Thank you again oh kind, and not so kind, reviewers!
Let's face it, they're speaking Elvish so I'll knock off with the italics, though I like the way italics look.These next few chapters should tie up a few loose ends and let me get on with the story the way I had it originally planned out.
The question was raised as to how Legolas knew Arianell was really Marie. He knows at least that's what she calls herself...she talks aloud when first entering the pond back in the forest. She'll have to explain the rest to him eventually...or won't she?
Recap:
"As you all know we are gathered here to Celebrate the betrothal of Lady Arianell and my Son."
The crowd, who apparently didn't know, gasped in shock as Arianell's mind raced; he had a son other than... "Legolas" At the King's commanded Arianell could hear soft footsteps from the door behind her. With a quiet cough the presence came to stand directly behind her and she wondered if she'd lose her footing. "This is a joyous Day in Mirkwood" the King smiled as he kissed her on both cheeks.
Story Begins:
"Now, to the wine!"
Arianell chocked back a laugh, he had just handed his son a wife and he disbursed the crowd with that? She watched as the crowd turned, most of them in dismay, her elven ears picking up their whispered insults.
"She's not good enough"
Oh if they only knew! The presence behind her came closer "Arianell?"
"You!" Arianell was enraged "You told me you would not be here...you...you lied!" Legolas smiled weakly at her "Are you happy I am here?"His voice did something, something that she did not like as she felt as if her anger was drained from her. "I...you..."
"M'Dear" It was Lothien, and for once in their brief history Arianell was glad he had shown up. "I need to have a quick word with you concerning the matter of our departure." Legolas nodded and stepped away.
"I would assume you've discovered the second aspect of my enchantment." He grinned wickedly at her. "And that would be?" she asked bluntly, suddenly not so glad to see him. "Why M'Dear" His hand on her arm made her uncomfortable "The inability to stand up to Prince Legolas, the inability to say 'No'. You did not really think I would bring someone to the King's palace and run the risk of her turning down the crown prince did you?"
"What!" Arianell glanced around before lowering her voice "What are you speaking of?"
"Darling, as long as my enchantment lasts, which should be a few thousand years or so, you will be unable to decline a request from Legolas...just as you will be unable to become angered with him. Consider it a one-sided love potion." Lothien stepped back a little from her and looked at the Prince standing by the windows "Although the enchantment I placed on him also insures your union."
Arianell was becoming angered, if there was one thing that she did not like it was not feeling in control and recent events had left her feeling very out of control.
"I'll tell him everything!"
"Indeed but he wouldn't believe you." Lothien chucked "And the lad is so enchanted he'd probably bond with you anyway. You know Arianell" Despite her protests he linked her arm with his own "Sometimes I amaze myself."
Arianell's mind came up with all sort of glorious insults but the only thing that came out was "Fuck"
"Not now." She would have slapped him if a Legolas' soft voice hadn't made her melt "Arianell?" "Yes M'Lord."
"Care to dance?" Arianell didn't dance, she knew she wouldn't, couldn't possibly..."I would be honored M'Lord."
Inwardly she felt like she was dying as she took his hand and moved gracefully towards the dance floor.
Dancing hadn't been that bad, when she was dancing with Legolas. But after the first few songs his Father had cut in and from there she had been traided off from partner to partner. She couldn't help but feel like a pawn as each elf spun her in giddy circles. She quickly learned how to act like she was listining as each related droll stories of their adventures or even of their home.
"You would hick lovely Lo...Lorien Ar..Arwena..hick "
The elf was so drunk he was slurring his words, Arianell tried to ignore the smell of alcohol on his breath, who had Thranduil said he was?
"Would you hick wa..walk in the garden?"
Arianell smiled dutifully at him "I do not think that would be wise."
"Wise, hmmf, no of course hick of course not wise." Arianell looked at the drunk elf in disbelief "Fun, not wise."
Where was he from again? "Surely your hick be...bethoved (betrothed) would not mind?" His hand slid furthur than the small of her back.
Hastily she looked around for Legolas
"He would mind! Now unhand me!" Arianell vainly attempted to push the elf off.
"Let Go!"
The elf wasn't listening as, eyes glazed over, he continued to sway.
"Legolas!"
Arianell was sure her weak voice was lost over the growing music and the din of many voices.
