm sorry for what I did. I'm sorry that I hurt you," said Kat without really thinking. She didn't know what prompted her to make that apology. It wasn't even her apology to make, but for some reason it felt like the right thing to do.
"You don't have to apologize, Elenril. You've already shown me. You are such a different person now, and for that I'm thankful. I don't know what happened to the old Elenril I thought I knew, but I'm glad she's gone. I'm glad you're here."
"I'm not sure whether I should feel flattered or offended," said Kat with a quiet laugh.
"Maybe I can help you with that decision," said Legolas, his voice lowering. He leaned slowly toward her, scanning her face as he went. Kat watched him come closer, Legolas looking for signs that she wanted him to stop. She didn't offer him any.
Before their lips met, Kat could hear a knock on the door.
"Princess Elenril?"
Legolas and Kat quickly parted.
"You should probably go, "said Legolas, looking away from Kat. "They are going to wonder why you've been in here so long."
Kat nodded. She stood and walked over to the door, opening it.
"What?" she hissed as she cracked the door open. The elf that knocked was startled to say the least.
"I w-was j-just checking on you. You've been in there for a long time, your Highness."
"You dare to intrude on my affairs?" said Kat. "What I do on my own time is my business. I do not need a nanny shadowing my every move."
"Of course, your highness," said the elf. "I won't bother you again."
"It would be in your best interest to make sure of that," hissed Kat dangerously. She slammed the door in the elf's face. She turned and walked back toward Legolas.
"You aren't leaving?" said Legolas with a smile.
"What does it look like to you?" said Kat as she walked over to him. She knew that what she was doing was wrong. She knew it was a bad idea to get involved with someone, for all she knew, didn't exist. But the feelings she had would not go un-acted upon. Needless to say, the feelings were confusing. From the moment he had met Legolas, he had given her so many signs that he wanted nothing to do with her yet so many that said he was still in love.
But not with her. Everything she did was from her heart; it was all within her character to do so. Unfortunately, Legolas saw it coming from Elenril. Was it right for her to be doing this? What was going to happen when she went back home? Elenril would return and then what? Break Legolas' heart? Could she turn him down now and deal with the consequences?
Kat stopped walking towards Legolas.
"What? What is it?" he asked.
"Maybe I should go," she said. She turned back toward the door.
"Please don't," said Legolas. He stood and walked after her. She stopped but didn't turn around. "Did I do something wrong?"
Kat shook her head.
"Then why are you leaving?" he asked. "I thought... no, never mind. Go."
"Legolas, I'm sorry," said Kat. "You think I'm someone I'm not."
"I thought you were someone different."
"I am, Legolas. More than you would believe," said Kat as she turned around and faced him. "But I think it's a bad idea for anything to happen between us."
"Why?" asked Legolas. "What is it a bad idea?"
"Our families, for one," said Kat. "Our situation for another. And I don't want to hurt you. I would never mean to, but trust me, it's bound to happen. It already has."
"Elenril, you have such little faith," said Legolas. "The only time you hurt me is when you are gone. It's like a knife blade twisting in my heart when you are absent from my life. I know I've said different, but this is how I really feel. When you left, I was angry. Even more, I was so alone. No one could fill the void you left."
Kat said nothing. She just looked into his eyes. Her emotions were still battling. Would she let Elenril break Legolas' heart or did she want to do it herself?
"Legolas, I don't..."
But Legolas cut her off by placing a finger on her lips.
"I just have to know," he said.
He bent down to her face and placed his lips on hers. He made contact lightly, holding his breath, as if waiting for Kat to react. Kat breathed in deep as his lips met hers. She was engulfed by his scent and intoxicated by it. Kat's emotions were racing. She didn't know what to do, how to react.
Listen to her heart or to her mind?
She wrapped her arms around Legolas' neck and pulled herself close to him. She pressed her lips deeper against his. Legolas wrapped his arms around her waist, placing his hands on the small of her back. Just then, there was another knock on the door.
"You should probably get that," said Legolas between kissing her neck.
"They'll go away," said Kat, running her hands over Legolas' chest.
The knock came again, ten times louder than before.
"Are you sure about that?" asked Legolas. Kat rolled her eyes and broke away from Legolas. She turned and walked over to the door. She opened it quickly.
"What?" she said venomously.
"My, Elenril. That is not a tone you should be using toward your mother."
Kat could feel herself blanch as she saw Luinuial outside of Legolas' door. Luinuial opened the door and walked in the room.
"I thought you'd be in here," she said as she sent a sour look at Legolas. "I do hope that your fascination with this creature is temporary."
"Is there something you need, mother?" asked Kat through gritted teeth.
"I was just wondering why my daughter is here and not getting ready for the important dinner she promised she wouldn't be late for."
Kat looked from Luinuial to the tiny window in Legolas' room. The sun was beginning to set.
"I must have lost track of time," said Kat. "I'm sorry."
"If you hurry, you can get ready in time for dinner. I had hoped you would greet out guests before, but you obviously have more important matters to attend to," Luinuial shot Legolas another deadly glare.
"Alright, I'll get down there as soon as I can," said Kat. She turned back to Legolas and mouthed an apology.
"And you," Luinuial pointed at Legolas," are going to come with me."
The Queen grabbed Legolas by the back of the neck and pulled him toward the door.
"Where are you taking him?' asked Kat as Luinuial and Legolas swept past her.
"He's staying in a room much too good for him," said Luinuial. "He is going to work at the feast tonight and pay us back for our generosity."
"Mother, he is a prince. Serving is below him."
"Nothing is below a Silvan, Elenril. Now get to your room and get ready. I will meet you down there."
Legolas, as Luinuial led him out the door, looked back at Kat. She gave him another apologetic look to which he responded by blowing her a kiss. She smiled at him as he disappeared from sight. Kat hurried out the door and to Elenril's room.
Kat swept down the hall towards the feast. The elves waiting for her in her room had dressed her in a jet black silk gown. They had played with her hair a bit, before pulling it all back in elaborate braids. The feat must be important if she was being so dolled up, she thought.
She entered the hall, expecting to see a decorated feasting location, full of elves chatting and being merry. Instead, it was full of solemn looking elves, all dressed in black. Her attire made more sense. She could see Luinuial mingling with guests, a wide smile plastered on her face. In the middle of the rectangular room was a long table lined with food. Kat could see various elves coming in and out of the room carrying trays of food. She looked around for Legolas but could only see dark-haired elves roaming about.
Carandil was sitting at the table, near the middle. He looked surly, sitting with shoulders hunched, looking down at his empty plate. Kat walked over to him and sat down.
"You look like you're having loads of fun," said Kat as she sat next to Elenril's brother
"It's so depressing in here," he said with a sign. "I hate these events with the Avari, but I told you that already. At least it's just the High Avari and not the rest of the kingdom. The High Avari don't run around like idiots the way the rest of them do.
Kat looked around and saw that he was right. The High Avari were the leaders of the tribe. They dressed in black and spoke in hushed voices.
Soon, the elves scattered around the hall began to take seats around the table. Luinuial took the seat next to Kat. On the other side of the Queen, a severe looking elf with jet black hair and eyes to boot sat. On his other side, Kat was rueful to see Dalkir sitting. He looked her way and sent a disgusting smile. Luinuial cleared her throat and stood.
"I would like to welcome everyone and tank you all for coming. Let us feast together on this merry occasion."
Luinuial sat and all the elves around the table began to eat.
"What is she talking about?" asked Kat as she looked over at Carandil. "What is the occasion?"
Carandil shrugged as he began to eat. Elves carrying jugs of wine began wandering around the room, filling the guest's cups. A blonde head caught Kat's eye. Legolas was working, pouring wine for the elves. The Avari, Kat noticed, were eyeing Legolas with disgust. Kat tried to catch Legolas' eye as he passed. He looked over at her and gave her a brief smile. She lifted up her wine cup and motioned for Legolas to come over. He walked over to her with his wine jar and slowly began to fill her cup.
"I'm sorry," whispered Kat.
"Don't worry about it," said Legolas with a smile. "It's a very humbling experience."
"I'll make it up to you, I swear," said Kat. "I'll stop by your room tonight when everyone is gone. Maybe then we can get some privacy."
"I'm looking forward to it. You look beautiful, by the way," said Legolas with a smile. He picked up his wine jug and made his way around the table, looking at Kat as he went.
Midway through dinner, Luinuial stood and the room grew quiet.
"I hope everyone is enjoying themselves. Now for the purpose of calling you all here. As everyone here knows, Aelin-Brethil and the Avari kingdom of Naerel have had a long standing relationship. King Dalaen," she pointed to the elf sitting next to her," and I are always working to strengthen the bond between our two kingdoms. So when Prince Dalkir came to me with a request, I immediately accepted. Knowing that this request will please both my kingdom and my daughter, I knew right away that it was a good idea and an honor. That is why I am pleased to announce the engagement of Prince Dalkir of Naerel and Princess Elenril of Aelin-Brethil.
Kat froze. She looked quickly over at Dalkir, who had a giant look of arrogance on his face.
"Elenril and Dalkir have been in anticipation of his moment for a long time. Let us congratulate them."
A small patter of applause broke out around the room. Kat looked away from Dalkir and around the room. She spotted Legolas in the corner of the hall. He had a deep scowl set on his face as he looked Kat in the eye. He turned around with his wine jar and walked straight out of the room.