Lynx: MERRY CHRISTMAS HAPPY HOLIDAYS. Lots to look forward to, readers.
Oh Also, The Phreak brought up a good point. "Laure and Legolas are being a bit chummy even though they are on the opposite sides of the war." Is what was said. Well let me explain the concept. Yes Laure and Legolas unfortunately are on opposing sides of the war, but they are 'chummy' because they realize a number of things. One realization is that they both have the same views of said war; they agree wholly that the war has to be stopped for it is unnecessary and harmful to both kingdoms. The next realization is that they will have to work together to convince King Thranduil on an alliance to bring an end to the war, because it's virtually impossible to convince him on one's own (taking it that Legolas was nagging him like a housewife about stopping the war but Thranduil proceeded to ignore his own son's pleas). The last realization is that they have the potential to become great friends, and by doing so, they are setting an example to the rest of both realms. The example is that: yes, elves and taurens indeed can get along in a friendly manner and not have thoughts about killing each other in the process. Phew. My hands are typed out now. But does that clear things up a little? Maybe I'll incorporate everything I just said into this chapter, clear it up for everyone else. Thanks for bringing up a good point!
Lynx: A-ha-ha-hanyway, I hope you like this chappie, plenty in store for you.
Legolas: I'm not gonna die am I?
Laure: I can make it happen if you wish it so. (Grins evilly)
Haldir: (cheers) Lau-re! Lau-re! Lau-re!
Legolas: Can't you show a little bit of support for one of your own kind!
Haldir: Nah. You're just so much fun to ridicule.
Lynx: Can you not feel the love emanating from us lovely bunch of coconuts? I stress the nutty part.
Legolas: (sniffle) I am so unloved.
After a long chat accompanied by many cheerful laughs, Legolas became aware of the time. By the position of the sun, he calculated that it was very close to dinner.
"Maybe we should begin to make our way down to the dining hall; the sun is beginning to set." Legolas offered politely as he stood from the section of bench in which he had occupied.
Laure looked up at the sky and indeed the sun was just commencing in its long journey from the dark orange sky to dip into the horizon hidden behind a thick layer of trees.
"Sounds like a wonderful idea." Laure concurred, following the Prince's example and rising from her seat.
"I think you will find the evening meal rather scrumptious," Legolas beamed brightly at Laure, a new-found friend that he had connected with immediately on many levels. "The cooks are rather prominent when they know there are guests to impress. They would do exceptionally well especially if said-guest happens to be the renowned Prince of War."
"Please, it's but a mere title." Laure scoffed good-naturedly, uncomfortable at the misdirected compliment. If only the elf knew that he was not speaking to Prince Valandil, but rather Princess Laure instead. How she longed to tell him her secret, the secret she had kept well, the secret that held in its hands the very key to her success here in Mirkwood.
Legolas was the type of person that made one wish to pour out the deepest and darkest secrets. He made one want to disregard all better judgment, and whether for better of for worse, tell things one swore not to tell. His personality demanded trust and confidence no matter the costs, his character insisted on complete faith in his judgment, though his deep azure eyes spoke of how he would not assess a person for what their soul hid from the rest of the world. He was the type of person one could fear or be intimidated by, for if he aspired to, he could use his remarkable charm to learn the very secrets that may well be used to destroy a person and everything they had built up towards.
A/N: POV Change
Legolas regarded Prince Valandil carefully as they left the gardens and made their way towards the nearest palace entrance. He noted the look of anxiety and yearning that had settled deep within those glowing jade-coloured eyes. The shorter tauren looked as if he deeply wished to tell him something, though he absent-mindedly chewed his lower lip as if it helped to keep his secret just underneath his tongue. Valandil was a mystery within a mystery, an alarming enigma that could make one want to pull their very hair out by the roots trying to discern what was occurring deep within that cunning mind of his. This trait of Valandil's made Legolas want to pray for the mystery to be solved, for he sensed that it would drive him insane unless the tauren's inner demons were unmasked.
"Are you alright?" Legolas solicited uncertainly, breaking the deep silence that had suddenly blanketed the two of them, "You seem distracted."
"No, I am perfectly well," Valandil suddenly flashed him a genuine smile, "You need not concern yourself with me. Thank you though, for asking."
Legolas hesitantly returned the smile with one of his own, deciding that it was best not to poke and prod at something that was sure to remain untold.
A/N: Back to Laure's POV (yes I know I referred to Laure as Valandil, but that was Legolas' POV and that is how he views and knows her. Sorry for the A/N, just thought I'd clear that up.)
Together they silently made their way towards the dining hall, both eager to get a taste of the delicious dinner being prepared by the cooks.
As they made their way down the corridor, Laure silently questioned herself on why she was becoming so friendly with this particular elf. It took her a moment or two to come up with a plausible explanation to the treason she was committing toward her own region. Her first reason was that she discovered that they had much in common to share and tell each other. They had countless things that they viewed similarly, the first and utmost being that they despised the war and wished for its end. They both had also lost their mothers at a young age, growing up under the influence and care of their fathers. Her second thought was that she couldn't possibly convince Thranduil to create an alliance between the two raging realms on her own, she concluded easily that Legolas was willing to aid her in that area. He had already proven himself worthy to that aspect during the brief council they held earlier that day. Her last realization was that if they grew to have a strong enough relationship, together they could prove that an elf and a tauren could indeed get along without killing each other within five minutes. They could set an example for the rest of the elves and taurens: friendship can exist amongst the midst of enemies…
"Do you think King Thranduil will accept my proposal?" Laure suddenly asked, startling Legolas out of his musings.
"Well, if he realizes what is good for our people…" Legolas shrugged ever-so-slightly, "I'm sure he will choose the wisest path."
"Well I am glad that someone sees hope in this situation…" Laure said softly.
"Tell me, this war has been going on for two hundred years," Legolas gave her a quick glance, curiosity settling deep within the depths of his blue eyes, "Why is it now that of all times that you wish to council us about ending it?"
Laure drew in a deep breath, letting it out slowly, "I fear that my father will come to the end of his reign in Elvirin if this war is not ended."
"Then you would be king, wouldn't you?" Legolas replied calmly.
"Well… yes." Laure gave a slight nod, "But I am not ready to command an entire kingdom on my own, with or without help from advisors, councilors, and my sisters."
"It's best if you not repeat that to anyone else." Legolas looked over his shoulder before speaking again, "Hand information such as that to someone like Captain Anaro and it is sure to be used against you and your kingdom."
"I trust you." Laure said simply, "I know you are not like Captain Anaro, valiant as he is."
"Thank you." Legolas smiled, reaching out to the door to the dining hall. He opened it and allowed Laure passage first.
Laure nodded her thanks and made her way to her seat with the King, Legolas following at her heel.
Thranduil looked up at their entrance and watched as they both took their seats on either side of him.
"You are just in time." Thranduil offered first, "the cooks just laid down the meal."
"Looks delicious…" Laure stared in awe at the elegant elvish cuisine, the strong scent of it enticing her senses.
"Well, don't sit there waiting for the sun to set. Eat!" Thranduil sipped his glass of wine delicately.
Laure yawned as she made her way back to the guest bedchambers. Legolas was right, dinner had been absolutely fabulous.
She opened the door to her room and entered oblivious of the pair of hazel eyes that watched every movement she made.
Exhausted she made her way to her bed…
Renwe looked up startled when he heard the doorknob turn. He closed the drawer he had been fishing through; he had been unable to detect anything out of the ordinary anyway. He sank into the shadows just in time to watch Valandil come in looking tired.
Renwe pressed his back against the wall, the shadow of the dresser engulfing him completely. He could feel the perspiration beginning to dot his forehead as his heart beat wildly against his chest. Hopefully he would not be detected...
Valandil began to undo the clasps that held his precious armour onto his torso; intent on getting to bed so he could sleep. Renwe narrowed his eyes and leaned forward very slightly while holding his breath.
Tossing his cloak onto the chair beside his bed, Valandil removed the top half of his armour, slipping it over his head. With his back to Renwe, he gently set the armour against the wall. He started to pull off his armlets as he turned more towards Renwe's direction.
Renwe drew in a quick breath, his eyes widening in the utmost disbelief. He rubbed his eyes and looked again… Valandil had the curves of a woman's body… it was an impostor! It was a woman disguised as Prince Valandil all along… he could hardly wait to tell Anaro!
She kicked off Valandil's boots and hopped into the bed, lazily throwing the covers over her body.
Renwe waited until she fell asleep so he could slip out of the room. Closing the door he let out a rush of oxygen. After a moment he let go of the doorknob and slinked down the darkened torch-lit hall.
Anaro would love to hear this!
Lynx: Merry Christmas and happy holidays. This was my present to my readers! (Hugs every one of you)
Legolas: (holds out his arms for Lynx to give him a hug)
Lynx: (walks right past him)
Legolas: …
Laure: (bounces over and gives Legolas a big teddy bear hug)
Legolas: XP. At least someone cares! (Sticks tongue out at Lynx)
Lynx: (too busy glomping Haldir)
Haldir: XD
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!