Thranduil carefully adjusted his sky blue robes. Everything was in place for tonight. The king had only to finish preparing himself and all would be ready. The golden haired elf smiled softly. It did him good to hear the sound of merriment from below. At least his people could remember how to rejoice in simple things. Spring was coming, and the elves would mark the occurrence tonight.
Striding out of his chambers, Thranduil made his way through the palace until he reached the ballroom doors. Rather than enter with a loud announcement, the king chose to come in quietly. He enjoyed the chance to walk amongst his people without feeling awkward, and it did not happen very frequently.
Within the great hall the elves of Greenwood laughed, talked, danced, ate, drank, and generally enjoyed themselves to the fullest.
A tall elf standing nearby caught Thranduil's attention. Ah. Elalkar. The king started to move in the other lord's direction. Elalkar suddenly moved to the side, and Thranduil froze, momentarily struck dumb.
Beside Elalkar stood his lady wife…and Elenlor. The elf maid's hair was bound back so that it did not fall forward, but rather spilled over her shoulders. Small white flowers formed the traditional crown for maidens that were unwed and unpromised.
Thranduil felt his feet move forward of their own volition. Well, this certainly made his night…
Another elf stepped from the crowd and bowed to Elalkar.
The Elvenking felt his heart crash into his stomach. If seeing Elenlor made his night, seeing this elf absolutely ruined it. Especially since it seemed that he was asking Elalkar's daughter to dance.
The elf glanced sideways and caught sight of the fair king. He smiled mockingly before turning his gaze back to the lovely elf maid.
Saurna. At first glance, it would be incredibly easy to mistake the elf for the king. Their features were remarkably similar. Hair the same shade and worn in the same style. Eyes the same green of Mirkwood's first leaves. But there was a coldness to Saurna that had never clung to Thranduil. More than that, there was arrogance. Saurna's father had been a general in Oropher's army…and he had died on the slopes of Mt. Doom, along with many wood elves. After the death of her husband, Saurna's mother nearly succumbed to grief, and had, for the most part, left the then quite young elf to more or less raise himself. The only thing she had truly seen to was making sure that he always had anything his heart desired, and as a result, he had grown to believe that he was better than all he surveyed. Nothing was good enough for him…and he considered himself to be above all rules. This did not sit well with Thranduil. Already, there were tales circulating through the court regarding his scandalous behavior. His family took notice of him at last…but too late. He would not be curtailed, nor controlled. Mothers warned their daughters away from him, and yet it seemed that no maiden was free from his groping fingers. Not that he was doing anything overtly licentious, but Thranduil wondered what happened when the eye of the court was not upon him, for he saw the openly greedy, lustful look that would cross the upstart's face as he gazed at the elf maidens. He was also quick to notice how many of them drew back in disgust when he approached. The fair king felt his fingers close into tight fists as he remembered the look of fear he had seen in Elenlor's eyes.
What was Saurna doing when not in the public view? What had he done to Elenlor?
He saw the lovely maid's face pale considerably as the elf held out his hand toward her. The Elvenking listened intently for her reply…
"No. I mean…that is, I cannot," Elenlor fumbled, nearly taking a step back from Saurna.
Saurna's eyes darkened and he opened his mouth to retort…
"Indeed," Thranduil interrupted smoothly as he strode up to the elf maid and placed himself between her and Saurna. "She cannot except your offer for she has already promised me the first dance." He smiled down at her, noticing with pleasure the way she smiled back, relief written all over her face.
"Of course, sire." She placed her hand in his and allowed him to lead her towards the dance floor.
Thranduil felt the way her fingers trembled and his face grew grim. How had Saurna frightened her so badly? He tightened his grip slightly, squeezing her slim hand in reassurance. Elenlor's answering smile was rather distracted, her eyes flitting back over her shoulder warily, as though she suspected Saurna to follow them.
The two stepped into the dance with ease, their feet tripping gracefully in time to the merry music. Elenlor's worries seemed to fade as she spun through the complicated steps. Her hair almost floated around her and her eyes brightened. Laughter tugged at the corners of her mouth.
Thranduil felt his own mouth tip as he gazed at her. Her joy was infectious. He nearly forgot the fear he had seen cling to her only moments before. Unfortunately, the Elvenking soon remembered that he should focus on the dance, and not his partner.
The dance was incredibly difficult, designed so that even elven feet would have a hard time not tripping. Each spring it was performed, mostly for young couples soon to be wed. There was a long-standing joke that if you lost your footing, your eyes were obviously not on your feet but on your partner. Every year, someone would trip, and they would have to endure the ribbing that followed.
To his dismay, Thranduil felt his foot come down on what he knew immediately to be the wrong note. He tried to correct his mistake, but it was too late. To the sound of laughter, the fair king soon found himself sprawled on the floor, his face turning red. Quickly, he regained his feet, smiling ruefully as the other dancers teased and giggled.
"Please it your majesty that we continue?" One of the musicians asked, his eyes twinkling and his mouth twitching as he struggled not to smile.
"Of course," Thranduil managed with all the grace he could muster. He smiled somewhat shamefacedly at his partner, all too aware of the murmurs that rose from the elves around him. Splendid. Now wild rumors would have him and the Lady Elenlor betrothed before the evening was through. Elenlor did not seem to notice. Her laughter was sweet without a hint of mockery.
The Elvenking felt the flush recede slightly and his smile softened to almost a grin. Taking her hand, he followed her light steps back into the dance, resolving to pay more attention to his own feet.
0-0-0-0
Elalkar watched with growing satisfaction as his daughter danced with his king. This was to his liking. He knew Thranduil to be a good elf, and a good king, despite what others said.
The elf's dark eyes flashed angrily as they lighted on Saurna. Not knowing that he was repeating Thranduil's thoughts of earlier, he reflected on how many attributes the young elf shared with Mirkwood's spiders.
Elalkar ground his teeth together slightly as he noticed Saurna's eyes were fastened on Elenlor, his gaze lascivious. It was all he could do to prevent himself from marching over and 'requesting' that the elf turn his face away. Of course, this request would come in the form of several blows…
A light hand on his arm brought him out of his violent thoughts. He turned his head to see his wife gazing at him anxiously. He forced a smile for her benefit.
So very like Elenlor she was…at least in physical appearance. The unusual gold of her hair stood out amidst the wood elves, for she was related to the folk of Lorien. Only Elenlor had inherited her mother's hair. All his other children resembled him.
"What troubles you, meleth nin?" She asked quietly, her worried eyes traveling over his face.
"Nothing," Elalkar answered a little too quickly. He could see at once that she did not believe him. He never had been able to hide anything from her.
"Elalkar…"
The raven-haired elf sighed softly. "There." With a slight tilt of his head, he indicated where his wife should look. "It is him."
Hirilor turned, following his gaze, until her eyes rested on one of the few golden haired elves in the hall. Saurna. Her eyes darkened almost imperceptibly as she beheld the object of her husband's animosity. She knew how much Elalkar loathed the elf, and the reasons why. Her feelings were very like his in that regard.
"Orch," she spat nastily. "Ungol." Hirilor saw whom Saurna's eyes rested upon and a delicate flush started to spread over her lovely features. "That…" Elalkar quickly caught her arm as she started to move forwards.
"Hirilor! Daro!" Though she halted at her husband's command, she shot him a questioning glare. Elalkar shared her frustration. "He has not done anything. To make a scene would only reflect badly on ourselves, and embarrass the king."
Hirilor acquiesced with a curt nod, but her eyes still flashed angrily. "He has no right to look on her like that."
Elalkar chuckled without any real humor. "One cannot confront him for a 'look', meleth nin."
"No," she agreed as she pulled her arm from her husband's grasp. "One cannot. Therefore, I will speak to his mother."
0-0-0-0
Hirilor made her way through the crowded hall with a determined stride. Catching sight of the Lady Anguirel, she squared her slim shoulders and drew a deep breath, as though preparing for battle. She knew that it might not be far from the truth. The elderly elf woman had long been reputed for her strong will and fierce protectiveness of her children. But then, much had changed in the past few centuries. The once proud shoulders of the Lady were slumped, her dark hair woven through with the black flowers of mourning. Her eyes were the gray of the metal she was named for, but the stars had faded from her gaze.
Anguirel had been a firm, steely matriarch to her elder children, but with the death of her husband the strength had left her. She seemed to float through life, taking no interest in her surroundings or even her youngest son as her grief consumed her. So it was that Saurna had grown being allowed to do almost whatever he wished. Hirilor could sympathize with Anguirel, and indeed, as she saw the drawn face of one who had been so happy and proud, she felt a deep compassion for the elf woman. It was very publicly known that Anguirel remained only because Saurna had not yet left her house as his elder siblings had. She was waiting for him to grow up so that she could leave for the healing of Valinor.
Unfortunately, given the manner of his raising, he was not in a hurry to grow up. He seemed quite content to remain as he was; a spoilt, selfish youth hiding behind his mother's skirts and his family's reputation.
The thought of Saurna made Hirilor stiffen her lips and plunge forward. She did feel compassion for Anguirel, but that did not mean she would allow her own child to suffer because of the other woman's son.
"Anguirel," Hirilor laid a hand on the elder woman's arm, catching her attention. As the stately elf turned her sad eyes towards her, Elenlor's mother fixed her with a stern gaze. "I would speak with you. On the matter of your son."
Instantly, Anguirel's face fell, and Hirilor had to force herself to continue. "It has come to my attention that he has been… 'bothering'…some of the young people as of late." She had bitten her tongue at the last moment and said 'young people' instead of 'maidens' as was the case.
"He is young," Anguirel said plaintively, her eyes pleading with Hirilor to let the matter drop. "He will outgrow his ways soon."
"He is grown," Hirilor answered somewhat coldly, remembering the gaze he had thrown at her daughter. "And past the age of accountability. I do not wish to seem harsh, but neither do I wish him to upset Elenlor…some of our other young ones."
"I will speak with him," the elder elf lowered her eyes to the floor, tears pooling in them. Hirilor's heart misgave her, for she was tender despite her forthcoming manner. She remembered Anguirel of old and her eyes softened in compassion as she saw a tear slip down the woman's face.
"I am sorry," the elf woman wiped her steel gray eyes hastily. "It is just…I am so tired, Hirilor." She looked up, and the fair-haired elf saw the weariness that Anguirel tried so hard to hide, with less and less success as time went on. "I do not have the strength to deal with him as I should. I can only hope that he will see that what he does is wrong and will change."
Hirilor bit her lip. Saurna had needed a firm hand years ago; in fact, he still needed it now. But she knew that Anguirel told the truth. The elf woman had neglected her duty to her son while she was blinded by grief, and now that she could see, she was too spent to put any effort into changing him.
The fair-haired elf turned and strode back to her husband, a scowl creasing her forehead. All this was true. But that did not mean that she had to like it.
0-0-0-0
Thranduil led Elenlor from the floor as the dance ended, deliberately moving away from the position where Saurna was standing. For some reason he could not fathom, the very thought of Saurna coming near Elenlor was repugnant to him.
Unfortunately, his move was anticipated.
Elenlor stiffened slightly against Thranduil's side, and he looked up sharply to see her antagonist sliding through the press of elves toward them. Unconsciously, he tightened his grip reassuringly around her slender fingers.
"Hir nin," Elenlor looked up at him, her eyes wide and pleading, desperately searching for words. "I…that is…would you…" Her gaze flicked over her shoulder for a moment and he noticed a real fear take hold of her as she saw Saurna draw near. "I would very much like to see the palace gardens," she almost blurted out. "Would you be so kind as to escort me?" Having managed to speak the request, a wave of red surged up over her face at her daring.
"Certainly," Thranduil answered casually, wishing to save her further embarrassment. Swiftly, he changed direction, leading her away from the dance and the crowd of wood elves. A small smile pulled at the corners of his mouth. Well, if the gossipmongers hadn't had enough material from the evening, they certainly would now…
The smile died as he looked down at Elenlor. Her cheeks were still bright red, and her eyes downcast. His mouth hardened into a grim line. What had Saurna done that had frightened her so badly?
0-0-0-0
Elenlor felt as though she could die of shame. What had she been thinking? Better to suffer Saurna's company than to be so…bold. Now she was on her way to the gardens with the king, no less. What must he think of her? She dared a glance up at him and almost wilted.
His mouth was set into an unbending line, his eyes cold. Was he upset that she had asked him to escort her? Of course he was. He was the king. He had better things to do than lead around foolish elfmaids. She noticed several other elf women watching him as they departed the hall and it made her squirm even more. What if he had had a previous engagement with one of them…? She swiftly banished the thought, unwilling to consider it. For some reason, it disturbed her to think of him with another.
Well, when they reached the gardens, she would release him. She knew the way to her father's home from the palace…she would leave, go home…and never attend another celebration as long as she lived! Her sisters had eagerly looked forward to the time when they would be allowed to attend. She had pretended to…but in reality, she had dreaded this night.
"Is something wrong, hiril nin?"
Startled Elenlor looked up to see the king gazing down at her with concern. "Of course not, your majesty." That was not exactly true, but then she couldn't really tell him what was going through her head. After all, what would she say? 'A young elf of a distinguished family makes me uneasy every time he looks at me? Do you think you could exile him or something for that?'
Something told her that would not go over too well. "I thank you for your concern, Sire," she said softly.
The king did not seem content with that answer, but he kept his silence and did not press her.
Elenlor relaxed as they strode down the moonlit paths. The gardens were indeed beautiful. After the noise of the ballroom, the quiet of the outdoors was even more welcome to her than normal. For a few moments, she was able to forget her original purpose in quitting the crowded hall. Saurna faded to the back of her mind as though he had never existed.
"Do they please you?"
"Hmmm?" Elenlor turned her face up towards the Elvenking, unaware of the sparkle that lit her eyes. In truth, she had almost forgotten his presence as well; she was so enchanted by the fragile beauty that surrounded her.
Thranduil grinned. "The gardens." One hand moved in an all-encompassing gesture. "Do they please you?"
"Oh! Oh yes." A smile curled the corners of her lips as she saw his grin. "Are you laughing at me, your highness?"
"Nay, Lady," The Elvenking said innocently, though his eyes told another story.
"You are trying to deceive me, hir nin. It is most unfitting a king." Elenlor blushed as the playful words left her tongue and looked down swiftly at her feet, hoping that Thranduil would not take offence at her teasing. To her relief, she heard him chuckle, and it heartened her enough to shyly meet his gaze and smile for a moment, before returning her attention back to the gardens.
The two fell into a comfortable silence for several minutes. They walked through the moonlit paths of the gardens slowly, simply enjoying the peace and quiet without the need to spoil it with words.
Thranduil realized with a start that they had been absent from the ball for nearly an hour. He sighed grimly. Though he did not wish to return as of yet, he should escort Elenlor back to her parents' side before the gossipers of his court had completely ruined her reputation… "Are you ready?"
"Ready?" Elenlor repeated blankly, turning her blue eyes toward him.
"To return. Your parents are most likely wondering where I have spirited their daughter off to, and of course you would like to enjoy the dance…"
An astonishing change swept over the elf maid at his words. The peaceful tranquility that had moments ago wrapped itself around her was torn into shreds with an almost audible ripping sound. The color faded from her cheeks, and her eyes widened in alarm.
"Actually," she stammered. "I believe I have had my fill of dancing this night. I think that I shall go home."
Thranduil was slightly stunned. Had her fill of dancing? "But you only danced the one…"
"Really," she interrupted, her voice nervous. "I wish to go home. Thank you for allowing me to view your gardens, Sire. I bid you good night."
Before the fair elf could react to this sudden statement, Elenlor released his arm and swiftly began to walk away. She had almost reached the other end of the garden before what she had said truly sunk in. "Hiril Elenlor! Daro!"
The maiden did as she was commanded…reluctantly. The Elvenking could see that much as he strode towards her. She was clearly anxious to be away. "If you insist on departing, at least let me walk you home. It is not safe to go on your own." With those words, he extended his hand to her, letting her know that though his words were in the form of a request, he would not brook with a refusal.
Elenlor hesitated for one moment, then sighed and took the offered hand. A warm glow spread through her at his touch and she felt her cheeks heat as an automatic response to his kindness.
Ruthlessly, she pushed such feelings away and would not meet her escort's eyes. She feared what he would read within her gaze, when she knew that he was the king and therefore not likely to be interested in a young elleth who had only just attended her first ball.
They made the short walk to her home in silence, and upon arriving, Elenlor dropped a quick curtsy, mumbled, "Good night", and disappeared into the dwelling without a backward glance. Thranduil stood staring after her for several long moments, then heaved a disappointed sigh and slowly turned back toward his palace. He did not see the pair of bright blue eyes that appeared at the upper window so that their owner could watch him until he was out of sight, nor hear the soft sigh that echoed his own.
0-0-0-0
Meleth nin- My loveOrch-orc
Ungol-Spider
Hir nin- my lord
Hiril nin- My lady
Hiril Elenlor! Daro!- Lady Elenlor! Stop!
0-0-0-0