Chapter 5: First impressions
Disclaimer:
Lilith: …And some stories that should not have been forgotten were lost. Romance became drama, and drama became angst. And for two and a half years this ff past out of all knowledge. Until boredom prevails and it ensnared a new writer…
Samfior: My preciousss…
Lilith: The story came to the creature samfior, who took it deep into the tunnels of angsty mountains. And there it entertained her…
Samfior: It came to me, It is mine, my precious, Samfior!..Samfior!
Lilith: Well.. we disclaim everything
Samfior: Disclaim!...Disclaim!
o
As soon as she left the King's talan, she expired softly with relief.
"My Lady, if you were this nervous upon meeting my father, I must say, that you hid it very well." stated the voice nearby.
Rin hold her step and turned to the Elf, who was watching her with a small smile on his lips, but a careful and somewhat cold gaze in his eyes.
"Well, my Lord Legolas, it is not that I meet with Elven Lords everyday" said Rin and added; "But I feel better now." With that she turned on her heels and started walking ahead. She was a little bit irritated by his words and his frosty gaze. Trying to concentrate on the beautiful surroundings she hoped, that the prince would make no further comments about her being distressed. She was tired both physically and emotionally and feared she might not be able to show the dignity and calmness she should as an emissary of her land.
"I am glad to hear that my presence makes you feel better" said Legolas after some time. He was a little bit behind, just enough to inspect her without being seen.
"Thank you, but I believe it is the trees that calm me." said Rin enjoying the sun coming in rays between the branches of ancient trees.
"Although some people believe it to be magical, our forest can not show you the way. You still need my help to find your room." said Legolas keeping her pace.
'He is teasing me openly' thought Rin. With that she stopped and turned slowly to him, her eyes bright green with hidden anger, her hands in slight fists. As her gaze fell on him, she saw that he was smiling slyly. She could not believe the position she was in, weary and dirty from the long road, in a distant land for an errand mission and being mocked on top of that. 'And not by anyone, but by the Prince, does he have no sense of propriety!' she thought as she examined him with narrowed eyes. He was the most handsome man she ever saw, 'Because of his dreaded smile' she thought. 'Such arrogance.' He was wearing a dark green knee-length tunic, which was intricately designed and tightened with a silver coloured belt, and underneath dark grey trousers. His hair was braided on both sides and laid in front of his pointy ears. He was at least a head taller than her and his composition was one of a soldier, showing strength and constitution. But most appealing to her was his eyes for they were dark as the depths of the sea and showed many emotions. 'Now they are bright with laughter!' thought Rin and slowly walked to him and said:
"You are right of course, My Lord. But why should you be burdened with this task. I do not deserve such honour. Please, send word for someone else to guide me. It worries me deeply to keep you from more important deeds."
"And displease my uncle? It is not possible, my Lady, for he told me that in Rhuin you did the same thing for him and will be upset if I do not return the favour properly!" said he, still grinning.
"My Lord, please, I seriously do not believe that Lord Dregonas would mind and..." she was interrupted before she could complete her sentence.
"Forgive me but there is no point in discussing this any further! I will do, what is asked of me! Please do follow me!" said Legolas and began walking slowly.
Frustrated, but also tired of arguing Rin followed him and instantly she became aware of the forest city and how amazing it was. There were houses built in and around the trees and covered with branches and leaves, which made them almost impossible to notice. The very corridor they were walking through was a passage from one tree to another and was carpeted with leaves and flowers.
She had already forgotten that she was annoyed with him when she heard him speak;
"I hear the forest of Rhun is a sight to be seen, with thick woods and small springs..."
"Yes, our forest is beautiful in its own way and more importantly it is now safe to travel since..." she stopped and looked at him sincerely and said;
"I know that you, my Lord, took place at the War of the Ring, and I just want to say there was no happier day for me when the darkness crept over our lands was vanished."
He nodded slightly but did not say a word for a long time. The look on his face was stern. Rin suspected that her words were not taken seriously because of her father's deeds at those times. She knew that the House of Rhuin could seem evil and untrue even to friendly eyes, but she wanted to change that. Although she did not know what her father wrote to King Thranduil, the fact that he made this effort showed her that he also felt the same way and did want to have peace.
His words cut her thoughts;
"Those days are over with many losses and gains, but it makes me happy to hear that your land is safe again." His voice had such bitterness in it, that Rin felt the urge to look at him. His eyes were transfixed ahead and she couldn't read the emotions in their depts. She decided not to talk about this subject anymore for his demeanour showed deep sorrow.
After a while Rin thought she should break the silence and said gently:
"My father sent some gifts, besides the letter. He thought that you would be interested in old writings of craftsmen of Eregion; Gwaith-i-Mirdain, who taught us the delicate art of Rhune embroidering and sculpturing long time ago. Our beloved treasure of Rosarhune have deeply effected Lord Dregonas. So, I dare say You and Your King may be interested in them." She was not aware of it, but she was talking fast trying to hide her anxiety, "There is also a supply of our famous wine. It is said that it is the best and the sweetest of all the Middle Earth. I think my companions already have given them to your servants as we came."
"Really? I am most interested, my Lady!" said Legolas, a smile forming on his lips. "Writings from ancient times, and Dwarwinion wine... I thank you for your kind and thoughtful gifts! I hope we will have the chance to cherish them together in your stay here"
Rin laughed feeling some what better due to their relaxed talk. "Thank you."
"Well, let us settle it then. Tonight at dinner we will drink Rhuin's famous wine and celebrate the upcoming treaty!"
"My Lord, nothing could please me more!" said Rin.
They continued walking for a while but they were silent. Rin's thoughts were focused on the Prince's words. She felt happiness and hope building inside her for the first time since she couldn't remember when. He had said 'upcoming treaty' so naturally, so freely, like it was supposed to happen, like it would happen, and that gave hope and relief to Rin. She felt him stop and turn his gaze to her and for a moment they looked at each other, until suddenly the elf came close to her and raised his hand. Rin was frozen when she felt his soft touch on her hair. But quickly the elf drove it back and as he did that she saw a straw in his hand. He looked at her some what playfully and said;
"We came, my Lady! I hope you will find your room satisfactory. The maidens will check on you later, if you need anything. I bid you a good rest, for you seem very tired. Farewell!"
With that he left her at the entry of a tree talan, and Rin could not help but think; 'He basically told me, I looked bad, unbelievable!'
She opened the doors to her room and examined inside. Everything was ready for her arrival, her packages, which she left with Falma were put on the foot of the bed and there was a hot stream coming from a bathtub. As she saw a mirror on the corner of the room she saw herself for the first time in two days.
"Oh, it is no wonder, that he said that!" she murmured. Her face looked like it tanned, but mostly because of the dirt of the road. Her light green riding suit was brown on its skirt. But what she was most upset about was her hair. She had carefully braided and put a beautiful pin to hold it in its place just this morning, since she knew she would meet the King and did not want to look inappropriate. 'Inappropriate? More like a savage!' she thought. Her hair was a mess. The waves had come loose from the pin and partly fell on her back and partly strangled themselves to other braids, which made them look chaotic. 'I should have come here before seeing the King! But, nothing can be done now, at least I should dress more appropriate tonight' with that she remembered the hot bath and without wasting any more time she get rid of her clothes and entered the hot water.
o
As soon as the Princess of Rhuin and his son left the room King Thranduil turned to his brother.
"I am curious about this letter, are you not Dregonas?" he said. "I must say I was not completely convinced when you told me about the Lady from East and her grace. But now that I saw her with my own eyes, I must admit that you were right, my Brother!"
"She has not only beauty but also a gentle and kind heart. She is a rare breeding indeed. It was surprising for me too, since I also happen to know that her father is by no means capable of raising such nobility!" said Dregonas, remembering the day he was in Rhuin and King Rhanor's arrogance.
"Oh, believe me, I know this King called Rhanor, he is no nobility only a commoner compared to the House of Rhuin. Tragedies carried him to the throne. I am afraid, that he will take the House to its ruin." said Thranduil with a bitter tone and after a pause added;
"But I believe we may still have hope, for the royal blood of Rhuin is a strong one indeed!"
"That is my hope as well. I believe more will be revealed to us with this letter, Brother!" said Dregonas slowly walking to the throne.
Thanduil opened the case and pulled the letter out; breaking the royal seal of it, he began to read the intricately written text.
After a short while Thranduil raised abruptly from his throne. His eyes were still fixed on the writing. Dregonas was startled by this and took a step forth.
"Brother, what is it?"
Expression on the King's face was complex; he looked shocked, angry, frustrated and confused. Dregonas could not help but feel alarmed. 'What can it be? I can remember only few times Thranduil showed such confound confusion!'
Slowly the King raised his eyes from the letter, which was some what crumpled by the intense grasping of his fingers and looked at Dregonas and said; "Read it, you must!"
Dregonas took it and began reading it out loud hastily to find out what has affected his brother so;
" Dear Lord Thranduil, King of Eryn Lasgalen...
...As the King of Rhuin I could not change what had happened but now since I have the opportunity to change the course of our relationship, I will...also there were the words of Lord Dregonas; "Eryn Lasgalen demands compensation of highest value. You will judge what that is and we will judge its worth when we have it"...this puzzle...me and my council have considered Your demand for a long time...and we decided, what the homage should be...this gift more valuable than anything our nation can offer, I deem...so I am sending You a mighty gift, my only daughter, Princess Rin, to become your daughter as well, so we may share the peace together as a family...The happiness and honour of me and my people lie in your wise hands...for honouring the old and long standing pact between Eregion and Rhuin...we are proud to be united with you and with the worthy folk of Eryn Lasgalen... As a King I could not have dreamt a better future for my Kingdom and as a father I could not have dreamt a better husband than Legolas Thranduillion...The Wedding party will depart shortly after my daughter to help You and Your people for the preparations for the upcoming wedding...Sincerely, Lord Rhanor, King of Rhuin..."
Dregonas' voice slowly faded out. He was speechless and more than shocked. Still holding the letter he looked at Thranduil, who was standing near one of the many balconies of the talan and looking afar.
"I can not believe...That was not my intent... Brother, what should we do?"
Thranduil turned slowly and Dregonas was surprised to see his brother smiling.
o
'The sun is setting, once again…' thought Legolas. He has been sitting on the railing of his talan for some time, looking west. The wind was beginning to make its presence; 'It might rain tonight.' he thought and took a deep breath, looked down on some little thing he was holding in his hand. It was the strand he took from Rin's hair.
"So what do you think of the Lady?"
Legolas was taken aback, that he was so engrossed in his thoughts he did not even hear his uncle approach. And it was like his uncle understood that his thoughts were occupied with her.
He felt the uneasiness in his uncle's voice when he asked "Even your father admitted her beauty; do not tell me you did not see it?"
"You know I am not blind, uncle. Because that is what you have to be to not acknowledge Princess' beauty." he answered quickly. He laughed inside at his uncles antiques. How he spoke of things so easily without inhibitions… It was refreshing.
Dregonas was looking at him as he walked to the side of the balcony. He looked like relieved upon hearing his words, which in return unnerved his nephew.
"Is something the matter, Uncle? You seem somewhat uneasy." he asked looking intently at him.
"Things are getting out of our control, my boy." Dregonas answered, "I would never think that they would turn out this way. Some times the most important things for us could be easily sacrificed by others. All we can do is try to protect them." He paused here and then asked, "You know how I feel about our young noble guest, do you not Legolas?"
"Aye, that I do, my Lord. You care for her deeply. It is plain to see. But what is it that worries you this much?" exclaimed Legolas. He was getting curious. It was quite rare that his uncle would look this out of sorts.
"It is not my piece to tell. You must trust me and promise me, Legolas, to take care of her and not to let any harm come to her. Will you do that for me?" he said and smiled softly looking lovingly at him "Will you let me test your faith in me one more time, my Prince, and make such a promise to me blindly?"
Legolas did not hesitate and answered in a heart beat:
"I promise, my Lord, that I will do everything in my power to protect your beloved Lady." Then he spoke some what rejected "You should never question my faith in you, uncle. I do not think I ever gave you a reason to do that."
"No, you did not, Legolas. Forgive me, but I am worried and wanted to be sure." He laughed lightly "Well, let us not dwell on this any longer. You must go and see your father, because he sends for you, which is actually the real reason for my presence here. We will have time, occasion and indeed reason to talk about this again. Go now!"
Legolas stand there a moment wanting to press the matter, but he knew, that his uncle would not talk. So he left reluctantly to meet his father.
o
"Well at last you came!" Thranduil said impatiently, when he saw his son approaching.
"I came as soon as possible, father. What is it that you wanted to talk about?"
"You know of this treaty that we are planning to form between Rhuin and Eryn Lasgalen... The situation took an unexpected turn. It is quite different what we have expected really. Maybe holds more profit than we could have foreseen."
"Profit?" exclaimed Legolas surprised, "I saw my uncle just now, father, and he seemed out of sorts. I do not believe that there is any good this letter holds for any of us."
His father smiled and said:
"Your uncle had taken the news harder than necessary, I deem. But as long as I know him, his first reaction has always been an emotional one." He continued; "We should not easily turn our backs to Rhun. You know that even before you came to this world, even high Elves had respected and worked together with them."
The prince looked at him and said:
"The times have changed my king. The Rhunians have changed. After the way King Rhanor treated my uncle I do believe that we must be cautious towards them."
"Cautious yes, but I do not believe any hostility is needed, for whatever you may be think, Rhanor King did send us a great gift."
Legolas was getting curious:
"And that is?"
"Legolas, my son. What I am going to tell you, may come as an insult to you but you must know that I am regarding your interests in this matter most highly." He stopped and looked his son in the eye before asking, "What do you think of this Lady up from the East princess Rin?"
"Why is everyone so interested in what I think about this woman." He said offhandedly. "She is beautiful, I suppose …and very young. If you have put your hopes into her, father, I must say, I do not think she will gain the right to throne any time soon."
"That is not what I think, but I must say you are not wrong in your words about her. But I held her fit for praises." King replied.
After a moment he said:
"My son, times of the Elves are over. The Ring was destroyed. Our powers can not keep pace with what is to come. Our people are leaving Middle Earth. You and I do not feel the emptiness and the call for the sea yet, but the time requests changes. The question of our existence is now, if we have the will to change ourselves."
"You are right father, as always. But what does this got to do with our treaty with Rhuin." He stopped for a moment. He asked with narrowed eyes:
"What is the gift they chose appropriate for us, My King?"
After a pause, Thranduil put his hand on his son's shoulder and said: "King of Rhuin wishes his daughter to marry you."
Legolas looked at him shocked. For a moment he could not speak. It was obvious that he tried to comprehend the news.
"How he wants the elves on his side…" he murmured. "Is this the only way that Rhuin can survive? Should this be the price?. It's ridiculous.."
He turned to his father then and said collected:
"You can not accept this, father. Indeed it may show his sincerity, in a way I suppose. But you should make him see, that such a bond is not necessary, that we think he honoured the treaty and send the princess back home."
Thranduil looked patiently at him, but shaked his head in disaggreament:
"I do not think that is an option, my boy. The deed is already done for him. Also I have considered the matter thoroughly; Dregonas and I came to believe that a connection of such kind would bind us to the World"
"You want me to marry a human father! A human I do not love, who does not love me?" Legolas exclaimed. "How can you ask me something like this? How can you condemn that young girl to a faith like this, to live in a strange place with someone who is a stranger to her?"
"I am aware of these things; do not be fooled by my calm appearance, Legolas."
Legolas walked to the window and said softly:
"You must give me a reason, father. A reason good enough to make me do this, a just reason."
His father walked to him:
"My reasons are not completely known to me either, but I feel no evil in this matter. My heart feels light, untroubled." His son smiled bitterly at him then; Thranduil laughed heartily and continued, "There is some thing you do not know. I have not told you because there was no need for you to dwell on it then. I had a talk with Lady Galadriel, just before they left this Earth with Lord Celeborn. We discussed the issues concerning our borders then Lady Galadriel told me what she foresaw. She said: "Do not be afraid of the Eastern Winds, King, for the change they bring will be good for your people. Especially for your son. Until his time comes, he will do great things on this earth. After you are gone, you will be remembered by him."
Legolas turned his eyes to the woods again and said slowly:
"I am troubled father; I am troubled deeply for all of us, for myself, for you, for the maiden and for my uncle whom I gave my word on the way here that I will keep her from harm. What you ask of me contradicts with my given promise."
"There will be more harm done to her, if you send her back to her home." answered Thranduil. "Her father would think that she did not please you and her people think that she was rejected by the Elves. You will be dishonouring her, her pride will be ruined."
"This is what is expected from me then. You know I will do it, father, if it pleases you." He turned to his father, dropped his head and said, "I have only one request. Let me talk with Dregonas first. Let me get some advice from him on this."
Thranduil smiled at his son:
"Since The Mirror of Galadriel is no more, do as you wish, Legolas. But let me say this you; that no matter what you decide, no father has ever had a better son and I am proud of you, like your mother would have been too."
o
Rin had fallen immediately to sleep after the bath and only woke up when she heard the door being shut. She quickly looked around the room but there was no one to be seen, but she noticed that the bath was emptied and the wet towels were gone. To her surprise she saw that her clothes were unpacked and laid down orderly.
"Thank you!" she murmured to invisible servants and got up from the bed to dress for the evening. The sun was setting and a red hue covered the room, and she lit some candles, which were on a small wooden table nearby. For a time she could not help but watch the view from her window, it was as if the all forest changed colour with the evening and turned red. She decided to wear her dark red evening gown. She dressed up and went to the mirror and looked at herself; the white of her skin and the colour of the fine silk material made a nice contrast.
When she felt ready and content with her preparations Rin get out of her room to make her way to the dinner hall. She did not know and it would not do for the Princess of Rhuin to walk around and search for, so she hoped there would be a servant to lead her. But the minute she set foot outside she saw that her worries were without reason.
She smiled at the kind Elven Lord who was dressed for the formal dinner apparently and looked even more dashing than usual.
"Oh, Lord Dregonas. I was just coming to the dinner. What brought you here?" she asked sweetly.
He smiled back at her:
"I came to be your escort to the dinner, my lady, if it is alright with you."
"Of course, I would be happy. To be honest I did not think I could find my way in your woods any way." Rin answered laughing.
Dregonas started walking talking to her in same time:
"Thank you, my Lady. It has not been long since we left our caves to live in the forest again. Believe me when I say that it was even more difficult to find your way there."
She let out a small laugh: "Nevertheless, it is really unfortunate that I did not have the chance to see your caves. They are told to be beautiful…enchanting."
"We lived there out of necessity, My Lady" Dregonas explained. "But as you heard, they were a sight to be seen. If it will please you I will take you there. We will have enough time, I deem"
"Yes, I would love to." Rin waited for a moment, like she was contemplating how to say what was on her mind. Then she asked lightly, so slow that Dregonas almost could not hear her. "Would you think it inappropriate of me if I asked you about the masage I carried? My father did not want me to get involved in the council?"
Dregonas got silent for a minute. This was exactly the topic he wanted to come to, but he did not expected her to be the one opening it up. He took a deep breath and said:
"I too observed that King Rhanor some what tried to hold you back from the conversations. That was what surprised me most, when I see you sent here as the emissary. But then I concluded that you did not know the contents of this letter. That is disturbing, my Lady, since it directly affects your being"
Rin looked surprised for a moment and answered:
"What do you mean? I am here to make sure that my people have peace they deserve. Although my father may have caused some conflicts about his intentions, I know for a fact that in heart he desires peace. I was quite happy when my father asked me come here and deliver his letter."
"We have no doubt in your land's royalty or yours, my Lady." said Dregonas hurriedly and tried to formulate what he wanted to say. "But I fear that you mistook the meaning of my words and I do not blame you, for I speak in riddles to your ears, I fear. Your father is indeed trying to make a peace treaty with us, but I must say that his way of understanding the situation, surprised even the wisest of us. His approach to the matter is unexpected in many ways, but I believe that he should have told you what he expects of you. But alas, he did not, and one may suggest that this secrecy was maybe needed, I believe that task fall upon me."
"What is it that you want to tell me my lord? Is something wrong? I am beginning to worry." exclaimed Rin.
Dregonas felt bad about stressing this lovely maiden and tried to comfort her:
"Do not trouble your heart with what I have to say, my lady. I believe that everything happens for a reason, we should have to see beyond the acute problems and end up understanding the full meaning of it."
Rin could not wait anymore. The way Dregonas, who was usually so calm, talked made her most uneasy.
"My Lord, please! Just tell me, do not try to spare my feelings" she said somewhat harshly.
Dregonas sighed, and said dejectedly:
"As you wish, I will speak plainly. Your father wishes you to marry Legolas Thranduillion to form an undying bond between two nations."
Rin stopped suddenly and turned to him. Her eyes were open wide and she looked like she could not breathe. She exclaimed:
"What, what are you saying? This can not be true. I was not informed. How..." She stopped talking suddenly "I can not believe it."
Dregonas walked towards her and stand close to make sure she was fine. "My Lady, we were as surprised as you." He took hold of her elbow and led her to a bench near by. "Let us sit here for a while, for you seem not well."
"I am. I..." Suddenly she laughed bitterly. "How stupid must I look to you? Being this shocked about the transactions of my own father about me. I just never thought…"
"No, no, my Lady." Dregonas said without waiting for her to finish, "I assumed that you would not know of this matter, since I believe if you would, you would not agree to come here."
Rin continued like she did not even hear him:
"It is just not the way my family handles such problems. Marriage is sacred to us, even my parents marriage, which can be seen conventional, compared to this, evoked many discussions in their time."
Dregonas knew he had to calm her. He took her hands in to his hands and spoke with a calming voice:
"I do believe this union, if it shall take place, would be the first of its kind, both in our house and yours. But I do not wish you to trouble yourself with the past; you must act upon what you judged to be right. My brother and I will certainly not influence you to choose either way. You may decline, you may accept, and this should be purely your wish"
Rin looked ahead towards the woods. She considered her answer for a minute. She had to help her land but at what cost. But these were elves. How could they go along with something like this? They would not. They could not. It was this simple. There was no way the prince of Mirkwood would accept this. She made up her mind as she took a deep breath and turned to Dregonas:
"I will do what ever it is that expected from me. If my King wants this union, this is what I am going to do. I will do as he bids."
Dregonas was surprised and unnerved by her quick answer and cold manner:
"Do not hasten your answer my Lady, it is not expected from you at this moment. Are you sure that you do not want to reconsider before accepting the King's order. It will deeply affect you and your family, do you not want to take your time to think. I will be most sad if at the end you chose this path only to please your father or to form peace, for there are other ways, believe me."
She smiled to him, but the smile did not reach her eyes:
"You are most kind. But I made up my mind. I was happy to be able to help my people by coming here; it seems I can do much more. I will do as it is expected from a princess. I will live for my people. That was what I was taught and always knew that it was my fate."
Dregonas took a deep breath. He knew there was nothing else he could do now.
"Well, you are a true Rhuinian my Princess, worthy of your family. I wish that the circumstances would be different and you would be marrying for love not for your people for you deserve to be happy. But no one can know what the future holds your happiness may lay here. Shall we go to the dinner hall, where we are expected my Lady."
"Yes, I suppose…" Rin said and get up unwillingly. They did not say another word till they reached the hall.