A/N: Happy Friday! Weekend = New Chapter! I managed to write a chapter not wait nearly two weeks before an update! This one is also longer than the last chapter and will be divided into two parts. I literally know very little about ballroom dancing and parties in Middle-Earth, so I'm kinda just going with what the fandom generally agrees aon, bits learned from the Dwarrow Scholar and making stuff up as I go, so if you don't like it - well, too bad really. ANYWAY Thank you for staying with me so far, your reviews make my day and keep me writing!
Also, I realised as I was watching Outlander yesterday, that this fic is basically Outlander - the LOTR version, what with Millie being a nurse from the 40s. It's given me a bit of new inspiration.
Anyway, enough rambling and on with the chapter.
Chapter Sixteen
Yuletide, Part I
The days leading up to the Yuletide Ball were hectic, to say the least. Watching Erebor come to life, with so many guests arriving from different places in Middle-Earth was fascinating to me. Dwarves came from other mountain kingdoms to pay their respect to Fili and visit their kin. In the past day or so, I'd seen other humans who hailed from other kingdoms I'd never heard of. Of course I knew that Middle-Earth was a huge world, but it wasn't until now that I was truly beginning to comprehend the scale of it all. I wondered how many different kingdoms there truly were and if they were all at peace with one another.
Over the past few months, I'd learned that a few years ago, there had been a great war against someone called Sauron. I didn't fully understand who or what he was, but I could tell from the way people spoke of him that he instilled fear in everyone. Even Thranduil and Elrond shuddered at the very mention of his name, as if the very word invited an unwelcome force of great evil. I wished to learn more of the history of this strange world and as I was going to spend time with Elrond, I planned to ask him.
Truthfully, I felt a little guilt over accompanying Elrond to the Yuletide Ball instead of Thranduil. It wasn't out of spite that I accepted his offer and I hoped it wouldn't cause a strain in the friendship between the two elvenkings. I saw in Elrond a good friend and somebody who could perhaps help make sense of my presence in Middle-Earth. Slowly, I began to accept that I was here as a part of something much greater than myself. I understood that the Valar, whoever they were, had put me here for a specific cause. Sometimes, the thought of otherworldly beings with such a strong influence and power was overwhelming. Yet, I knew from how others around spoke about the Valar, that they were not evil. In my world, we might call them Gods or maybe even oracles of sorts. Except, back on Earth - the existence of Gods was heavily debated and often agreed to be nothing but the work of fiction. Here, it seemed as though gods were as real magic itself and I'd be lying if I said that it didn't frighten me.
In all the confusion, I still wanted to explore this new world that was becoming all the more familiar to me. Strangers were becoming friends and somehow, I also found that perhaps they were also family. Both Maggie and Nat knew what I was going through because they had been through the exact same thing, though under slightly different circumstances. Yet, I knew in my heart that the same gods who had brought them here had also summoned me. Being part of a greater purpose or a calling felt like a heavy weight on my heart. I knew I had to fulfill my part in this story and that the chapters of my own book were still being written. Whether I liked it or not my fate was becoming more and more intertwined with that of this world and I had to find a way to accept it.
I also knew that it meant I had to make my peace with Thranduil, because he was also a part of my tale.
I wondered if he would be attending the ball alone or if he would find somebody else to accompany him, although I couldn't imagine who. Yes, Thranduil was an attractive elf, but over the past centuries or maybe even millenia, he had soured his own reputation. Many people still saw him as the harsh elvenking who hated the company of others and who would barely look people in the eye. Not even his own family. However, the Thranduil I had come to known, especially over the past month or so, was someone different. He played with children and read them bedtime stories at night, he learned to control his own temper and instead of letting it get the better of him, he sought forgiveness and understanding.
Maggie and Elrond seemed to believe that my presence was the cause of his slow but steady change in attitude, but I wasn't so sure. Perhaps the King of Mirkwood was simply starting to realise that the world around him sought him no harm.
On the eve of the Yuletide Ball, my stomach was filled with butterflies. One of the dwarrowdams had been kind enough to sew me a dress especially made for the occasion. As I stood in front of the mirror, I couldn't help but wonder what Charlie would think if he saw me now. It was a long dark green and flowing dress with wide white sleeves. It was much heavier than any of the dresses I wore back home, but it was comfortable and its bodice not too tight. Fili's mother - Lady Dís had turned my otherwise messy blonde hair into one long braid that fell down my shoulder. Maggie had gifted me a silver, elven headpiece to wear and the more I looked at my reflection, the more I knew the woman standing in front of me was the same woman who had left London.
A gentle knock on the oakwood door snapped me out of my thoughts. I gathered my thoughts for a few moments, exhaled a deep breath before I opened the door to Lord Elrond. In the distance, I already heard echoing laughter and music coming from the great hall. I knew Bombur and the kitchen team had been preparing and cooking food for the past week, almost around the clock. I must have been staring because Elrond chuckled and I felt pink heat rise on my cheeks. The Lord of Rivendell had also dressed for the occasion, although Elrond always dressed as if he was attending a fancy event. Tonight however, he worse a long silver robe and seemed to be glowing more than elves usually did.
"I apologise for my lateness," Elrond said "Children have a hard time falling asleep when they know something exciting is happening elsewhere."
"Eira isn't attending the party?" I wondered "Or is it not as child friendly as I assumed?"
"The children have their own festivities to enjoy and there are plenty of events for them to be included in throughout the rest of the week. Shall we?"
Elrond offered his arm, which I gladly accepted and we walked together down the corridor. The long hallways of Erebor were not as frightening to me as they had been upon our arrival. Slowly, I was starting to find my way around and had even begun to make acquaintances with the dwarves who lived under the mountain. Sometimes they were slow to open up, but most of them were happy to talk and show me their way of life. I got the feeling that dwarves were immensely loyal.
The ball itself was unlike any dance I had ever attended. I don't know why, but in my head I hadn't thought of dwarrows as great dancers, but the moment I stepped into the great hall I was proven wrong. If anything, the dance itself was more akin to a Scottish or Irish cèilidh and I watched with fascination as both men and dwarves allowed their feet to travel across the dancefloor, seemingly without touching the surface at all.
Bombur and the kitchen staff had truly outdone themselves with the cooking and there was food that could feed people for days, if not weeks. There was tomato soup, several different kinds of stews, roasted pork, various types of bread and some foods I had no idea what they were. Not to mention an endless amount of kegs containing ale, wine and cider that had been brought from dale. My nervous anxiety was gone and excitement took its place. As my eyes gazed across the room I saw, Maggie and Nat, both dressed in equally beautiful dresses and jewellery that no doubt were made from the jewels mined within the heart of the mountain. While I knew that Maggie was the Queen of Erebor, tonight was the first time it truly showed. People greeted her and Fili with respect, loyalty and love and they listened while visiting dwarves talked about their families and mischief their children had been up to.
I spent most of the night talking with Elrond, who was curious about how healing worked in my world and I was glad because it meant my Yule gift for him was exactly right. We also danced, which wasn't as frightening
"I have sent your letter to Minas Tirith using Vindir, my fastest raven." Fili whispered in my ear at the dinner table, which was the largest tablet I had ever laid eyes on. It reminded me of the great hall at Hampton Court Palace, but even King Henry VIIIs enormous palace did not match the magnificence of Erebor. "I've also had confirmation from King Aragorn that Legolas received the letter and is already travelling here. If my calculations are correct, he'll be here tonight."
"Tonight already?" I said in surprise, in my mind I thought that Minas Tirith was much farther away, but it once again proved how little I knew of Middle-Earth's geography. It would simply be an early present for Thranduil. A part of me began to feel nervous and I hoped I made the right choice. Knowing the king's temper, he might not like me meddling in his private affairs.
"Thank you, Fili." I said "I really appreciate it."
Fili replied with a nod and gently squeezed my shoulder as he returned to sit by Maggie. I was about to enjoy another sip of the cider brought from Dale, when a familiar tall figure loomed over me. Contrary to my previous assumptions, Thranduil seemed to be enjoying himself and I noticed he was indulging in conversations with some of the humans who attended the party and even to my surprise a few of the dwarves. Just like Elrond, the king of Mirkwood had also dressed for the occasion and wore a long midnight blue robe, which on the floor looked almost like a pool of gently flowing water. His white hair cascaded down his broad shoulders and I could swear I saw his eyes sparkle when he looked at me.
"Forgive me Elrond, mellon-nin." Thranduil said "I mean not to interrupt, but I was wondering if I might perhaps ask Lady Millicent for a dance?"
"If it is what the lady wants, then by all means." Elrond smirked
For some stupid reason, heat rose on my cheeks when I looked up at Thranduil who reached out his hand towards me. I must admit, I hesitated for a few seconds. Not because I didn't want to dance with him, but because I was unsure of what would happen when I did. I accepted his hand and as he led me out onto the dancefloor I was suddenly aware of all eyes on us. My nerves got the better of me, but Thranduil was confident. He placed a steady arm on my waist and guided my hand to his shoulder, as his other hand entwined with me. His hands were soft and as his fingers slipped into mine, my heart beat rapidly increased. Even more so when I reminded myself that with his elven hearing Thranduil was no doubt aware.
Our eyes met and instead of his slightly grumpy and furrowed brows, I was met with a genuine smile of almost childish glee. When the music began to play, we moved and I found myself completely taken by surprise. Of course Thranduil knew how to dance, I would be surprised if somebody who had been alive for thousands of years hadn't learned how to move to music. There was however, a significant difference between Elrond's dancing and his. As I moved across the floor with Thranduil, our movements were completely in sync. Not a step was out of line, nor did we lose touch with the rhythm of the music. I felt as though we were skipping on the surface of water. When the music finally stopped, I exhaled a breath I didn't even realise I was holding and we stood on the dancefloor in silence, while people around us applauded the musicians for a jig well played. I don't know why I was so awestruck, but the elf standing in front of me was so different from the Thranduil I first met when I found myself in his kingdom.
We walked back towards the table in silence, but as we did I felt Thranduil's hand ever so slightly touching my fingers. What surprised me the most was that I didn't seem to mind.
"My Lord Thranduil, apologies for interrupting," it was Theo who spoke as he walked towards us "You have a visitor."
"A visitor?" Thranduil asked "You must be mistaken, I am expecting no one."
"Is that a way for a father to speak about his son?"
I knew immediately that the strange voice belonged to Legolas and when I turned towards the entrance of the great hall, an unfamiliar blonde elf stood there. The family resemblance was impossible to miss. Legolas had the same blonde hair and blue eyes as his father, as well as equally broad shoulders. Just like all elves, his age was impossible to tell and I wondered how much younger he was than Thranduil.
"Legolas, ion-nin." Thranduil's voice but nothing but a whisper. "What in Eru's name are you doing here?"
"I had word that you were spending some time in Erebor." Legolas explained "I thought I would visit. Yuletide is a time for family after all."
I saw the look on Thranduil's face change from surprise, to joy and I knew I had made the right choice as I watched the elvenking embrace his son in a heartfelt hug. I'd never seen Thranduil show such unconventional and instant love towards anyone before and I wondered how long it had been since the two had seen each other. Maggie explained that after the war against Sauron, Legolas, a dwarf called Gimli and another friend of Maggie and Nat called Felix decided to travel throughout the lands of Middle-Earth, hunting evil that was still acting in Sauron's name.
"It is good to see you son," Thranduil confessed "How long are you staying?"
"For as long as I am welcome." Legolas replied "Besides, it's been a while since I've attended Yuletide celebrations."
"Who told you I was here?"
With a simple nod, Legolas revealed that I was the reason his son came home for the holidays. Thranduil turned and looked at me with wide eyes. At first, I thought they were filled with horror and for a few seconds I felt my heart sink. Then, to my surprise, Thranduil grabbed me by the shoulders and pulled me in for a hug. In his arms, I felt a warmth and safety that I hadn't felt for a long time and for the first time since arriving in Middle-Earth, I allowed myself to embrace that feeling. The tips of Thranduil's fingers squeezed my shoulder blade and he almost buried his face in my neck.
Gratitude. That was the feeling the elvenking tried to convey and when he let go of me, I knew something changed in the way he looked at me. I was no longer a stranger or a potential threat to his kingdom or some mysterious woman sent by the Valar to do their bidding.
I was a friend.
"'Las!" Maggie exclaimed and ran into the blonde elf's arms. "What on Earth are you doing here, I thought you were visiting Minas Tirith?"
"We were, but someone arranged a surprise visit to Erebor."
The voice that answered Maggie's question didn't belong to the blonde elf, and I could tell from the smile on her face that it was someone else she knew. A tall human boy stepped out from behind the blonde elf. He was around Maggie's age, had short blonde hair, as well as a beard and when he embraced Maggie, it was easy to tell they were very close.
"Felix, it's so good to see you." Maggie whispered "Oh my god, you have a beard now!"
"I know, I've tried getting rid of it, but turns out cutting off your hair is offensive to both dwarves and elves." Felix grumped
"You still have not forgiven Gimli for the incident with the shears?" Legolas teased
"No and I never will."
"Speaking of the Son of Glóin," Maggie said "Where is he?"
"Catching up with his fellow dwarves."
"Fili will be thrilled to see him."
"Mae Govannen, Legolas Greenleaf." Lord Elrond greeted as he entered the throne room with Thranduil next to him "It has been quite some time since our paths have crossed. You as well, Master Felix."
"Hir-Nin Elrond, a star shines upon the hour of our meeting."
I leaned into Maggie and whispered in her ears. "Are they always this formal?"
"You have no idea." Maggie chuckled "Come on, the evening has only begun."
Maggie hooked arms with mine and we made our way back to the Great Hall. She was right about one thing, the evening had only just begun.
To be continued…..
Another chapter done! I'm so sorry that this one also took a while, life is still a little hectic and crazy on my end. I'm still not sure what Thranduil should give to Millie that would be equally as meaningful as her bringing Legolas to Erebor. Any ideas? Please leave a review and let me know what you think!