The Woodland Realm

Mirkwood

Festive preparations

Excitement fills the air all over Mirkwood as the most beloved event of the year is getting closer and closer to the inhabitants. The Autumnal Equinox is only a few days away and the elven population is slowly getting ready for a celebration worthy of it's name, the „most anticipated festivity of them all."

Regardless of age or gender, everybody seems to be in the mood. Well, perhaps some of them a bit more than others...

„Maybe we should just look the other way." Mirella says without taking her eyes off of the terrifying sight.

„I agree. I can barely watch it." Haldir's voice is somewhat frightend. He raises his hands to cover his eyes.

„Be strong, my friend. Look at that! How many hands do you think she has?"

„More than two. Otherwise how would it be possible to touch that much body-surface at the same time?" He shakes his head in horror.

Not too far from Mirella and Haldir, on the other side of the long table they are sitting at, a very unamused looking Thranduil is entertained by a shamelessly red-blooded elf maid. She's all over the Prince, quiet literally. She's so pumped up by the whole situation her cheeks are flaming and so do her eyes. Her dark auburn hair keeps on flying in the air around Thranduil, who's face tells a silent tale about distress and hatred. The show is more or less enjoyable.

When the intruder wraps her arms around Thraduil with the intention of squeezing herself into his body than romantically rests her head on his broad chest, Mirella can't keep a straight face anymore.

„Never have I ever thought I will say something like this, but I'm kind of almost feeling sorry for him." Surprised by her own words, Mirella turns to Haldir. He's obviously feeling uncomfortable. It takes a few moments for him to find his voice, but when he finally does, his words are not soothing.

„I am very pleased to hear that. It makes me feel less bad about you."

„Haldir? What are you talking about?"

„I may or may not have made a hasty promise to someone."

The great entrance to the Big Hall opens up. A white haired, elegant looking elf is politely asking for attention. When all eyes are looking at him, he starts talking on a honey like voice. „As in every year at the time of the Equinox, the celebration starts with the most majestic ball of Middle-Earth. This celebration will open – as I have already informed you earlier – with a dance. Oropher, out King asked me to prepare you all for this wonderful event. Please find your partners and follow me into the Big Hall."

Without any loud words or huddle the elf students are getting ready for their dance class. Most of the pairs are already made, they're slowly approaching the great entrance.

Mirella glances at Haldir. „Shouldn't we go?"

„I don't know how to say it, but..." She puts her fingers on his lips to silence him.

„I know. Don't worry, I'm not the best eighter."

Without any warning, Thranduil steps behind his favorite elf and leans down to her ears.

„Can I have the honor of leading you the ball room on my arms, love?" Mirella rolls her eyes.

„You definitely can not." She quickly turns around to face the blonde elf. „You must be mistaken me for your other girlfriend. You know, the one who had a hand on every inch of you about two and a half minutes ago." Both Haldir and Thranduil look at her with wide eyes. Her tone was much more desperate than she wanted it to be. „Not like I care. I do not care!"

The Prince feels the need to explain himself. „ I wouldn't dare think you do. But I must tell you, that maid is not and was never a lover of mine! Unfortunately, she never seems to listen when I tell her how uninterested I am."

It's Mirella's turn to look at him with wide eyes. „That must be awful. Tell me more about it!"

The Great Hall is packed with young elves. Every pair is standing on their own spot, marked out by the elegant, white haired teacher.

Mirella's standing with her arms crossed on her chest, she refuses to look at her partner. It was a very long time ago when she last felt so disappointed.

„I can't believe he traided me. This is all your fault." She pushes her index finger in Thranduil's chest. He doesn't seem offended at all. Instead, he catches her hand and places a small kiss on it. The dark auburn haired elf maid stands on the verge of a heavy tantrum. Mirella wants to punch her least favourite elf in the face.

The white haired dance teacher walks around the pairs. He waves in the air and soft music starts to play before he gives the first instructions. „Young men, keep your backs straight, stand up tall and hold your ladies' hands with one hand." The elven students follow his words. „Now put the other hand slightly on the waist. Be very gentle!"

The Prince looks at the light brown haired elf, raising one eyebrow questioningly.

„Don't you even think about going lower than my waist. Or I will have to introduce my right knee to your royal parts."

Bending down to her ears, Thranduil whispers seductively. „Maybe just a tiny bit lower?"

„I'm getting real tired of you not taking me seriously." Mirella whispers back.

„But love, I would take you all the way." The Prince's royal parts stay untouched thanks to the elf who signals for the dance to start.

The teacher takes his duty very seriously. The pairs must spin and bend until every single step they make become confident and precise. Nothing less than perfect will do. They must be aware of where they have to stand, where they need to move, otherwise they will crash into another duo. The dark auburn haired elf and her partner bumped into Mirella and Thranduil at least three times. Chances are, not by mistake. The music stops and the swirling of the pairs stop.

As much as Mirella would hate to confess, the Prince is not a bad dancer. She was almost certain he'd be a terrible one, but for her own surprise, she was so wrong. Thranduil's voice finds it's way to her ears.

„We've never been so close before."

„I'm aware of that and I miss those times." She makes a step back but he reacts fastly and takes a step forward to her.

„We could even hug. Just cuddle a bit."

„I left my sword in my chamber. Isn't it your lucky day?" Now she takes a step forward, hoping the blonde elf would step back but he doesn't. They're standing too close.

„Don't you worry, love, I have a sword you can borrow anytime. It's all yours." He winks at her with a naughty spark in his eyes that makes Mirella flash a smile.

„No, thank you. I prefer extra long blades."

„Everything I owe is King sized!" Fortunately, he doesn't feel the need to prove himself.

„Obviously. Starting with your ego."

Thranduil looks around and whispers in her ears intimately. „My father really liked you."

„Please, don't even... WHAT?" She spares him a roving glance.

„When we were at the Healing Ward."

The memories are vivid, it didn't happen a long time ago. Oropher's surprise visit left Mirella hiding in her chamber for two whole days. „I wish I could unattend that meeting."

„He's looking forward to a have a dance with you at the Ball."

She blushes rapidly. „I don't think I can dance with the King."

„Than dance with me instead."

„Maybe I could. But honestly, I don't even like you."

„Than why are you still holding my hand?" He asks softly.

Thranduil holds back a grin as Mirella snatches her hands rapidly, terrified by the realization that he was right and they were standing around like that for minutes. When she finally dares looking back up at him, he's not smiling. He's just staring at her with an unknown expression on his face.

„Your eyes change their colour, did you know that? From green to blue. Subconsciously, I suppose. When you're excited, maybe?" Déja Vu. The bastart.

„Read my lips: I don't know what you're talking about."