A/N: Apologies for the relative shortness of this chapter- I have been busy editing the other two and decided to quickly post this before I forgot.
Hope you all enjoy!
Chapter 3
Dinner that eve is quiet and full of unspoken words. With both Annith and Aeglostor away on guard patrol, it is only Legolas, a pale yet recovered Faervel, Lhosben and his own wife and son who sit and eat with the King.
Ada has slipped from his silk robes and crown to a simple tunic of green and gold, and eats slowly, taking his time to inquire as to the day's progression of each member of his family. He does not show any sign of weariness, but Legolas can sense the pain of his old wounds flaring within their bond, the exhaustion pressing him down.
Legolas, under the strict gaze of his aunt, picks reluctantly at his food. The earlier words of Lhosben dig at his skin and leave him feeling neither sated nor hungry. I know that I am young, he thinks, but why does my every suggestion have to be met with suspicion and refusal?
"And you, Laeslas? How was your day?" Ada's voice draws him from his morose thoughts. Looking up, he finds his father's grey gaze, patient and steady, on him.
"My day?" He swallows down a mouthful of beans and lettuce. Being Iavas, venison is scarce and the entire Realm has to make do with vegetables or salted meats. "It was..busy. Tutor Badhron taught me on the history of the Sindar."
Lhosben turns to murmur at his son, Emlinel taking a sip of wine.
Ada smiles. "And what did you think of the Council?"
He takes a breath; the only thing in his mind is of the silver-eyed Belathon, and his strangely stirring words. "Aeglostor's friend Belathon gave a great speech."
Almost immediately the room grows still. Lhosben looks away from his son to shoot Legolas what is very close to a look of disapproval.
Ada's smile has disappeared, but he blinks slowly at Legolas, tilts his head. One white hand extends, caresses the goblet in front of him. "A powerful speech it was. While great is not a word I would have used, the ellon left the Council with much to consider."
Lhosbend, the bright-haired son of Emlinel and Lhosben, looks over at the King. "What word would you use, daer-adar?"
In one fluid movement, Ada brings the goblet to his lips, sips, and smiles. "Perhaps…young."
Emlinel smiles behind her goblet, but Lhosben gives a shake of his head. "I do not think our youngest should have attended such a rousing discussion…"
Irritation makes Legolas clench his teeth. Why does his brother continue to act like he knows best?
Lhosbend groans loudly before Legolas can snap at his older brother. "Ada please! We are part of the royal family, therefore shouldn't we have a right to know what goes on in our own Kingdom?"
The King nods, just the barest incline of his golden head. "I tend to agree with my daer-ion. But what of you, Laeslas? Do you take interest in the goings on of my council?"
Glancing up, Legolas finds himself caught in that ancient gaze. Forcing down the irritation at his older brother, lest Ada uncover his irritation and the reasons for it, he manages a nod. "Yes, I do. I think what Belathon said was very interesting."
"Interesting?" Faervel snorts beside him; the colour has returned to her cheeks at last, and her voice is heavy with disapproval. "More like radical. That ellon doesn't take into consideration what he speaks of."
Something close to irritation flickers across Ada's face. "Come, Faervel, let us leave berating behind us this eve. I wish to enjoy my dinner."
Faervel shoots the King a sour look, before pointedly picking up her cutlery and resuming eating. Silence falls for a few uncomfortable minutes, before Lhosbend again raises his head.
"What goes on in the Council, daer-adar? Have you come to a conclusion as to what to do?"
Kings do not sigh, but Legolas thinks that Ada sometimes wishes to. "No, we have not." He says heavily. His eyes travel beyond them, and soften. "I instead wish to look to our upcoming Mereth-en-Giliath."
Emlinel smiles, pushing back a strand of auburn hair which has escaped from its braid. "I have heard that Cook Maeasson is preparing quite a feast for the Realm. Fresh venison and Dorwinion for all, I am informed."
Her son groans theatrically, placing a wide hand on his stomach. "Nana, don't! I am desperate for a piece of real meat.."
"As am I," Faervel interjects, even as she swallows her last mouthful. "I am equally as sick and tired of these overdone vegetables."
"Now now," says Lhosben, though a smile twitches at his lips. "We must be grateful for what Ivon gives us.."
"Husband," Emlinel turns to Lhosben, her eyes glittering. "How would you like the rest of my beans and lettuce? I am all of a sudden quite full."
Lhosben looks as though he has sucked on a sour lemon, but dutifully takes his wife's plate. He less dutifully eats one single bean, before putting the plate to the side.
"And now you all must wait several days for such luxuries," Ada says, but a smile rises in his eyes as they all groan and complain.
Legolas tries to summon a smile, but it feels empty on his face. Both Belathon and Lhosben's earlier words have shaken him, and he cannot find any joy in the playful banter of his family.
Dinner finishes quickly after that; Legolas listens as the Song of the forest quiets into evening with the setting of anor, settling into a gentle whisper of melody. Lhosben stays on to speak quietly to Ada; Legolas hears whispers of Belathon and the Council, but he cannot bring himself to listen in. His mind is centered on the day's arguments, the way his brother had refused to even heed his words.
"Come, nephew, let us retire to bed. We have both had a long day." Faervel gives him a look that tells him she isn't oblivious to his mood.
But Ada looks up from where he still sits by the table, and extends a white hand. "Laeslas, will you come here?"
Unsure, Legolas shoots a glance at his aunt.
"Go!" She mouthes, and shoos him towards his father.
Hesitant, Legolas makes his way towards the figure painted red and gold by the dying light of anor. "Yes, Ada?"
Up close, Ada gazes at him with unreadable grey eyes. Being this close to his father, Legolas' fae sings with welcome as the Song of his father calls to him. It is full of warmth, love, and he doesn't hesitate to press close. Slowly, some of the ache in his chest fades, and he is no longer full of hurt.
"Is all well? You were quiet at dinner." One long-fingered hand gently takes his own hand, the touch as light as newly unfurled leaves. Nevertheless, Legolas is swallowed up in his father's grip.
"I am well," he replies as those ancient eyes sweep over him. "I am just-" do I tell him what happened today? Do I believe what Lhosben said- that Ada does not heed anyone- that I won't be allowed to train for decades more?
Ada raises one dark eyebrow, but does not speak. He waits.
Legolas pauses. Something tells him to wait just as his father does; a strange sensation which tugs at his chest. "I am just tired," he finishes, and offers a smile.
"Do not worry over the words of Belathon, Laeslas." Ada says quietly, and his eyes warm as stones under sun. "They are of no consequence to you."
No consequence? He does not understand. How can such powerful words be ignored? Even now- even amongst his family, he can still feel the heat of Belathon's gaze, the words he shouted ringing in his bones.
A knock comes at the door, startling all.
"Hir nin?" A guard peers in, and even in the dying light his face flushes. "Oh, goheno nin, hir nin. I did not mean to interrupt your dinner-"
Ada releases Legolas' hand, giving the tiniest of sighs. "No, it is well, Tervon. We are all finished. What is it?"
"It is Lords Arodon and Thannor and Lady Elegessil, hir nin. They await your council."
"Ah, yes. Send them in to my private study; I shall meet them there." In a ripple of silks, Ada rises. Legolas and the rest of his family watch him as he does, biting back a sigh.
He so rarely gets to spend time with his father, and even when he does they are quickly interrupted by a lord or lady demanding some request or another.
Ada looks down to him, and it seems that he understands what Legolas thinks. "The work of a King is never done, I am afraid, not even when I wish it to be."
"Will I-" the words fall from him unexpectedly, making both he and Ada pause. His voice grows quiet. "Will I see you tomorrow?"
Tenderly, Ada raises one hand to his cheek. "I will make time for you where I can, Laeslas."
A/N: And chapter 3 done! Onto the next!
Sindarin: Fae- spirit
Iavas- Autumn
Goheno nin- Forgive me
Hir nin- My lord
Daer-adar/ion- Grandfather/son- this I am really not sure of, but if anyone knows what grandfather or grandson is in Sindarin, please let me know!