Ava took a sharp breath in as she beheld the beauty of Mirkwood. It had taken nearly a fortnight to reach King Thranduil's realm but they had finally arrived. The journey had been long and uneventful, though Ava could have done without the King's security measures. They had not been for his protection, but hers. Thranduil had ensured Ava was always in the most protected part of the group, even insisting that his personal guards be reassigned to her detail. His advisors had been strenuously opposed, reasoning that rest of the border guards in the group were more than enough for the Princess' protection. The King would not hear of it and so, Ava had found herself constantly surrounded by at least 5 guards at all times.
She had jokingly told the King that even if she died in an orc attack, her father could not kill the King of Mirkwood. Thranduil had knotted his brows at the thought of any harm to her and shook his head to refuse to lessen her detail. But it had all been worth it. Mirkwood was delightful. She had been to her grandparents' realm, Lothlorien, many times. The woods of Lorien were intricate and beautiful but Mirkwood had an altogether different quality about it. The damp, cool air was a welcome refreshment from the scorching sun. The rich scent of wood, moss and soil put her at ease immediately. Most of the nature was entirely undisturbed, as Thranduil's people viewed themselves as caretakers of the forest. There was an unspoken power to the woods, the rugged tumbling river coursing through it provided a constant melodic sound. Ava had loved the place immediately.
An entire entourage of ladies in waiting and butlers awaited their arrival at the palace. She was helped off her horse by Thranduil, who bowed and offered his hand in aid. Though Ava did not notice, this raised many eyebrows for Thranduil had not ever been recalled to be this attentive to an elleth.
"Welcome back, Thranduil" said a brunette elleth, who had been waiting beside the rest of the royal advisors.
"Thank you, Calendil. May I introduce, Princess Ava of Rivendell?" Thranduil gestured.
The elleth named Calendil stepped forward and greeted Ava warmly. "Our warmest welcome your highness. I am Calendil, one of his highness' advisors."
"Ava, Lady Calendil is one of my oldest friends. We grew up together. Should you need anything, you need only ask her" Thranduil said, smiling softly at the Princess.
Ava smiled and nodded. She was, suddenly, quite shy around the king and the royal house staff. She was used to tearing through Rivendell, where the entire realm had known her since birth. She usually found any excuse to avoid going on diplomatic trips with her father, preferring to explore the land on her own terms. Ava thought she would be a simple houseguest at Thranduil's home. When she saw the welcoming party afforded to her, she was suddenly reminded that Thranduil was King, his home the palace and her arrival was a state visit. Ava was only wrong about the latter, her stay was much more personal to Thranduil.
"Princess, it's been a long journey, please allow me to show you to your rooms" Calendil said, as she gracefully maneuvered Ava into the palace.
Before she was out of earshot, Thranduil asked "Ava, would you give me the pleasure of your company for dinner tonight? That is, if you are not too tired."
The Princess turned and remembering her manners, replied "of course."
Ava was led through the throne room, ball room, receiving room, various meeting rooms and other official chambers before entering what looked very much like the private wing of the palace. Official portraits of royalty in their regalia were replaced by intimate, family pictures. The furniture became simpler, the décor cozier. Calendil opened yet another set of doors which led to a large set of rooms consisting of a sitting area, balcony overlooking the palace gardens, bedroom and a luxurious bathroom.
"These will be your chambers my lady."
Ava was taken aback. "These chambers are in the private wing of the palace, you do not have a wing for visitors?"
"We do indeed. But his highness wished you to be given chambers in the royal family's private guest quarters. It is a great honor that is not commonly bestowed" Calendil answered.
"My father is not so fickle as to care which wing his daughter stays in" Ava noted drily.
"The King only wishes you to be comfortable and happy. Your approval is important to him" Calendil replied patiently. The Princess was young and obviously didn't see Thranduil's affections. Then again, the King was not known to be particularly demonstrative either. Calendil was determined to do her best to ensure that Thranduil would be given a fair chance at the Princess' heart.
"Alright then" Ava answered, mystified by Calendil's response. Just then, another elleth, dressed in a servant's robe entered.
"This is Lisella, she will be your chambermaid" Calendil introduced, as Lisella curtsied.
"I have drawn you a bath your highness, it has been a long journey" Lisella said timidly.
Ava broke out in a wide smile. "Thank you."
The two mirkwood elves took their leave, and Ava took solace in a long bath. Afterwards, sitting at her dressing table in fresh clothes and putting the final touches on her bun, a knock on the door drew her attention.
"Thranduil" the princess greeted, surprised to see the king at her door.
"Ava, is everything to your liking?" Thranduil asked.
"Yes, you have treated me much better than was necessary Thranduil" Ava smiled.
The king seemed relieved. "Good, I want you to feel at home. I'm here because I wanted to show your friends the way to your quarters." He stepped aside, revealing 2 elves standing behind him.
Ava squeaked at the sight. "Leyla! Eren!" she exclaimed as she rushed to hug them. Leyla, her best friend, had been accompanied by her older brother. When they were elflings, the trio had been inseparable. The two elves pulled her into tight hugs. They spent the entire afternoon catching up and made plans to see each other the next day, when the two elleths could begin preparations for the wedding.
That evening, Ava walked into the royal family's personal dining room to find Thranduil already at the table awaiting her. He stood up as she entered the room.
"Thranduil, in my excitement to see my friends, I forgot to thank you for bringing them to me" she said bashfully when she walked up to him. Her eyes were apologetic and Thranduil found that even if he had been upset, he could not have maintained it for long. He could deny her nothing, nor could he be upset with her. The sway she had on him was immense.
"Think nothing of it. It heartens me to see you happy –"Thranduil did not finish. He abruptly stopped mid-sentence as Ava placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. He would have gone to Mordor to retrieve her friends just for that kiss. The King was about to bring his hand to caress her cheek, but stopped himself. Ava's large, blue, innocent eyes were upon him, unaware of his feelings for him. He did not want to push or scare her by showing her the depth of his feelings, not yet. So he platonically moved to pull out her chair.
Thranduil could not recall the last time he had a private dinner guest, it was a pleasant change.
"Does the food suit you?" he inquired.
"Oh it's wonderful" Ava answered. After a short pause, she added guiltily "please don't feel like you have to give me special treatment because of my Ada. You've gone through so much trouble already."
"I do it because you are special" Thranduil muttered before he could stop himself.
Ava's cheeks flushed. "I – I think you are very, erm, special too."
The King's eyes widened and his heart soared at the possibility that Ava may have feelings for him too. What has this elleth reduced me to?
"Leyla and Eren wished me to pass on their gratitude for allowing them the visit to the palace this afternoon" Ava said.
Thranduil nodded, he would let Sauron himself into the palace if it made the elleth in front of him happy. "How long have you known them?"
"My whole life" Ava answered, munching on dinner. "Their mother was like a mother to me. Their parents sailed west some time ago."
"Leyla is a seamstress?"
"Yes, she always liked sewing and making things. Eren is more adventurous, like me. He's a member of your guard" Ava continued.
Thranduil raised an eyebrow. "He's a soldier?"
"Mmmhmm, we're always so worried about him getting hurt. But, it's what he always wanted to do. Ever since we were elflings" Ava grinned.
"And what did you want to be when you were an elfling?" The King teased.
Ava's cheeks flushed again. "Promise you won't tell anyone?"
"I promise" Thranduil smiled.
"Well, I wanted to be a ranger" Ava admitted. "Yes, it's unconventional I know" Ava said hastily, seeing Thranduil's arched eyebrows. "I wanted to be free of my title and duties. I wanted to roam, come and go and do as I pleased" Ava said wistfully. With age, she had come to accept her station and was grateful of her privilege.
Dinner seemed to fly by as the pair were engaged in an animated conversation, finding out things about each other. All too soon, desert was served.
"Where is your friend Leyla getting married?" Thranduil asked, as he poked at the cake in front of him.
Ava shrugged. "She hasn't quite decided. Most likely by the meadow, she likes the flowers."
Thranduil thought for a moment. "How about the palace rose garden?"
Ava nearly dropped her fork. "Really?" she asked incredulously.
"If you wish it" Thranduil said simply.
"I know she'll love it!" Ava said, flashing him a smile that melted his heart. "Thank you Thranduil."
The King walked the Princess back to her rooms after dinner, parting from her with a chaste kiss on the hand. Ava was humming to herself, braiding her hair before undressing for bed when the chambermaid knocked and entered.
"Are you ready for turn-down service my lady?" Lisella asked.
"Hmm? Oh yes" Ava answered distractedly. "I'm sorry, I was just thinking about how lovely the rose garden will look for my friend's wedding."
Lisella nodded. "I just heard his highness give direction to make the garden available. The whole palace is talking about it. It is completely unprecedented."
"What's unprecedented?" Ava asked.
"The rose garden, my lady. It has never been made available for use by someone outside of the royal family. It was the place the King spent private time with his parents as an elfling, it must have a very special place in his heart." Lisella explained.
"Why would he let someone he doesn't even know have a wedding there?" Ava asked, confused.
Lisella looked exasperated. "Isn't it obvious my lady? The King cares for you deeply."
Ava was taken aback. "What, Thranduil cares for me?"
"Of course, everyone in the palace can see it. His highness will do anything to make you happy because he's in love with you." Lisella blurted out, before looking incredibly guilty when she realized the information was truly news to Ava.
"I – I had no idea" Ava stammered. True, she had become very fond of Thranduil. She liked him, trusted him, but she had never thought Thranduil could have romantic feelings for her. He was so much older! Though, what is age when one is immortal, she reminded herself.
Ava dismissed the chambermaid and climbed into bed. She was confused. Where she was free spirited and eschewed protocol, Thranduil's life was dictated by duty. On the surface, they were incompatible. Yet, she had to admit his actions had tugged at her heart. He was a good, selfless, brave elf. As Ava drifted off to sleep, she resolved to speak to Thranduil about it directly at the next opportunity.
The next morning, she was disappointed not to have a chance to speak to the King. The dining hall where the palace aides, generals, took their meals was full when Ava arrived for breakfast. Thranduil was sitting at his usual seat at the head table, busily conversing with Lord Wyrran and several other advisors. Ava silently helped herself to several pastries and a cup of tea before settling at a partially empty table by herself. The whispers and looks directed at her by the courtiers made her very self conscious, and she tried her best to ignore them. The subject of the King's affection was big news already.
She could have had breakfast brought to her rooms and eaten on the terrace which would have been much more pleasant, but she had come to the dining hall in the hopes of speaking with Thranduil. The King, it seemed, was oblivious to her presence. He has a realm to run, he doesn't have time to entertain you, she thought to herself.
When Ava next looked up at the head table, it was empty. Thranduil and his advisors must've left when she was not looking. The Princess sighed and finished breakfast. As she was about to leave, Lady Calendil appeared in front of her.
"Lady Ava, I have a message for you from his highness." Eyeing Ava's silence, she continued. "He was wondering if you could meet him in the rose garden this afternoon for tea."
"Um, I-" Ava hesitated. She had wanted to ask Thranduil about what was happening between them, but now when actually presented with the opportunity, she was suddenly reluctant to face the truth.
"Lady Ava, the King usually does not take tea in the afternoon. He is doing so to spend time with you." Calendil prodded. She could see Ava was wrestling with the decision. For some reason, the Princess wasn't sure she wanted to see Thranduil. Did something happen last night? Calendil wanted to see her friend happy, it was obvious the Princess of Imladris had captured his heart.
"Lady Ava, how about a walk in the woods? You look like you could do with some exercise" Calendil suggested, gently leading Ava outside.
Ava didn't object and silently allowed herself to be led outside. She was frozen, unsure of how to handle the attention of an ellon. An ellon who was King. Her father had been intensely protective of her, and as a result she had not received much attention from ellons wanting to court her. She too, had never given courting anyone much thought. The present situation she found herself in was completely foreign.
Ava and Calendil walked silently down a deserted path in the woods. It was picturesque, a narrow earthen path flanked by large majestic trees. Somewhere in the background, the babbling of a small creek could be heard.
"You are surprised by Thranduil's affections for you?" Calendil, the older elleth said.
Ava nodded. "I – I had no idea, until the chambermaid said as much last night."
"It did not cross your mind when he afforded you the most decadent welcome he could? When he offered the rose gardens for your friend's wedding?" Calendil asked. The Princess was clearly very sheltered.
"I thought he was just being nice! Because my Ada is lord of Imladris, because- because we are friends" Ava explained.
Calendil smiled, the innocence of Ava's youth was endearing. "How do you feel about the King?" she asked maternally.
"I – I like him. We've grown close." Ava answered guardedly. "I like him very much, but I'm not sure…" Ava continued before trailing off.
"Not sure of what?" Calendil asked, dreading the answer. While she could tell the Princess' feelings for Thranduil ran deeper than she was letting on, perhaps deeper than she herself realized, Calendil was worried. Her fears were confirmed with Ava's answer.
"I'm not sure I want to court the King. The crown is a burden that he must carry, and all those close to him must carry as well. I do not think that is what I want." Ava admitted.
"Ava, please at least meet him this afternoon. Speak to him about it" Calendil advised. Give him a chance to show you how much you mean to him. "Let your heart explore the feelings you have for him before you turn away from him."
"Your highness?" Lord Wyrran asked. It was the third time that day he had to prompt the King. Distracted was an understatement. The advisor did not have to ask what, or rather whom, was the source of the distraction.
"What?" Thranduil replied distractedly. His mind had been on the Princess all morning. His heart had skipped a beat when he saw her that morning in the dining hall. He had done a good job of hiding it, but his eyes had been on her the whole time. She looked, simply, wonderful he thought. And to think, he might actually have a chance with her. She had given him signals the night before, enough for him to hope that she might return his feelings.
"As I was saying, the dwarves are very happy you've decided to let them bath in the palace fountain" Wyrran's voice floated into his mind.
Thranduil snapped to attention. "I- WHAT!"
The advisor chuckled. "Admit it Thranduil, your mind is elsewhere. Can I hazard a guess that it's with a certain Princess?"
"Remind me why I have not thrown you into the dungeons?"
"Because you have no idea how to court her. I am at least a married elf, the only one willing to give the King of the realm advice on courting" Wyrran jested. He was not just an advisor, but a friend, a second father when his own was too busy with duties.
"I do not know for sure, but I have hope that she might return my feelings. I have asked her to tea in the rose garden" Thranduil volunteered.
"The garden, a beautiful setting – well done. Who knew you were such a romantic?" Wyrran commented.
The rose garden was indeed romantic. The roses were in full bloom, a multitude of colours. The air was filled with the thick scent from the flowers. The grassy clearing in the middle had a marble fountain providing a thin mist on a hot summer's day. Thranduil sat at the table and chairs the servants had set up. His ears picked up the light rustling Ava's steps created as she walked up behind him.
"Ava, I'm so glad you came" the King said, taking her hand and giving it a gentle kiss.
"Thranduil" was all the Princess could muster.
"This is the royal rose garden. It was planted by my mother many centuries ago. Do you like it?" The King asked.
"It's lovely, Leyla will be very happy to get married here" Ava said. "Why did you offer it to her? You don't even know her" Ava prodded.
"I thought she would like it. And you would like it also. Your opinion is important to me" Thranduil answered honestly.
"Because we are friends?" Ava asked. She was testing him, it did occur to her she was being unfair, mean even.
Thranduil chose his words carefully. He took a step towards her. "Aye, we are friends. But you have captured my heart, dear Ava. I'd like to court you, if that's what you want also."
There it was, he had put his heart on the line. The wait for Ava's response seemed an eternity. Though she had basically already been told of it, to hear the words from him was still somehow a shock. She took a step back from him, a move which caused a frown on the King's face. Ava was scared and uncertain. Yes, she realized she had feelings for Thranduil. But he was King, courting him would be highly protocolized, scrutinized and she would hate that. It was all so confusing. In her confusion, she lashed out.
"You should have told me before I came here Thranduil. It was improper not to. I would not have come here alone if I had known." Ava said severely.
Thranduil also took a step back, surprised and wounded. "I didn't realize I've offended you Ava. I should have told you earlier. But I wasn't sure that you - " He motioned to take her hand, but she pulled away.
"I don't want to be subject to the hundred rules of courting a king" Ava said spitefully. She was hurting him she knew, by the way his fell. She felt so guilty.
"I don't care about the rules. We can court in whatever way you want. If you return my feelings…" Thranduil said hopefully. He could tell she was scared. Don't push me away.
Ava shook her head. "I don't know what I'm feeling Thranduil."
"It's simple, do you care for me?" Thranduil asked. He knew he shouldn't push her but if she would just give him the slightest hope, he'd move mountains accommodate her.
Ava was so frustrated she was close to tears. "Yes, but-"
Thranduil rushed to her side, love filling his every gesture. He brought his hand to her cheek, caressing her as he had been dreaming to do for so long.
"As long as we know our feelings for each other, we can deal with the rest" Thranduil reassured her. He would protect her, with his crown and even his sword if necessary.
"NO Thranduil. You're not listening. I don't want to be queen!"
Hi all,
We're really getting into the plot line! I really want to explore the tension of Ava adjusting to royal life. Even though she was born a royal, she's pretty much been given free reign by Elrond being the youngest. To be queen of Mirkwood would a drastic change in her life. Plenty of DRAMA and a plot twist to come!
-Edith
