Author's Note: Here is my sixteenth chapter. Thank you all so much for your wonderful reviews! I'll try to keep my updates as regular as I can. To answer legolasndcolorblueinterestme's question, I am home schooled, so that's why I am graduating early. I would like to say a special thanks to my beta Dragonfly32, for her excellent help with this chapter! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Tolkien's work.
Chapter 16 Dinner
I shifted in my seat, I could tell her eyes were on me. I took a small bite of the venison and chewed slowly, savoring the good taste. But when it came to swallowing my throat seemed to constrict and I nearly choked. Haldir, who sat beside me laughed, his conversation with Hirien being full of playful jests. I glanced upward quickly and noticed Rumil and Orophin, both seeming on edge. For when Ethuil was not glaring at me, her severity was surely directed at them. I struggled to lift my head and sit proudly, my Naneth would no doubt wish for such. I had nothing to been ashamed of! It was her that should feel embarrassed for her cruel behavior. I smiled, filled with a new strength and purpose. I turned my gaze to meet hers and stared unflinchingly. She seemed at first, shocked, but then regained her composure. But I was ready for anything, my normally hidden confidence brought to the surface. Yet, to my great surprise she looked away from me and to Haldir.
"Haldir," she spoke briskly, breaking off poor Hirien. "Have you yet seen Lady Arwen?" My beloved looked momentarily confused, his blue eyes darkening slightly.
"No Aunt Ethuil, I have not," he responded. "Why do you ask?" The elleth smiled, her face glowing at the question.
"Well, if you had you would have noticed the great beauty she is fortunate to possess," she said slowly, as though she was hoping he would catch onto to some secret meaning of hers. "Word has it she is looking for a suitor."
"Ha ha," Haldir laughed at what we all perceived to be a jest. Only Hiren's face seemed to darken. I joined in, giggling quietly to myself, though I must it admit it did sound rather nervous. "Why ever would I wish to court Lady Arwen?" he continued, "especially when I have Elenwen by my side." My face flushed, yet I was happy to hear such from him.
"Haldir's right Naneth," Hirien said quickly. "I've heard that the Lady Arwen can be rather testy at times, unlike Elenwen."
"How do you know?" Ethuil whipped around to face her daughter. "You have but just met!" My mouth opened wide as I watched mother and child argue over me. It was as if I didn't exist to Ethuil. She treated me as a piece of furniture that she did not find suitable for her living quarters.
"But such is true for Elenwen, dear Aunt," Rumil broke in, his voice firm.
"Yes, of course," Orophin backed him up. Haldir seemed about to open his mouth in agreement with his siblings. But I did not want him to get involved with this. Oh, how quickly an evening could turn sour!
"I can assure you, my temperament is quite mild," I would not let Haldir speak. I cast him a soft glance, assuring him. Ethuil was taken aback by my sudden intrusion into the discussion.
"Well, then I have wronged you," she replied, after a space of time had passed. "Please forgive me."
"Of course," I nodded. "I can understand, for you have just met me and I know you want the best for your nephew." I could tell, her apology was forced and her anger remained, simmering just below the surface of her calm countenance. Dinner continued and commenced without event. Hirien had kept the conversation lively, even though her Naneth appeared to be sulking. The company then moved to the adjoining room, to sip on wine and sample some fruit. I was very surprised, however, when Haldir pulled me aside, with a questioning look on his fair brow.
"Elenwen, meleth nin," he whispered close to my ear. "Would it be too much trouble for you to play a song for Aunt Ethuil and Hirien?"
"What?" I was unsure of how to respond. I rarely performed in public and when I did, I had plenty of time to prepare beforehand.
"You don't have to sing," he added hastily. "Just play."
"But I have no instrument," I said truthfully. "My harp is in my flet."
"Here," and reaching into the corner he produced a lute, which had no doubt been placed there for the occasion. "This was my Ada's. Aunt Ethuil always loved it when he played it for her. Are you not skilled with it as well?"
"Yes," I answered, "Though not quite so much as with the harp."
"That does not matter," he handed the lute to me. "She will love anything you play."
"I doubt that," I muttered under my breath before heading into the other room.
"Ah Elenwen!" Orophin called to me jovial. "I see you have Ada's old lute. Are you to entertain us with one of your sprightly songs?"
"Elenwen is quite the musician," Rumil said, leaning closer to Ethuil. Hirien clapped her hands in delight, while the other elleth's face soured. I was vaguely aware of Haldir's presence behind me, leaning against the doorway. With a sigh I seated myself upon a bench in front of everyone and began to play. The tune was light and airy. I had composed it while watching some elflings frolic in a flowered glade. It reminded me of their silly antics and carefree ways, something I had not known in a while. When I had finished applause filled the room, though Ethuil was less enthusiastic. I stood and bowed in thanks, glad to have made it through the song mistake free.
"Oh that was wonderful!" Hirien exclaimed. "Wasn't it Naneth?"
"I've heard better," she said, her eyes meeting mine. I dropped my gaze, feeling my confidence lessen for the first time that evening.
Elleth: Female elf
Naneth: Mother
Meleth nin: My love
