Alright, I don't own tolkien's characters or anything else except my
own.
Chapter 5: Secrets Unveiled
Cuephel watched as Taraancaiel tossed and turned in her bed in the healing wing. He had brought her there as fast as he could, just like his father had told him, and he was anxiously watching the head healer pour some steaming liquid down the lady's throat.
"Will she be alright?" he asked when the healer had finished. "Is she going to die?"
"Nay, she will be fine, Prince Cuephel," the elven-healer replied. "You seemed to have gotten her here just in time. The anti poison we gave her should start to take affect in about a half hour." The healer looked down at the elf-maiden, who was still rolling and thrashing madly in her sleep, and pitied her. "Poor thing," he added. "Those cursed spiders should all be killed. I have at least one spider injury to deal with every week." He nodded respectfully to Cuephel, then left the room. Cuephel gazed at Taraancaiel and noticed she had tears streaming down her flushed face. He moved toward her bed and reached down, intending to wipe them away, when she lashed out and grabbed him around the wrist. He recoiled with surprise, but her slender hand held fast to his wrist, and he found he could not escape her surprisingly strong grasp.
"Keep away from him, you monster!" he heard her cry, even though she slept fast. "Don't you dare harm him!" Cuephel watched Taraancaiel with terror in his grey eyes as he struggled to free his wrist from her.
"Please let go of me!" he said fearfully. "You.you're hurting me!" Taraancaiel continued to writh in her sleep and kicked the bedcovers off of her as Cuephel tried to wretch his wrist from her. She suddenly let go of him, a piercing scream escaping from her lips as she did. Cuephel went flying backwards and crashed into a wall, collapsing in a heap beside it. He thought for sure everyone in the palace must have heard that scream, then began to fear people might think he was hurting her. He quickly stood up, deciding to leave the maiden by herself and not risk getting in trouble, when he heard her say something again.
"Legolas." she whispered, tears flowing steadily from her eyes still as she slept. "I am sorry, so sorry.please.forgive me." Cuephel felt his blood boil as Taraancaiel uttered his brother's name. He could tell by the way she spoke that this was not her fever speaking through her. He turned around to face her, his fists clenched and fury flaring in his eyes.
"Legolas." he growled, spitting the name off his tongue in hate. He walked up to Taraancaiel and glared down at her in disgust. "Do not worry, my fair one," he said, his voice bittersweet and his face full of anger. "I will see to it you are not bothered by that...ruffian again. I would not want you to forget who you belong to." His face twisted into an insane grin and he turned around and left the room, laughing quietly to himself as he did.
Encirthion and Legolas were still outside of Thranduil's study when Cuephel stormed past them. He gave Legolas a cold glare as he walked by, then turned around quickly and continued to walk away. Legolas stared after his older brother, confusion on his face.
"What's his problem?" Encirthion asked, noticing Cuephel's odd behavior also. "He looked at you like you were an orc."
"I do not know," Legolas replied then looked suddenly at Encirthion. "I thought Cuephel was supposed to be looking after Taraancaiel," he said, the look of confusion increasing.
"He wouldn't have left her alone, would he?" Encirthion shrugged.
"I know not," he answered.
"Perhaps we should go and see if she's alright." Legolas shook his head slowly.
"Nay," he said quietly. "I would feel terrible having to look at her again when she was like that." Encirthion raised an eyebrow.
"Why?" he asked, staring down at Legolas. "If you can look at dead, mutilated orcs, you can surely look at a sick elf-maiden." Legolas shifted his weight from one foot to the other uncomfortably.
"I do not care about the orcs that are dead when I look at them," he answered. "But I do care about..wait." Legolas trailed off into silence and Encirthion smirked at him, something that greatly annoyed Legolas.
"Oh, I see," Encirthion said in a sing song voice, about to burst with laughter. "You do care about Taraancaiel, is that what you were going to say, brother?"
"No!" Legolas shouted, crossing his arms defensively. "I was simply going to say.er.she is.one of our people and I do not wish to see a member of our race hurt, that is all." Encirthion rolled his eyes.
"Come, Legolas" he said, dragging his brother by his arm. "What would Father say if he knew that we knew Lady Taraancaiel was alone in her illness, and we did nothing about it? That's what I thought, now come!" Encirthion dragged a very reluctant Legolas all the way up to the healing wing where he finally released him. They asked the healer where they would find Taraancaiel then slowly opened the door to her room. When they entered, Taraancaiel's fits had ceased and she laid unmoving and quiet on her bed in her white underdress, her bed sheets were lying on the floor.
Legolas immediately covered his eyes and flushed deep red, turning his back to the sleeping maiden.
"Encirthion, if someone comes in and sees us in here with her in her underclothing it might not be too good." Encirthion nodded, but couldn't help snickering at his brother a little.
"Well, what are you waiting for, cover her up!" he said, enjoying the panicked look Legolas had as he looked over at him.
"Me?" he asked shrilly, then covered his mouth to muffle his voice so as not to wake her. "Why must I do it? You're older!"
"Yea, but you're the one in love with her!" he said louder than he intended then broke into peals of laughter when he saw Legolas' horrified face.
"I am not!!!" Legolas shouted, losing his temper and tackling Encirthion then wrestling him to the floor. Encirthion collapsed to the floor, Legolas pinning his shoulders to hold him there. Encirthion continued to laugh, even though he was in a considerable amount of pain. "Take it back, Encirthion," Legolas growled, inches from his brother's face.
"I can not tell a lie, brother," Encirthion replied, then burst into fresh laughter. Legolas was about to completely lose control of his temper when a soft voice made him freeze suddenly.
"Ai, Valar, be quiet!" Encirthion and Legolas both jumped to their feet and looked down to see Taraancaiel wide awake, smiling weakly. "I thought I was going to have to get up and separate you two myself." Legolas quickly bent over and picked up the blankets on the floor and covered Taraancaiel, trying to keep his face from flushing as he did. "I'm glad you are here, Legolas." Encirthion stifled a snicker, causing Taraancaiel to give him a puzzled look and Legolas to shoot him a cold glare. He bit his lower lip and casually directed his gaze to the ceiling. Legolas focused his attention back on Taraancaiel and she continued to speak. "I am so sorry, Legolas." she said, closing her eyes. "I should have heeded your warning but I was careless and forced you as well as myself into danger. I was so worried..please, will you forgive me?"
"Of course I do, Lady Taraancaiel," Legolas replied, ignoring Encirthion's quiet sniggers. "Please do not blame yourself, it was I who put us into danger. I should not have taken you to see those monsters. If anyone should be asking for forgiveness, it should be me."
"Nay, you took me to see the spiders because I asked you," she retorted, gazing into his deep blue eyes. "And I am thankful you did. I still must admit their eyes were rather beautiful." Legolas rolled his eyes then smiled down at her. He rested his strong hand on her smaller one and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"Their eyes were dull and ugly compared to yours, my lady," Legolas said quietly, temporarily forgetting about Encirthion's presence. Taraancaiel blushed and looked down as Encirthion snorted with laughter once more.
"Your words are sweet, Prince Legolas," she replied. "As are you." Legolas smiled widely and tried not to meet Encirthion's gaze. Taraancaiel smiled shyly up at Legolas, a look he had never seen her possess, and he gingerly smoothed a piece of her long brown hair away from her face. It was silent for a while, except for Encirthion's occasional chuckles, when all of a sudden the door burst open, causing Legolas to jump and Encirthion to nearly fall over.
"Taraancaiel!" Lord Maiakatasaire cried, running to his daughter, nearly plowing over Legolas. "My daughter, I am so relieved you are alive!" Legolas noticed Aralondwen followed her father to her sister's bedside, and much to Legolas' dismay, so did his own father.
"Once again, I am terribly sorry, Lord Maikatasaire," Thranduil apologized, following Maikatasaire through the room. "I do not know how something like this could have happened." Lord Maikatatsaire ignored Thranduil and bent over his daughter, looking her over for serious injury.
"Father, I am fine," Taraancaiel assured Maikatasaire, pushing him away as she did. "'Twas only a little spider bite."
"Only a spider bite?" Maiakatasaire asked, staring at his daughter in disbelief. "Do you know how many people are killed by those wretched creatures? Do you know how close you almost came to being one of them?"
"Yes, but I am fine now, Father," she replied with a smile. "I am sorry I made you worry so, but now that you know I am alright, there is no need for me to be here anymore." Taraancaiel began to get out of her bed and Maikatasaire pushed her back down.
"I think not!" he exclaimed, a stern look on his face. "You are not moving from this room until the healer says you may. And I have other matters I wish to discuss with you." He gave her a strict look and she looked up at him in question.
"What is it, Father?" she asked, truly not knowing what he was talking about. Maikatasaire looked down at her then calmly pulled a very familiar bow from behind his back, anger filling his face. Taraancaiel stared at the bow, which she recognized as her own in horror. She looked at Legolas, eyes wide with disbelief. "You told my father?" she whispered, her voice quavering slightly. "How could you? I trusted you!" Legolas stared at Taraancaiel and shook his head.
"I didn't tell, I swore to you I wouldn't," he said, hurt that she would accuse him. "I didn't-"
"Legolas," Thranduil said angrily. "I thought I told you to stay out of the way? Can you not even do that? Get out of here this instant!" Legolas looked at his father and was sorry to see disappointment in his brown eyes. He slowly left the room, angry at himself once again for displeasing his father.
"I do not want that boy around either of my daughters anymore," Maikatasaire growled as soon as Legolas had left. "He is clearly a bad influence to them both, and he nearly killed my Taraancaiel."
"He didn't nearly kill me!" Taraancaiel shrieked, rising from her bed again. "He only took me to see the spiders because I forced him to! And if it weren't for him I'd be dead right now!"
"You have no right to speak right now," Maikatasaire said coldly, turning to his daughter. Taraancaiel closed her mouth and sank back onto her bed, a scowl on her face.
"Legolas is not at all like this, Lord," Thranduil said, defending his son. "I must admit he can be rather careless at times, but he would never hurt someone, and it is true that he did save your daughter's life." Maikatasaire glared at King Thranduil, and Thranduil glared back. Finally, Maikatasaire backed down.
"I am.sorry, your majesty," he said quietly, not looking at the King. "I meant no disrespect to you or the prince, I am just concerned for my daughters' well being, that is all."
"Yes, I understand," Thranduil replied, and bowed as he went for the door. "I will leave you now, Maikatasaire. Come Encirthion." Encirthion started when he heard his name. He had been talking quietly with Lady Aralondwen and he looked over at his father.
"Oh, yes, coming, Father," he said and walked to the door.
"Please allow Prince Encirthion to stay, your highness," Aralondwen said sweetly as Thranduil and his son went through the door. "He has been the most pleasant company I have had all day." Thranduil shot Aralondwen and Encirthion a questioning look then shrugged and left the room. Aralondwen and Encirthion went back to talking softly to each other and Maikatasaire turned to Tarancaiel. She looked up at her father fearlessly and spoke quietly.
"Who told you about my bow?" she asked, her eyes fixed on her weapon.
"That is not important," her father replied sternly. "You have been deliberately disobeying me, daughter. I do not know if it was that Legolas who put you up to using the bow, but you still used it against my wishes."
"Legolas did nothing wrong, Father," Taraancaiel said hotly, glaring up at her father. "Stop trying to blame what I did on someone else. Like King Thranduil said, he saved my life and should not be thought less of by you or anyone."
"Do not even tell me what to think," Maikatasaire snapped. "Finding out about your using a bow makes me realize just how unappreciative you truly are, Taraancaiel. How many marriage proposals have I tried to arrange for you already? And you've made up an excuse to not marry each one. Well, this is the last time, my daughter. You will marry Prince Cuephel, whether you like him or not." Taraancaiel stared at her father in horror.
"But Father!" she shouted, his words sinking into her. "Marriage is about love, not punishment!" Maikatasaire held up a hand for silence.
"I have spoken, Taraancaiel." Taraancaiel glared at her father for a moment then threw her face into her pillow and tried to fight back tears.
"I will not marry him, Father.I do not love him." she whispered bitterly as her father left the room. He turned around suddenly, hearing his daughter's voice, a look of pure anger on his face.
"You will marry Cuephel!" he roared. "And if you refuse to do as I tell you, I will strip you of your name and title and cast you away and never acknowledge you as my daughter again!" With those final words, Lord Maikatasaire stormed out of the room, his face purple with anger. Taraancaiel could no longer hold back the tears that were now burning her eyes and she began to sob hysterically into her pillow. Encirthion and Aralondwen looked on in shock as Maikatasaire left his eldest daughter in tears. Aralondwen quickly ran to her sister and tried to comfort her.
"Please do not cry, sister," she said, her voice calm and soothing. "It isn't so bad. I'm sure Cuephel will make a good husband, and just think, you'll get to live in the palace-"
"I don't love him, Aralondwen!" Taraancaiel screamed, tears almost blinding her. "You do not understand! You will never understand." Aralondwen hugged her sister gently, tears welling in her own eyes.
"Ai, Taraancaiel," she whispered, a sob escaping from her throat. "I am so sorry."
"You have done nothing, Aralondwen," Taraancaiel replied, her tears subsiding. "Do not apologize for my foolishness."
"No," Aralondwen said, beginning to shake with sobs. "It was I.I told Father about your bow.I am so sorry." Taraancaiel stared at her sister, not believing what she was hearing. Aralondwen and her were so close, they never did anything like this to each other. "I was so worried about you, Taraancaiel," Aralondwen explained. "Father asked me where you were and it slipped out. I know I always scolded you for using the bow, but you must believe me, I would never have told Father intentionally." Taraancaiel looked up at Aralondwen, sadness visible in her green eyes.
"Sister," she said softly. "Do you not remember how it feels? Do not tell me you do not miss Untilion, for I know you must. You were the best sword wielder in our land, no one, not even men could best you. I do not know how you could just give that up because Father said you must. I could never give up my bow, not even now." Tears streamed down Aralondwen's face and Encirthion placed a hand on her shoulder.
"You never told me this," he said gently. "Were you really that good, Aralondwen?" Aralondwen smiled and nodded.
"Yes," she answered, smiling up at the prince. "I loved my sword more than anything.I remember how hard it was to lock it away." Aralondwen suddenly turned to Taraancaiel and grinned. "You must really love him, sister." Taraancaiel's eyes widened at the change of subject.
"What?!" she screeched. "Love him?? Love who? I love no one, I am no man's master-"
"Oh come now," Aralondwen interrupted. "It is obvious you are in love with Prince Legolas. Why else would you be so upset about marrying Cuephel? I never remember hearing you talk of love before, sister." Taraancaiel scowled.
"I.don't..think I love him." she stuttered. "I must admit though, he is really brave and I enjoy his company. And he did save me from spiders. Ai, he-"
"See?" Aralondwen said, grinning widely. Encirthion smirked too as he watched the two maidens.
"No, I do not see," Taraancaiel said stubbornly. "Do not try to make things more complicated than they already are, Aralondwen." Aralondwen sighed and rolled her eyes.
"Of course not, sister," Aralondwen said and stood up as the dinner bell chimed. "Prince Encirthion and I will go fetch you dinner and return soon. Farewell, Taraancaiel." Taraancaiel nodded and Encirthion and Aralondwen left her room, arm in arm. She soon fell asleep, trying not to think about her troubles as she did.
Whew, that was a long chapter. Sorry about the boringness, I promise it's gonna get better! Ok, please review or email me at demoness33@hotmail.com I really appreciate the people who have already reviewed, thanx all, you're all awesome! Ok, next chapter's on the way.
Chapter 5: Secrets Unveiled
Cuephel watched as Taraancaiel tossed and turned in her bed in the healing wing. He had brought her there as fast as he could, just like his father had told him, and he was anxiously watching the head healer pour some steaming liquid down the lady's throat.
"Will she be alright?" he asked when the healer had finished. "Is she going to die?"
"Nay, she will be fine, Prince Cuephel," the elven-healer replied. "You seemed to have gotten her here just in time. The anti poison we gave her should start to take affect in about a half hour." The healer looked down at the elf-maiden, who was still rolling and thrashing madly in her sleep, and pitied her. "Poor thing," he added. "Those cursed spiders should all be killed. I have at least one spider injury to deal with every week." He nodded respectfully to Cuephel, then left the room. Cuephel gazed at Taraancaiel and noticed she had tears streaming down her flushed face. He moved toward her bed and reached down, intending to wipe them away, when she lashed out and grabbed him around the wrist. He recoiled with surprise, but her slender hand held fast to his wrist, and he found he could not escape her surprisingly strong grasp.
"Keep away from him, you monster!" he heard her cry, even though she slept fast. "Don't you dare harm him!" Cuephel watched Taraancaiel with terror in his grey eyes as he struggled to free his wrist from her.
"Please let go of me!" he said fearfully. "You.you're hurting me!" Taraancaiel continued to writh in her sleep and kicked the bedcovers off of her as Cuephel tried to wretch his wrist from her. She suddenly let go of him, a piercing scream escaping from her lips as she did. Cuephel went flying backwards and crashed into a wall, collapsing in a heap beside it. He thought for sure everyone in the palace must have heard that scream, then began to fear people might think he was hurting her. He quickly stood up, deciding to leave the maiden by herself and not risk getting in trouble, when he heard her say something again.
"Legolas." she whispered, tears flowing steadily from her eyes still as she slept. "I am sorry, so sorry.please.forgive me." Cuephel felt his blood boil as Taraancaiel uttered his brother's name. He could tell by the way she spoke that this was not her fever speaking through her. He turned around to face her, his fists clenched and fury flaring in his eyes.
"Legolas." he growled, spitting the name off his tongue in hate. He walked up to Taraancaiel and glared down at her in disgust. "Do not worry, my fair one," he said, his voice bittersweet and his face full of anger. "I will see to it you are not bothered by that...ruffian again. I would not want you to forget who you belong to." His face twisted into an insane grin and he turned around and left the room, laughing quietly to himself as he did.
Encirthion and Legolas were still outside of Thranduil's study when Cuephel stormed past them. He gave Legolas a cold glare as he walked by, then turned around quickly and continued to walk away. Legolas stared after his older brother, confusion on his face.
"What's his problem?" Encirthion asked, noticing Cuephel's odd behavior also. "He looked at you like you were an orc."
"I do not know," Legolas replied then looked suddenly at Encirthion. "I thought Cuephel was supposed to be looking after Taraancaiel," he said, the look of confusion increasing.
"He wouldn't have left her alone, would he?" Encirthion shrugged.
"I know not," he answered.
"Perhaps we should go and see if she's alright." Legolas shook his head slowly.
"Nay," he said quietly. "I would feel terrible having to look at her again when she was like that." Encirthion raised an eyebrow.
"Why?" he asked, staring down at Legolas. "If you can look at dead, mutilated orcs, you can surely look at a sick elf-maiden." Legolas shifted his weight from one foot to the other uncomfortably.
"I do not care about the orcs that are dead when I look at them," he answered. "But I do care about..wait." Legolas trailed off into silence and Encirthion smirked at him, something that greatly annoyed Legolas.
"Oh, I see," Encirthion said in a sing song voice, about to burst with laughter. "You do care about Taraancaiel, is that what you were going to say, brother?"
"No!" Legolas shouted, crossing his arms defensively. "I was simply going to say.er.she is.one of our people and I do not wish to see a member of our race hurt, that is all." Encirthion rolled his eyes.
"Come, Legolas" he said, dragging his brother by his arm. "What would Father say if he knew that we knew Lady Taraancaiel was alone in her illness, and we did nothing about it? That's what I thought, now come!" Encirthion dragged a very reluctant Legolas all the way up to the healing wing where he finally released him. They asked the healer where they would find Taraancaiel then slowly opened the door to her room. When they entered, Taraancaiel's fits had ceased and she laid unmoving and quiet on her bed in her white underdress, her bed sheets were lying on the floor.
Legolas immediately covered his eyes and flushed deep red, turning his back to the sleeping maiden.
"Encirthion, if someone comes in and sees us in here with her in her underclothing it might not be too good." Encirthion nodded, but couldn't help snickering at his brother a little.
"Well, what are you waiting for, cover her up!" he said, enjoying the panicked look Legolas had as he looked over at him.
"Me?" he asked shrilly, then covered his mouth to muffle his voice so as not to wake her. "Why must I do it? You're older!"
"Yea, but you're the one in love with her!" he said louder than he intended then broke into peals of laughter when he saw Legolas' horrified face.
"I am not!!!" Legolas shouted, losing his temper and tackling Encirthion then wrestling him to the floor. Encirthion collapsed to the floor, Legolas pinning his shoulders to hold him there. Encirthion continued to laugh, even though he was in a considerable amount of pain. "Take it back, Encirthion," Legolas growled, inches from his brother's face.
"I can not tell a lie, brother," Encirthion replied, then burst into fresh laughter. Legolas was about to completely lose control of his temper when a soft voice made him freeze suddenly.
"Ai, Valar, be quiet!" Encirthion and Legolas both jumped to their feet and looked down to see Taraancaiel wide awake, smiling weakly. "I thought I was going to have to get up and separate you two myself." Legolas quickly bent over and picked up the blankets on the floor and covered Taraancaiel, trying to keep his face from flushing as he did. "I'm glad you are here, Legolas." Encirthion stifled a snicker, causing Taraancaiel to give him a puzzled look and Legolas to shoot him a cold glare. He bit his lower lip and casually directed his gaze to the ceiling. Legolas focused his attention back on Taraancaiel and she continued to speak. "I am so sorry, Legolas." she said, closing her eyes. "I should have heeded your warning but I was careless and forced you as well as myself into danger. I was so worried..please, will you forgive me?"
"Of course I do, Lady Taraancaiel," Legolas replied, ignoring Encirthion's quiet sniggers. "Please do not blame yourself, it was I who put us into danger. I should not have taken you to see those monsters. If anyone should be asking for forgiveness, it should be me."
"Nay, you took me to see the spiders because I asked you," she retorted, gazing into his deep blue eyes. "And I am thankful you did. I still must admit their eyes were rather beautiful." Legolas rolled his eyes then smiled down at her. He rested his strong hand on her smaller one and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"Their eyes were dull and ugly compared to yours, my lady," Legolas said quietly, temporarily forgetting about Encirthion's presence. Taraancaiel blushed and looked down as Encirthion snorted with laughter once more.
"Your words are sweet, Prince Legolas," she replied. "As are you." Legolas smiled widely and tried not to meet Encirthion's gaze. Taraancaiel smiled shyly up at Legolas, a look he had never seen her possess, and he gingerly smoothed a piece of her long brown hair away from her face. It was silent for a while, except for Encirthion's occasional chuckles, when all of a sudden the door burst open, causing Legolas to jump and Encirthion to nearly fall over.
"Taraancaiel!" Lord Maiakatasaire cried, running to his daughter, nearly plowing over Legolas. "My daughter, I am so relieved you are alive!" Legolas noticed Aralondwen followed her father to her sister's bedside, and much to Legolas' dismay, so did his own father.
"Once again, I am terribly sorry, Lord Maikatasaire," Thranduil apologized, following Maikatasaire through the room. "I do not know how something like this could have happened." Lord Maikatatsaire ignored Thranduil and bent over his daughter, looking her over for serious injury.
"Father, I am fine," Taraancaiel assured Maikatasaire, pushing him away as she did. "'Twas only a little spider bite."
"Only a spider bite?" Maiakatasaire asked, staring at his daughter in disbelief. "Do you know how many people are killed by those wretched creatures? Do you know how close you almost came to being one of them?"
"Yes, but I am fine now, Father," she replied with a smile. "I am sorry I made you worry so, but now that you know I am alright, there is no need for me to be here anymore." Taraancaiel began to get out of her bed and Maikatasaire pushed her back down.
"I think not!" he exclaimed, a stern look on his face. "You are not moving from this room until the healer says you may. And I have other matters I wish to discuss with you." He gave her a strict look and she looked up at him in question.
"What is it, Father?" she asked, truly not knowing what he was talking about. Maikatasaire looked down at her then calmly pulled a very familiar bow from behind his back, anger filling his face. Taraancaiel stared at the bow, which she recognized as her own in horror. She looked at Legolas, eyes wide with disbelief. "You told my father?" she whispered, her voice quavering slightly. "How could you? I trusted you!" Legolas stared at Taraancaiel and shook his head.
"I didn't tell, I swore to you I wouldn't," he said, hurt that she would accuse him. "I didn't-"
"Legolas," Thranduil said angrily. "I thought I told you to stay out of the way? Can you not even do that? Get out of here this instant!" Legolas looked at his father and was sorry to see disappointment in his brown eyes. He slowly left the room, angry at himself once again for displeasing his father.
"I do not want that boy around either of my daughters anymore," Maikatasaire growled as soon as Legolas had left. "He is clearly a bad influence to them both, and he nearly killed my Taraancaiel."
"He didn't nearly kill me!" Taraancaiel shrieked, rising from her bed again. "He only took me to see the spiders because I forced him to! And if it weren't for him I'd be dead right now!"
"You have no right to speak right now," Maikatasaire said coldly, turning to his daughter. Taraancaiel closed her mouth and sank back onto her bed, a scowl on her face.
"Legolas is not at all like this, Lord," Thranduil said, defending his son. "I must admit he can be rather careless at times, but he would never hurt someone, and it is true that he did save your daughter's life." Maikatasaire glared at King Thranduil, and Thranduil glared back. Finally, Maikatasaire backed down.
"I am.sorry, your majesty," he said quietly, not looking at the King. "I meant no disrespect to you or the prince, I am just concerned for my daughters' well being, that is all."
"Yes, I understand," Thranduil replied, and bowed as he went for the door. "I will leave you now, Maikatasaire. Come Encirthion." Encirthion started when he heard his name. He had been talking quietly with Lady Aralondwen and he looked over at his father.
"Oh, yes, coming, Father," he said and walked to the door.
"Please allow Prince Encirthion to stay, your highness," Aralondwen said sweetly as Thranduil and his son went through the door. "He has been the most pleasant company I have had all day." Thranduil shot Aralondwen and Encirthion a questioning look then shrugged and left the room. Aralondwen and Encirthion went back to talking softly to each other and Maikatasaire turned to Tarancaiel. She looked up at her father fearlessly and spoke quietly.
"Who told you about my bow?" she asked, her eyes fixed on her weapon.
"That is not important," her father replied sternly. "You have been deliberately disobeying me, daughter. I do not know if it was that Legolas who put you up to using the bow, but you still used it against my wishes."
"Legolas did nothing wrong, Father," Taraancaiel said hotly, glaring up at her father. "Stop trying to blame what I did on someone else. Like King Thranduil said, he saved my life and should not be thought less of by you or anyone."
"Do not even tell me what to think," Maikatasaire snapped. "Finding out about your using a bow makes me realize just how unappreciative you truly are, Taraancaiel. How many marriage proposals have I tried to arrange for you already? And you've made up an excuse to not marry each one. Well, this is the last time, my daughter. You will marry Prince Cuephel, whether you like him or not." Taraancaiel stared at her father in horror.
"But Father!" she shouted, his words sinking into her. "Marriage is about love, not punishment!" Maikatasaire held up a hand for silence.
"I have spoken, Taraancaiel." Taraancaiel glared at her father for a moment then threw her face into her pillow and tried to fight back tears.
"I will not marry him, Father.I do not love him." she whispered bitterly as her father left the room. He turned around suddenly, hearing his daughter's voice, a look of pure anger on his face.
"You will marry Cuephel!" he roared. "And if you refuse to do as I tell you, I will strip you of your name and title and cast you away and never acknowledge you as my daughter again!" With those final words, Lord Maikatasaire stormed out of the room, his face purple with anger. Taraancaiel could no longer hold back the tears that were now burning her eyes and she began to sob hysterically into her pillow. Encirthion and Aralondwen looked on in shock as Maikatasaire left his eldest daughter in tears. Aralondwen quickly ran to her sister and tried to comfort her.
"Please do not cry, sister," she said, her voice calm and soothing. "It isn't so bad. I'm sure Cuephel will make a good husband, and just think, you'll get to live in the palace-"
"I don't love him, Aralondwen!" Taraancaiel screamed, tears almost blinding her. "You do not understand! You will never understand." Aralondwen hugged her sister gently, tears welling in her own eyes.
"Ai, Taraancaiel," she whispered, a sob escaping from her throat. "I am so sorry."
"You have done nothing, Aralondwen," Taraancaiel replied, her tears subsiding. "Do not apologize for my foolishness."
"No," Aralondwen said, beginning to shake with sobs. "It was I.I told Father about your bow.I am so sorry." Taraancaiel stared at her sister, not believing what she was hearing. Aralondwen and her were so close, they never did anything like this to each other. "I was so worried about you, Taraancaiel," Aralondwen explained. "Father asked me where you were and it slipped out. I know I always scolded you for using the bow, but you must believe me, I would never have told Father intentionally." Taraancaiel looked up at Aralondwen, sadness visible in her green eyes.
"Sister," she said softly. "Do you not remember how it feels? Do not tell me you do not miss Untilion, for I know you must. You were the best sword wielder in our land, no one, not even men could best you. I do not know how you could just give that up because Father said you must. I could never give up my bow, not even now." Tears streamed down Aralondwen's face and Encirthion placed a hand on her shoulder.
"You never told me this," he said gently. "Were you really that good, Aralondwen?" Aralondwen smiled and nodded.
"Yes," she answered, smiling up at the prince. "I loved my sword more than anything.I remember how hard it was to lock it away." Aralondwen suddenly turned to Taraancaiel and grinned. "You must really love him, sister." Taraancaiel's eyes widened at the change of subject.
"What?!" she screeched. "Love him?? Love who? I love no one, I am no man's master-"
"Oh come now," Aralondwen interrupted. "It is obvious you are in love with Prince Legolas. Why else would you be so upset about marrying Cuephel? I never remember hearing you talk of love before, sister." Taraancaiel scowled.
"I.don't..think I love him." she stuttered. "I must admit though, he is really brave and I enjoy his company. And he did save me from spiders. Ai, he-"
"See?" Aralondwen said, grinning widely. Encirthion smirked too as he watched the two maidens.
"No, I do not see," Taraancaiel said stubbornly. "Do not try to make things more complicated than they already are, Aralondwen." Aralondwen sighed and rolled her eyes.
"Of course not, sister," Aralondwen said and stood up as the dinner bell chimed. "Prince Encirthion and I will go fetch you dinner and return soon. Farewell, Taraancaiel." Taraancaiel nodded and Encirthion and Aralondwen left her room, arm in arm. She soon fell asleep, trying not to think about her troubles as she did.
Whew, that was a long chapter. Sorry about the boringness, I promise it's gonna get better! Ok, please review or email me at demoness33@hotmail.com I really appreciate the people who have already reviewed, thanx all, you're all awesome! Ok, next chapter's on the way.