Summary: When put into a situation where the bonds of friendship are tested, two Elves must make the ultimate decision; should they put their own lives at risk to help each other.
Disclaimer: Anything you recognize isn't mine – it belongs to the Tolkien Estate. I will be receiving no money for this fanfiction, this story is simply being written to amuse myself, and hopefully a few of you as well.
Author's Notes:
HyperSquishy: I can't wait to see what I have in store for them either. xD
When the sun began to set and the temperature outside cooled, Calamilya returned to her chambers to wash up before the evening meal. A basin of water had been placed on her dresser along with a clean white cloth.
She was quick to clean before pulling on a much lighter gown that was made of a pale blue material that changed to a darker blue in the shadows. There were no long sleeves either, just thin straps of cloth that were held together at her shoulders by two small silver clasps.
Once the gown was on she pulled her hair down, running a brush through and ridding herself of the few knots that had formed on the ride. Normally she would have left her hair down, but it would be her first time meeting the King and she did wish to make a good impression on him. So again she took her time in pulling small strands of her hair back in twists, securing them in the back with a leather tie before allowing the loose strands to fall free.
It was only when she felt she looked presentable enough for a first impression that Calamilya made her way down to the dinning hall. There were a number of tables set up, each table able to sit at least twenty people. Upon a raised dais sat one large table, at least twice the size of the others.
The dinning hall was still relatively empty, so it was rather simple to spot her father. Manáre stood with two other Elves who were dressed in magnificent robes of green with silver circlets resting on their brows, undoubtedly Thranduil and Lómëloth.
When she reached her fathers side he quickly took note of her presence and smiled. "Lord Thranduil, Lómëloth, this is my daughter, Calamilya. Cala, this is the King Thranduil and his son who will become King, Lómëloth."
Thranduil merely offered a smile and tilt of his head to her, but Lómëloth stepped forward and took her hand, pressing a kiss to her knuckles of which he allowed to linger.
While Thranduil and Legolas looked quite alike, Lómëloth was different. He had the same silvery-blonde hair, but his face was more angular and his eyes were grey. He certainly did look like an Elf who enjoyed staying inside all day; he didn't have broad shoulders, and while he carried himself with grace and pride there was a certain confidence missing.
Calamilya realized then that he still held her hand, his gaze making her feel oddly uncomfortable. "They say that the Elves of Imladris are beautiful, but I doubt any of them compare to you." She had blushed at the compliment given to her earlier, perhaps because it was given innocently and with truth. But the way Lómëloth spoke, the way he was watching her caused her to feel even more uncomfortable, not flattered.
It was hard to speak politely at that moment, but she managed. "I thank you for your compliment, Lord.."
Lómëloth shook his head. "Simply call me 'Lómëloth'.
"..Lómëloth" She turned her attention back to Thranduil then. "Your home is lovely, My Lord. Your son Legolas was quite kind in showing me around today."
Thranduil smiled then. "I'm glad to hear that, and I am glad that you like it here. If you ever have questions either of my children will be happy to help you."
She didn't doubt Thranduil either, given by the look that Lómëloth gave her at that very moment. The look was like a wolf eager to move in for the kill or a cat ready to pounce on its unsuspecting prey.
Calamilya felt something move at her side then, and smiled when she realized Legolas had joined them. He was dressed nicely enough, though instead of wearing robes he donned a pale green tunic that ended mid thigh, along with a pair of soft brown leggings and leather boots.
With Legolas and Lómëloth standing so close to each other, the differences between them were more pronounced. How could they have the same parents yet look so different? She would certainly have to find out later.
The Hall was filling up quickly then, and Thranduil ushered the small group up to their table. Thranduil sat at the head; Manáre sat at his side and Calamilya at his side. But as luck would have it, it wasn't Legolas or even a welcomed stranger who sat at her side – it was Lómëloth who took that seat.
It was only a few moments before servants began piling into the hall, each bearing a platter full of food or a pitcher of wine. By the time all of the food had been brought out each table groaned under its weight. There was roasted fish and deer, vegetables both cooked and raw. There were fruits and breads with sweet honey dipping sauces. Pitchers of both summer and fey wine were set at each table for the occupants.
Calamilya began to reach for the pitcher of summer wine ( which was far less strong than fey wine ) when Lómëloth brushed her hand with his own to pick up the pitcher. "A lady should not have to serve her own drink. Allow me."
She watched as he filled her goblet before filling his own with the fey wine. It didn't take long before he continued on, low enough so that only she would hear him. "Women are delicate, they are made to have soft flesh so that they can better comfort their husband after a long day." He took a swig of his wine before continuing. "I know that I would be pleased to be greeted by you in our chambers every evening."
Calamilya nearly choked on the bit of carrot she had been eating. She knew that Lómëloth was a bit odd, but she hadn't expected him to be quite so blunt. But it was with an amused smile that she looked to him. "Is that true? Well, I believe that not all women are meant to have soft flesh and comfort their husbands. Some women are better off as warriors, or mastering a craft."
Lómëloth shook his head. "That would make for a lovely daydream, perhaps. But never has a women been on our guard, and women certainly don't master crafts outside of the home." Calamilya's smile grew then. "Perhaps not, at least yet... "
When stomachs began to fill up and guests began moving about and striking up conversation, the food and tables were removed. A small group of Elves in the corner of the room, some with harps and others with lutes, began to play.
Calamilya found herself in the company of Legolas, thankful that Lómëloth's attention was on the lovely Elf that he currently danced with.
"You have my apologies for any trouble my brother gave you during the meal." Calamilya looked up at Legolas, but found that he was smiling. "How can you be sorry if you look ready to laugh?" Legolas gave a small shrug of his shoulders, his smile growing. "Because, while I'm sorry, I also find it quite amusing."
She rolled her eyes though found herself smiling as well. "You and he are certainly different from each other, why is that?"
Legolas' face became very serious then, and when he finally replied his voice was low. "Lómëloth and I have the same mother, but Thranduil didn't father him. My mother was attacked on a journey, and as a result I have a brother. She gave birth to Lómëloth and tried to love him, to think of the child as a blessing but she couldn't forget what happened, and finally decided that she had to sail west. Thranduil promised to love Lómëloth though, and has kept to that word."
Legolas took a breath before shaking his head. "Lómëloth's birthing day is only ten months away, he will be of age to take the Throne and my Father shall sail, he will reunite with my mother."
Calamilya understood then, but still found it hard to believe Lómëloth would be King, much less in under a year. She doubted that any good could come of it, but perhaps when it came to matters concerning the land he would do well. But if Lómëloth were to be King, she wanted to spend as little time in the palace as possible.
Calamilya looked for her Father then, and seeing that he was with Thranduil she excused herself from Legolas and made her way through the crowd to them. Manáre and Thranduil fell silent when she reached their side, and Calamilya hesitantly spoke up.
"Lord Thranduil, Ada.." She tried to figure out how exactly to voice what she was thinking. "Ada, you know that in Imladris I took lessons with the bow, that I would sometimes train with a member of the guard?"
Manáre nodded, unsure of what the question was leading to. "Ai, I remember. You were doing very well with the training." She looked to Thranduil then. "My Lord, I was wondering that if you and my father would agree, that I could perhaps join your guard."
She could see by the horrified expressions on both of their faces that they certainly hadn't expected that. But Manáre slowly nodded his approval. "If you wish to, I'll allow it but the final decision is the King's."
Thranduil still looked slightly shocked, but when Manáre agreed he slowly tilted his head to look at Calamilya better. "We've never had a female on the guard before, but you say you've had training before?"
Calamilya nodded excitedly. "Ai, My Lord, I have."
Thranduil nodded then. "If your father is willing to allow it, I will also." He looked up then and spotted Legolas, when the other Elf looked up Thranduil waved him over.
Legolas reached their side quickly. "Yes Father?" "Legolas," Thranduil smiled. "Calamilya shall be joining your guard.. "
Author's Note: Well, there ya have it. Chapter Two. ) Reviews keep me going.
