Chapter 10
The fire crackles and pops in front of me. I push my food around my plate. A day or two ago the unease got to me and my appetite went into hiding. Now the thought of bringing a spoonful to my lips makes my stomach turn.
I sigh and place my bowl on the ground beside me. I can feel Legolas' eyes on me as I abandon it and crawl into my bedroll instead. I close my eyes and listen as he picks up my bow and disposes of it. He must go back to sitting by the fire because I don't feel him next to me. I squeeze my eyes shut tightly and try to let the warmth of the fire on my face push me to sleep.
I try for a long time, long enough that Legolas probably thinks I'm asleep. Eventually the ring of metal being dragged quietly fills the air. I peak my eyes open; Legolas is sat crossed legged sharpening his blade on a whetstone. I watch as he does a few more passes. He looks concentrated at first glance, but I can see the unease that's clung to me clinging to him as well.
I sit up and his focus darts to me. I need his comfort even if we don't talk. I can't stand the distance. His eyes follow me as I stand, walk over, and sit next to him. Not good enough. There's a small distance between our legs and I shuffle closer so we're touching. Something settles fractionally inside me.
"I did not intend to keep things from you." He says quietly after we both have stared at the fire in out own thought for a while. I look at him, waiting to see if he'll say anything else.
"Tauriel and subsequently my father are painful matters to discuss." I give a small nod to let him know I'm listening.
"Gimli has appraised you of my affections for Tauriel so I shall skip that portion." He exhales deeply through his nose, the sound is loud in the quiet of the night and it's so unlike him. I take his hand from the blade and pull it into my lap, sandwiching it between mine.
"I defied my father twice on account of her." He looks down at our intertwined hands. "Once when he called for my return, without Tauriel, and again during an altercation between the two of them." I give his hand an encouraging squeeze.
"Our generals and a portion of our company were present." He pauses and I wait patiently for him to collect his next words. "In our position, decorum and appearances are very important. We must put aside our emotions and be calculative at times. Many eyes lay upon us." He turns his hand over and laces our fingers together.
"Our relationship has been strained and things have been difficult enough for him since my mothers passing." He stops, considering again. "I understood my actions necessitated consequence, so I left." My heart hurts for him. Being a king and prince should not out rank being a father and son.
"My father found me when the battle of the 5 armies was over. We were alone and said a private goodbye. He told me to find Aragorn. I almost left right then to follow his instructions." He shakes his head sadly. "But I could not leave Tauriel to suffer alone. I turned back and stayed by her side until she faded before starting my search for Aragorn." I wrap my free hand around his bicep and lean my head on his shoulder. There are no words that would be of comfort, so I try and push the feeling through to him.
"A sufficient time passed, and I returned. To prove myself, and I suppose as a final punishment to appease those still holding grudges, I was charged with guarding Gollum. You know the tale from there." He says as if to conclude his story, or at least what he's willing to share tonight.
"Thank you for sharing this with me." I say quietly. We sit like this for a while. I keep running through his story and what it means. "Are you afraid he won't accept me? Is that why you want me to build a life in a human kingdom?" I ask, nervous to hear the answer.
"At first it was, but if you truly do choose me, I would abandon my station. We could settle down wherever you wish." He says without question. I choke up at his sacrifice.
"That seems unreasonable. You shouldn't-"
"If my father disapproves, staying in Greenwood would be difficult. Even if he does approve, we may still face challenges."
"Like what?"
"I am a prince, some may not take kindly to my choosing a human." The implications of attempts on my safety lingers in the air. "Worry not about such things now."
I try to do as he says and close my eyes. My breathing slows and Legolas adjusts so that his arm is around my back to support me. My last thought before I sleep is that my neck is going to hurt in the morning.
I groan and rub my neck. Sleeping sitting up was a terrible idea. When I'm stable on my own Legolas stands and goes into the forest. He comes back a moment later with paste. The scent tells me it's more mint.
He kneels behind me and I gather my hair. The paste is cool and leaves a tingly sensation where he rubs it into my skin. I flinch as he moves over a particularly sore spot, and he mumbles an apology but continues.
Just like the last week or so, we spend most of the day riding. Now though, the tension between us is gone and I feel at peace again. There's an ease when we set up camp. No more eggshells.
"Why now?" I say as we near the end of our evening meal. "Why did it take so long for you to tell me any of that."
"Various reasons. It is not something I enjoy thinking on, my conversation with Lord Elrond, you and Gimli forcing my hand." He lists nonchalantly. It's good to see him at ease. Lord Elrond? I understood the other reasons but what does Lord Elrond have to do with any of this.
"Your conversation with Lord Elrond?" I look for clarification. He smiles fondly and amused down at his bowl. "What? What did he say?" Now I need to know.
"He asked of my intentions in regards to you." I groan. Even Elrond knew way back then.
"He said if I was not sure I wanted a union with you I should give you space to find somewhere to make your home, to build a life." He takes my empty bowl while I digest his words. He sets them down near the fire. Wait.
"You were unsure you wanted this?" I ask. He stops and turns to me, expression unreadable.
"No." Something crosses his face. Guilt? "I knew even then you were my true mate." He moves back to his seat avoiding my gaze.
"But you were so distant after we left Rivendell…" I mumble mostly to myself. "You doubted me, my feelings then…" realization dawns on me. His head lowers in shame.
"I feared you would choose me because you had no other experiences. I wanted you to be sure in your heart, and in your choice. I did not want you to bind yourself to me of convenience or of fear of being alone. Elves keep one partner their whole life."
"I am sure." I move to kneel in front of him and take his face in my hands. "I have loved all the places we've visited, and all the people we've met, but always my place was wherever you were." I search his face hoping he believes me.
"Even with Arwen and Aragorn, the people who first found and cared for me, or Lord Elrond who cared for me as a daughter and offered me a home there with him. I was touched, but none of them felt permanent… or right. Not unless you were with me." Adoration chases relief across his face.
His hands come up to cup my face and he brings our foreheads together gently. His hands stiffen briefly before he pushes back. Worry has retuned to his face.
"There is still the issue of my father-"
"And my mortality, and my… human emotions, but no more of that right now. We can figure it out later, together. For now…" I say moving to stand behind him. "Let me try braiding your beautiful hair." I freeze. "Unless that's breaking some kind of custom or culture you elves have." He chuckles. Having confirmation he wants me gives me the courage to push and test where my liberties lie.
"Quite the opposite. Once courting is agreed to by both parties, I would braid you hair in likeness of mine to show a claim. At least until our silver rings were formed."
"Well, you may braid my hair whenever you'd like." I say while undoing the ties keeping his current braids intact.
I undo the middle braid carefully before moving to the smaller side ones. When all his hair is free I spend a moment appreciating the colour and how soft and tangle free it is. I comb my fingers through it repeatedly. I accidently brush against the edge of his ear and he tenses.
"I didn't hurt you, did I?" I carefully extract my fingers from his silky locks.
"No, no." he clears his throat. I lift an eyebrow at him even though he can't see it.
I bring my hands back to his hair and innocently stroke through a few times before 'accidentally' brushing his ears again. He straightens and I may have just found my way to get reactions from him. I try to keep the grin from my face in case he turns, and I'm busted. I start at his temples and pull the hair back slowly, making sure to brush along the tops of his ears.
"Guren, if you continue doing that I will end up dishonoring my kinds customs." I squeal as he grabs my wrist and pulls. I twist around the side of his body, giggling the whole way down, and end up sitting across his lap.
"I think I just found my ticket to winning our previously unspoken game." I smirk up at him through the corner of my lashes. Challenge flickers across his face before it melts into a smile and he shakes his head.
"What am I going to do with you."
"Keep me." I say and try to keep the worry from my voice. Things are good out here on our own but we have less than a week of that blessing left before we reach Greenwood.
"Evermore." He grows serious. "I told you we'd leave together if he does not approve. I meant it." My heart melts. I cup his face again and pull him to me. I press my lips to his. Time stops. He's frozen, eyes wide in shock. I close my eyes and kiss him again.
This time he responds. Time starts moving again. One hand wraps around my lower back drawing me closer. The other comes up to the back of my head and covers part of my neck, spreading heat wherever he touches. He takes over initiating the kisses. My nerves are set alight, and nothings ever felt more right.
I nip at his lower lip, and he pulls back. Our eyes meet and we both pant, trying to catch our breath.
"We are playing with fire Guren." I shrug one shoulder at his half-hearted warning.
"We've already decided to choose each other." I say somewhat shyly.
"Yes." He grins. "But I should at least try to follow customs. At very least we should inform my father first."
"Fine." I playfully pout. "Will you at least tell me what Guren means now?"
"My heart." This man, elf, might just kill me. My eyes prickle, in joy this time. He's been calling me that since Rivendell. All this time, but he held back so I could come to my own feelings without his influence.
I smile and lean my head on his chest. How did I get so lucky? He rests his chin on my head and rubs my arm affectionately. And to think I didn't believe I deserved him. My nose wrinkles in distaste at the negative side of my brain. He squeezes me, almost as if he can sense the change.
"We can't stay like this." I sigh. "My neck is still sore from last night."
I crawl into my bed and Legolas moves behind me. I'm safely between him and the fire, everything is resolved between us for now, and he's drawing random shapes over my back. I fall asleep with an easy smile on my face.
We live in a happy little bubble for the next few days, sharing smiles, touches, and mundane but perfect moments. Legolas braids my hair every morning and is patient while I try to braid his just as nicely. When we ride for the day there's no hesitation on the rear rider's part to hold onto the one in front. We're almost always in some kind of contact. I couldn't be happier. Well, at least until we get Thranduil's approval.
Legolas says we should make it to the Halls just after midday tomorrow. He seems on edge while we set up camp. Thought logically I know I should be on guard too I just can't get my body and feels to heed my brains advice.
Normally Legolas only keeps his bow near by while I sleep but tonight he wears his bow, quiver, and fighting knives. He claims there's been no specific activity that put him on edge, only that the earth seems unsettled. He takes his place behind me like normal and after an hour or so of nothing happening, I drift to sleep.
"Anything worth staying up for happen last night?" I ask rolling up my bedding, hopefully for the last time for a long time. His brow furrows but he shakes his head. "Probably just nerves of seeing your father again." I kiss him on the cheek but it doesn't bring him the comfort I had hoped it would.
We're sat eating some berries we'd found earlier when a deep thumping fills the silence. We look at each other before Legolas shoots to his feet, food forgotten. I look up at him as his eye scan the surrounding trees.
It all happens so quickly. Legolas draws his bow just as 7 ugly orcs appear. They charge us, yelling, grunting, and breathing heavily. Legolas draws back, releases, and takes the first orc out with an arrow to the chest. None of them seem to notice thought. Their attention seems to be locked on me.
Horror fills me as imaginary arms wrap around my shoulders. I stare , glued to my place on the ground, as they approach. Legolas takes out another 2 in quick succession. The orcs take notice this time but return their focus to me just as quickly.
"You! You killed our master!" One screams, shaking a sword in my direction. Legolas drops him with an arrow to the forehead.
"We will avenge him!" Another lets out a cry. I watch in revulsion as this one too falls. The two remaining turn and flee. Legolas breaths quickly, anger evident on his face. It's quickly replaced with indecision as he looks between me and the retreating orcs. As quickly as they came, they disappear in the trees.
Decision made; Legolas turns to me. With inhuman speed and grace, he pulls his knives from their sheaths. He grabs my hands and closes my fists around the handles.
"Just in case." He places a palm to my cheek. "I'll be but a moment." Then he sprints into the forest after them.
Our little clearing is eerily quiet. It shocks me out of my stupor and I scramble to my feet. My knuckles are white from my grasp on the blades. I turn in a circle slowly, breathing so shallowly to match the silence around me. Footsteps thud behind me and I whip around to my original position.
An orc taller than the others stalks toward me with a triumphant smirk. We've been tricked. I swallow and hold the blades in front of me. He raises his word and slashes it down. I cross Legolas' blades in from of my face just in time to block the blow. I grunt with the effort it takes to hold him back.
The orc shoves and I stumble back a step. I jab with my right hand but it manages to knock the blade away from me. I watch helplessly as it clatters to the ground. The orc grunts and I forget the blade, the one in my left will have to do. We're face to face, eyes locked on each other. We're close enough, I just need one good hit.
I draw back and with speed and strength I didn't know I possessed, I drive the blade into its chest. Somethings wrong. Everything stops. The orc looks down before its eyes glass over and it falls to the ground, Legolas' blade slipping from my fingers.
I'm moving in slow motion as I look down to see what its dying sight was. I sway. The orcs blade protrudes from the right side of my stomach. Is this shock? There's no pain. No sounds. No nothing. Everything is frozen.
A warm trail of red rolls down. Suddenly everything hurts, pain radiates through me, and I swear I'm on fire. Ringing explodes in my ears and pierces through the previous muffled silence.
My vision swims in and out. The blade, and my blood, and the ground look like a camera trying to find it's focus. Blurry, then clear, then blurry again. I gasp twice for breath unsuccessfully; each movement brings another wave of pain.
No. No, no, no, no, not now. We just worked things out. We're suppose to be happy. I stagger to my knees. The impact forces the air from my painfully. Whatever strength or adrenaline I had abandons me and I fall to my left.
The blade jostles and I groan. I roll to my back to try and minimize any movement. The most I can manage are small, slow, shallow breaths. I try to fight it, but blackness pushes its way across my vision. I think I hear my name but I'm so tired. My eyes close, cutting off any light that was left.
I groan. The familiar nothingness of the in between surrounds me. It feels different this time though. Testing, I take a few steps forward. I can see the nothingness move around me, almost like shadows at night. With nothing else to do I keep walking.
I don't know how long I keep walking; time and space are weird here. Eventually I see a glow ahead of me. I blink my eyes tightly a few times to prove I'm not hallucinating. The pale blue almost white glow remains. I run.
I run until shapes start to form in the glow. Massive archways. I slow once my feet reach a stone so polished it's almost reflective. I don't want to walk any further on it, scared to ruin it, but something urges me forward. My eyes are wide as I take in the scenery with each step.
Hundreds of giant pillars create massive arches for as far as I can see. The space glows dimly with something akin to moon or star light. The whole place is veiled by a misty, almost foggy, essence. It's hauntingly beautiful but not somewhere I'd want to spend the rest of my life.
I look around searching for someone who might be able to help me. The halls are empty thought. I back up until I bump into a pillar and slide down to the floor. My knees drawn up, I place my elbows on them, and my head in my hands. I should have known there'd be no one here.
"Delilah." My head whips up at the voice that echoes through the halls.
Two figures stand about 6 feet ahead of me. Gracelessly I scramble to my feet. One figure has long white hair and light blue eyes, the other has long dark, almost black, hair and dark blue eyes to match. They both look entirely too perfect. They must be important. I bow my head in what I hope comes across as respect.
"We are Mandos," the light one extends a hand to the dark one. "And Manwë." The light one gestures to himself.
"We are tasked with carrying out Eru Ilúvatars' bidding." Mandos says.
"Ilúvatar?" I mutter to myself. The significance is on the tip of my tongue. Middle-Earth's God? Creator? "Does that mean I'm dead?" I ask louder, a little bit panicked.
"Very nearly." Manwë answers. "We shall not keep you long. We need but pass along a message." I wait patiently.
"You are to be granted passage to Valinor when the time comes. There be one condition, you must sail before you are slain." Mandos says, confident in his words.
"Before I'm slain?" I say to myself not understanding. "Why?" I look to his dark eyes for answers.
"You are unique, it is believed to be due to your time carrying the ring and your origins." His face turns pensive. "Not quite mortal, not quite immortal. The passage of time and the disease of men will not affect you. However, once you depart these lands the separation will be everlasting." Mandos concludes definitively.
"Why me? I mean I'm grateful, but…" I shake my head at a loss for words.
"It is an honour bestowed upon those who bore the burden of the rings." Manwë offers as way of explanation.
"I didn't exactly have a ring, more like a stone…" I blurt out nervously trying to joke through the bitter reminder. Manwë cracks the smallest kind smile.
"You demonstrated much bravery and courage. You did what those before you could not and returned Mairon to Eru Ilúvatar for restructure and liberated Middle-Earth in the process. We are eternally grateful." Manwë rhapsodizes. My face and body heat at the enormity of his praise.
"Thank you." I bow my head again as it just seems right.
"Now, return to the land of the living. There are two elves who need your assistance should you choose to continue changing lives." Manwë encourages.
"Legolas." I whisper. I feel guilty for not having thought about him before now. He must be sick with worry. I'm putting him through limbo all over again.
"Go now." Manwë turns me by the shoulders and gives my back a gentle push with both hands. "Before your elf joins us here." I look back over my shoulder at them with appreciation. We share unspoken gratitude and I nod once then turn back to the darkness I came from originally.
I take a grounding breath then start running. I run and run and run until there's no more light. The darkness is disorienting, and I blink aggressively to adjust to it. Light blinds me and this time I blink to shield my sensitive eyes from it.
"Delilah!" I hear a scuffle and then warmth envelopes my hand. When I manage to open my eyes, Legolas is bent over me searching my face.
"I'm sorry." I croak. "I know it was probably the nothingness for you all over again." My voice is hoarse. How long was I out?
"Shhh." He soothes. "Don't strain yourself." He smooths my hair and caresses the side of my face.
"How long was I out?"
"You have been in my healing rooms for 5 days. My son has done naught but stay by your bedside since your arrival." A deep voice answers. Legolas straightens and I look behind him. A tall man resembling Legolas stands with his hands clasped behind his back. He looks down his nose studying me before turning back to Legolas.
"Come now Legolas. You've seen the girl awake. You must bathe, eat, and rest." Thranduil doesn't wait for him to answer, simply turns and leaves expecting Legolas' compliance. I squeeze his hand.
"Go. I'll be okay now." He nods reluctantly and follows the path his father just took.
I spend another 10 days in the healing rooms. Apparently, I was very lucky. Nothing major was hit. However, had the blade pierced half an inch or so in any direction my situation would have been much worse. A special healer was summoned from Rivendell, at Legolas' insistence, who sped the healing up considerably.
While it sometimes hurts to move or stretch in certain ways, I was given permission to return to normal activity so long as I listen to my body and am careful. The first thing I did was bathe, which ended with me spending far too long grieving over my once clear skin. Now, there is an inch long pinkish purple line on my stomach, that will probably scar, to match the black one on my arm, and silver one on my palm.
Once I was dressed, Legolas escorted me to the Great Gates. Tall doors were opened for us. A warm breeze blew my hair; I closed my eyes and breathed in the freshness. We stepped through a few pillars and onto a stone bridge. The entrance to his home was beautiful.
"The guards were frantic when I arrived with you unconscious." His voice pulls me from my remembering. He looks at the bridge as if he's watching himself cross it horseback, with me limp in his arms. I grab his hand reassuringly. "We will not go far. I just wish to visit the trees and view their condition."
I nod and we, slowly, walk the path into the forest. He drops my hand and walks up to a particularly thick tree in amazement. I watch as he lifts and places a palm against the tree. His eyes close and he listens.
After a moment he looks back at me in elation. He beckons me and I join him at the trees' truck. He takes my hand and places it on the tree like he did his own moments ago. A warm buzz, like electricity humming, moves through my fingertips. I look up to him an awe and question.
"The trees are speaking again. They are alight with renewed vigor." He turns back to the forest and surveys it with an almost childlike smile. "After Frodo destroyed the ring the darkness of the forest cleared. The creatures lingered however." He says mournfully. Another tree pulls his focus. "And the trees kept their silence." I move to stand at his side again.
"I did not regard the forest upon our arrival. I was far to concerned with your health, but now…" he trails off. "No shadows, no spiders, the tune of the trees has returned…" He whispers to himself.
I view the forest again, a new appreciation for its beauty. Lush green grass blankets the ground, strong brown bark protects the tall tree trunks, and light streams through the canopy of leaves above us in beautiful beams. If I listen carefully, I can hear the rushing water and scurrying of little feet. For all the pain it caused me, I'm glad I picked up that piece of jewelry and that I was able to help restore the grandeur of this forest.
We make our way back in the late afternoon. The gates are opened for us again and Thranduil stands on the other side. He turns and walks one of the pathways without a word. We share a nervous look and follow just as quietly.
"Now that you are awake, I would like to welcome my son home properly. There is to be a feast tonight in your honour Legolas. Bathe and dress appropriately." Thranduil looks at me. "We will discuss your presence in the morning." He gives a wave of his hand and out of nowhere a courtier comes to both our sides. Legolas and I get pulled by them to separate rooms.
The elleth closes the door behind us and shoo's me behind a partition. I undress and a robe is placed over the intricately carved wooden panels hiding me from sight. The robe is smooth and light against my skin. I tie a bow at my waist to keep it closed and step back into the main part of the room.
"May I know your name?" I ask the beautiful brunette in the room with me. She looks unsure before answering.
"Sadariel." I smile.
"That's a lovely name." She smiles shyly before ushering me to sit on a bench in front of her. My heart grows heavy as she removes Legolas' braids from my hair before twisting it into a bun.
"We don't have time to dry your hair so do try to keep it from the water." She says and guides me to a tub near the fire. When she doesn't leave or turn away I steal myself and undo the robe.
I keep my back to her as I step into the water. She folds the robe and moves to hang it over the partition. She comes back with a small glass vial and puts her palm out to me. I lift my palm to her and she pours some of the liquid in my hand. It smells of vanilla and spices and I just melt a little bit.
"It is for your skin. Both cleansing and leaves a lingering fragrance." I nod and rub my hands together, then smooth the lather all over myself. I don't know if it's just my please from the scent or some kind of weird elf magic but the lather leaves a warm tingling sensation behind.
Sadariel is patient and excellent at her job. She putters around moving and preparing things and never once rushing me through my bath. I try to be conscious of the fact that likely both Legolas and Thranduil are waiting for me and I get out much sooner than I wish to.
She helps me dress in a floor length flowy green dress. The sleeves are puffy and the neckline is modest but it is overall very flattering. She tells me to lift my arms and slips a brown corset belt around me. The leather has branches and leaves carved into it that give the outfit some needed missing pattern. Instead of re-braiding my hair she twists strands from each temple to join at the back of my head.
Finally, she pinches my cheeks then steps back to look at me. A small smile creeps on her face and she looks pleased. I stand and she guides me by the elbow back through the door we came. The whole time she's mindful of my still smarting stomach.
I see Thranduil first when we enter what looks like a grand hall. Elves are buzzing around preparing as he stands to the side observing. Even just his presence commands attention; he stands tall, confident. The robe he wears reaches the floor, with long sleeves that come to a point on the back of his hand. The fabric looks expensive and has subtle flowing, natural designs covering it. The whole outfit seems to shine and borders on a greenish silver colour. He really does make a striking figure.
His eyes flick to me and I look down as quickly as I can. When the feeling of his gaze leaves me I look around the room. I can't help mu smile when I spot Legolas making his way to me. He's just as stunning as his father.
He's garbed in smooth charcoal pants and an emerald green tunic with a split down the front that falls regally to the floor. The long sleeves also split and a brown long sleeve shirt poke through from underneath. His dark brown boots have a gold branch like design embroidered into them that match the neckline of his tunic. He looks like himself, just more… formal.
"Hi." I say up to him when were face to face. He looks me over appreciatively and I blush at the attention.
"Hi." He says mimicking me and I laugh. It's so odd hearing him speak like that, especially while looking so noble. Sadariel pats my arm then I watch as she walks off. "Thiol vae."
Legolas moves to the place she just vacated and offers me his elbow. I take it and he leads me through the crow toward his father. He bows his head when we stop and I follow his lead. I have no idea what to do here so hopefully Legolas remembers that and helps me out. Thranduil gives a polite nod back to us.
"You look well my son," He says to Legolas. "As does your companion." He ever so graciously spares me a glance. I grit my teeth trying to refrain from blurting out 'I have a name you know'. I don't think that would go over well. "Shall we make our way to our seats."
Legolas nods and moves to Thranduil's side. He hasn't pulled his arm from me yet so I move with him to the outside of our line. A few eyes watch us curiously but mostly the elves just continue what they were doing. Thranduil stand at the head of the table while Legolas leads me to the left side. He pulls out the second chair over for me and pushes it in as I sit. He moves to the chair between me and Thranduil and the two of them sit at the same time.
Aside from clinking of glasses as a toast, there doesn't seem to be the same display of royal rituals that the human kingdoms had. There's no grand speech. Everyone just seems to know this is for Legolas' return. We're not sat at a table by ourselves, and we all eat as our food is brough out. Aside from being dressed slightly better and being sat at the head of the table, we're part of the people… er elves.
I tap my glass with the elf to my left then with Legolas on my right. I lift and tilt my glass to Thranduil so I don't rudely reach across Legolas, then I bring the glass to my lips. The strong scent of alcohol assaults my senses and I hesitate for a second. I take a small sip and place it back down on the table. Thranduil leans forward and contemplates me. Uh oh.
"Is the wine not to your liking?" He questions. I look to the red liquid in my glass then meet his eyes. "I pay a pretty price to have it brought in."
"On the contrary Sir, it's delectable." And it is, it's full bodied and very flavourful. I just don't need to make a fool of myself or be in less than perfect shape for tomorrow morning.
"For such high praise, you sampled very sparingly." I get the feeling I've greatly insulted him. Lovely.
"She meant no offense father." Legolas steps in. "Let the matter rest." He says quietly. They seem to have a silent conversation that lasts no more than a moment before Thranduil leans back in his seat.
"Very well." he says and takes another swig of his own drink. I glance around the table, but no one seems to notice our little squabble, aside from maybe the guard to Thranduil's right. At least I think he's a guard, he's the only one armed.
I look back to Thranduil whose gaze is on me, expression inscrutable. Oh boy. I feel like I'm in for a long night.
Notes:
Guren – my heart
Mairon – Saurons original name
Thiol vae – you look good
Elleth – female elf