Disclaimer: See prologue/chapter 1

Chapter 10

Feast

Katherine felt herself being gently shaken awake by soft hands. She gave a small groan, her headache doubling in it's intensity.

"Milady... Milady, wake up. It is near time for dinner, and you have yet to bathe and dress..." said a maternal voice, laced with the sternness of a mother chiding their child.

"Lady Mariel?" she asked, rolling over and sitting up, rubbing the hour or so of sleep from her tired eyes.

"Aye milady." the she-elf answered, giving her a smile.

Katherine took a moment to gaze at the woman standing beside her bed. She was a little taller than herself, with long thick dark brown hair twisted up in a bun. Midnight blue eyes glittered with just as much warmth as the full lips that were turned up in a gracious smile. She immediately realized how what Legolas said about Mariel treating her as a daughter was true. The warm loving aura that surrounded the she-elf gave Katherine a sense that she was safe and with someone she had known forever.

"Come now, we must get you bathed and dressed before the Prince comes to escort you to the evening meal..." she reprimanded lightly, going into the lavish bathing room to draw her bath.

Katherine got off the warm bed, her bare feet immediately feeling cold as they touched the stone floor. Luckily, there were expertly woven rugs to stand on before Mariel called her inside.

There was a sunken circular tub in the middle of the room, filled nearly to the brim with steaming water and bubbles that permeated the warm air with the scent of wild flowers. Mariel was just setting the blue silk robe and towel upon a chair near the tub when she entered.

The unease about being undressed in front of this stranger suddenly began to return. Her hands rested on the neck of her shirt, reluctant.

Mariel, having had a hurried word with Legolas beforehand, was forewarned about how she might be uncomfortable with the situation.

"Elves are not modest about their bodies, milady. You have no reason to feel shy or worried." she said, beckoning her closer.

After a little more coaxing, she had finally shed her clothes, gotten into the foamy water, and allowed Mariel to wash her hair.

"Legolas told me that you've known him since he was born?" Katherine asked to breake the silence, stepping out of the tub and drying her body with the towel that was handed to her.

Mariel helped her put on the robe, leading her to sit in front of the vanity saying, "Oh yes. His dear mother and I were very close (Katherine bit her lip). I'll tell you this, I have never seen an elfling cause so much trouble. Albeit, the sons of Elrond did not help much in the matter. Being of the same age, they were together much of the time; not a good thing. They reeked havoc upon the palace like a couple of miniature orcs." She combed Katherine's hair dry, weaving elaborate braids. "But as he grew up, and after the passing of his beloved mother, he became slightly withdrawn. He would submit to his princely duties without argument, attend feasts without complaint, and such. The poor dear. He doesn't have much that makes him smile anymore. His father keeps bringing up marriage, and how he needs heirs... It bothers him. Being some-what like a surrogate mother to him, he often lets things slip. And all those horrid elleths that follow him around! I'm surprised he hasn't shot them down yet!"

Katherine laughed, obeying her request to stand. Mariel went to the wardrobe, muttering about how she needed more dresses to choose from. After a few minutes, she chose the powder blue with matching silk slippers that Kate hadn't even known were in the closet.

After pulling the dress over her head, and tying the belt loosely around Katherine's waist, Mariel smiled in approval. "Perfect." she said smiling. "He loves that color."

A few seconds later, as Katherine finished slipping on the warm slippers, a light knock came to her door.

Mariel immediately went to answer it, then called to her. "He is here. Are you ready milady?"

Katherine nodded politely, saying, "Thank you for your graciousness and help. It means much to me."

Mariel waved her hand, as if to say it was nothing. "It was my pleasure dear, don't worry about it."

"Also, you do not have to address me so formally. Katherine, or Kate will do."

The motherly maid smiled and nodded in agreement, opening the door for her to leave.

Legolas stood waiting on the other side, a stoic expression on his face.

"You see!" Mariel huffed, nodding towards Legolas, "This is what I was talking about. Does he ever smile around you?"

Katherine grinned at her over her shoulder. "On occasion." she said cheekily, watching Legolas's eyes widen slightly as he took in her apparel. He himself wore dark grey leggings with calf-high black boots, and a forest-green silken tunic with gold trim.

Involuntarily, Legolas smiled.

"Ah! It is a miracle!" Mariel said sarcastically, grinning at her prince. "Katherine, you will be a gift from the Valar if you can get him to laugh tonight."

"Thank you Mariel, you've proven your point." Legolas said, the smile vanishing at the mention of the Valar.

Katherine noticed this, but said nothing as he steered her down the corridor, and up the stairs to the Hall.

Once out of hearing of Mariel, if it were even possible, she asked, "Are you going to continue keeping me in the dark, Legolas? Or do I get to know what's going on?"

Legolas was silent for a long while, before saying, "Mithrandir has a few ideas. He wishes to see you after the evening meal. He will explain everything. And do not think that I know everything. He has 'kept me in the dark' as much as you."

With a sigh of frustration, she merely nodded. He looped her arm around his as they reached the doors of the Dining Hall. A great wave of panic crashed upon her, and she suddenly stopped, taking a few hesitant steps away from the enormous doors.

"Legolas... I can't go in there..." she whispered, hearing the numerous voices on the other side. "There are so many people... W-What if they see..." she held up her marked hand.

Legolas grasped it in his, "It doesn't matter..."

"Yes it does! My God! Are you serious? It matters A-LOT Legolas. Have you even told any of this to your father!" she exclaimed, tearing her hand out of his grasp.

His silence was answer enough.

"Legolas!" she moaned, "How could you do this!"

"Nothing is wrong, Katherine! No one will hate you!"

"Were you blind to the looks I recieved from your guards, even after you told them I was not a murderer? Legolas, they looked upon me with hatred and wishes for death in their eyes! Please don't make me do this!" she pleaded, backing away from the doors.

He grasped her firmly by the wrist, pulling her back to his side. "You are being foolish..." he whispered, fixing her gown so that the fabric covered her marked hand. "There. Now no one will see it. Just smile, and walk to the high-table. Your seat is next to mine, worry not. Now, come."

He looped his arm around hers again, walking them back over to the doors where the young guards stood, conversing about battle strategies and other things of no importance. When they saw their prince approach, they snapped to attention, and opened the doors.

The enormous hall that had been empty a few hours ago, was now filled with tables, elves, and food.

"Oh God..." she whispered, feeling eyes immediately turn to them. Legolas walked sedately forward, having done this many times before.

Katherine put on a fake half smile, forcing her feet to move forward next to Legolas.

The high table was set for the King, Prince, his advisors, and royal guests.

Dressed in robes matching Legolas's tunic, the stern looking King Thranduil scrutinized the lady Legolas had been rumored to have brought from the 'other world'. His eyes, so much in color like Legolas's own, were cold and unyielding.

When they had reached the table, Legolas gave a small bow, and Katherine, wanting not to anger the king, gave a deep curtsy out of respect.

The coldness had not melted from his eyes as she sat down to Legolas's right, and Gandalf's left; though she was sure he had been pleased with her respect. The feast began, and everyone started talking and chatting while eating the delicious meats and soups served as the main course. The wine in her glass that normally would have tasted sweet, fell bitter upon her tongue. The juicy meats were and tasteless.

She didn't hear Thranduil speaking to Legolas for over twenty minutes. And when the music began, inviting everyone to dance, she remained staring down at her empty plate, hands folded neatly in her lap.

She jumped when a hand laid upon her shoulder.

"Katherine? Are you well?" Legolas asked. He was standing next to her chair, his eyes reflecting worry.

"I-I'm fine..." she answered meekly, feeling the stare of Thranduil fall upon her.

"Good, join me for a dance then." Legolas said with a grin, pulling her out of her seat.

"Prince Legolas," reprimanded Gandalf's voice. Legolas stopped, turning to look at the wizard who had gotten to his feet, staff in hand. "I think that now would be a good time for me to speak with the Lady."

Legolas hesitated, then nodded, following him to the nearest exit, with a confused and worried Katherine in tow...