A/N: This is completely my interpretation of Thranduil from the sparse bits we have gotten from The Hobbit AUJ, plus sneaks and previews for DoS. It may be wrong come DoS, but hopefully not too wrong! (Like I hope they don't portray him as a bad father!)
Chapter 33 - Old Friends and a Father's Concern
Riding ahead of the company to travel by his father's side, Legolas's immediate concern and desired topic of conversation was the state of the Woodland Realm, as he asked about the causalities, the full extent of the damage done by the great fire, and the resolve of their people. While his father would rather have heard more about his son's heroic exploits, he understood his need for this information.
"...I feared I would find you sparse on spirit," Thranduil stated truthfully to his son, after finally being relayed some details of his journey with the fellowship and the final battles, "To accompany such evil on its path to destruction and find oneself in continuous peril, one does not emerge the same."
"I am not the same father, but I have not despaired either," Legolas replied assuredly.
"You have the resolve of your bloodline," he said proudly, having not lost his way after his first experience with war and the loss of his father, though it forever changed him and made him untrusting of the world. "And now you have plans to restore a forest?" He asked, curious of his trip to Ithilien.
"I have many plans before I leave these lands," Legolas replied carefully, hoping to divulge an important milestone in his life's trajectory, "I have heard the call."
His father's heart uplifted and saddened at the same time, "Ah, you are being called forth. I had not expected this news. I understand now why you did not reply to my letter."
Legolas kept his eyes averted, for this news was not the reason he didn't reply. His father's letter condemned any relations he might seek with Vezely while suggesting he marry another. To have written back, telling him that he heard the call, but also that he desired to wait until Vezely could accompany him, would it not have been inappropriate? Yet now in his presence he realized writing this truth would have been easier than speaking it.
"I expect my request that you betroth the Lady Adele was not taken in spite," he added wondering his son's thoughts for it was a conversation needed to be had, "For I do deem it a highly suitable match and one which should still be considered regardless of your soon departure."
Legolas shifted in his saddle uncomfortably, "Father, I will not marry for political allegiance or because it is deemed by others a suitable match."
Thranduil breathed in heavily through his nostrils, knowing it would not be easy overcoming his son's steadfast determination or ideals; for he had forsaken political partnerships long ago, but still had not fallen in love either. "You yet desire solitude," he stated calmly, "I was once the same until I met your mother. Even in her physical absence I feel whole. That is why I request you do not push aside the possibility of finding there is truth behind my belief in Lady Adele's aptness."
Legolas now noted his father's true persistence in pursuing this courtship on his behalf; persistence he had not expected from him. Any possibility for reply was cut short by the hailing of two Gondorian guards, who had rode out to greet and escort the caravan into the city, turning his father's attention.
"Ah," Thranduil mused, "We arrive at dusk and just in time for supper." He looked over at his son, "There is time to discuss this further. And when you meet her, perhaps then you will understand my reasoning."
Legolas nodded politely, feeling ashamed he could not forthrightly tell his father the truth; that now he truly worried how to handle what would undoubtedly be a bitter reaction. He also believed now was not the time to discuss this matter either, for it required a more private setting.
Deciding it would be dutiful of him, he offered to ride ahead and make sure all was prepared in the guest villa for their arrival; a gesture appreciated by his father. But instead of going forward towards Minas Tirith, he first rode to the back of the column where Vezely was walking, her head partially hooded by her scarf, her arms crossed in front of her, and her eyes watching the prince ride to her side and once there outstretching his hand for her to join him. She grasped it without hesitation, but she did not wrap her hands around his waist as she always did when they rode together and instead held onto the sides of the saddle. She exchanged a brief glance with his father as they rode passed, noting again that his eyes were difficult to read. The king, however, shifted with slight discomfort over witnessing his son's closeness with this Elf as they passed. He had not bothered to ask why Vezely of Rhun accompanied him to the forests of Ithilien. Though he could not believe his son could hold anymore than feelings of friendship towards her. And he would be sailing West to the Undying Lands and she would be returning East from whence she came. Their paths were divergent, thus she should hold no worries in his mind, yet his eyes continued to watch them, warily and uncertain.
Realizing the lack of her touch, Legolas grabbed her hands and placed them around his waist.
"You told him?" Vezely asked assuming, with a great desire to hear details.
"I did not find the right opportunity," he replied frankly, prompting Vez to pull her hands away, but he would not let her and kept a hold of one of them. "I will tell him tonight," he said determined as he intertwined his fingers over hers and pressed her hand closer to his chest, reminding himself that his love for her was not something to be ashamed of, nor something to fear his father's disapproval of.
"If the opportunity does not present itself," Vez stated, thinking through the implications, "My suggestion to keep such feelings hidden should remain an option. If not to your father, then at least to the rest of your kin."
"Vezely," his tone slightly scolding her for proposing this again, "That is still not an option suitable for me."
Vez closed her eyes momentarily, trying not to sigh from disappointment in her inability to persuade him from his decided task, one which she believed would cause more strife than necessary. While the lukewarm reception she just received from his father and the ambassadors of Mirkwood was not disastrous or necessarily unkind, neither was it pleasant or without the expected suspicion. She wrapped her other hand around him and leaned into an embrace, holding him to apologize for this difficulty wrought on her behalf. If only there were less complications, she thought solemnly, soaking in his warmth and breathing his scent, and we could spend every day by each other's side and feel as carefree as we felt today.
"It will be alright," he said softly, squeezing her hand for reassurance, as if knowing her troubled thoughts needed comfort.
...It would soon be learned that the ambassadors from the city of Dale and the dwarf ambassadors from Erebor had also arrived that afternoon. The announcement of Legolas's kin's soon arrival prompted more busied preparations at the guest house as the maids hurried off to make sure all was in order in the West Wing.
Vezely returned to her quarters with Legolas's bow and quiver set in her hands, since Legolas would have no time to return to his room. She decided to change out of her traveling attire into another Rhunic garment she purchased from the marketplace shop. It was more representative of her usual Easterling attire: a pair of loose black trousers and an open, knee-length overcoat with wide sleeves and fitted sleeveless tank underneath; all cinched in at the waist with large sash. The embellishments were minimal - some bronze arabesque designs stitched along the hemlines - but with the addition of the gold earrings lining her ears and the few rings she had left after trading in most for coin, more details were unnecessary. The alternating hues of blacks and dark blues were also more characteristic of what she would choose to wear in Rhun, and she felt even more appropriate currently; feeling like a black sheep amongst the free people of the West and now, especially amongst her kin.
She overheard Legolas return across the hallway, though not alone. He was accompanied by his life-long friend Thalion, who, like himself, served many centuries on the Woodland Guard despite being Sindarin high born. Behind them were two porters carrying a large trunk of the prince's garments, which his father had packed for him. Inside would be his coronation robes as well as other robes to wear to the upcoming council meetings. Legolas was grateful to soon have alternate attire, having worn through his few tunics that accompanied him on his journey.
"...Besides your heroism," Thalion mused once inside Legolas's quarters, having thoroughly enjoyed hearing the Elf prince's exploits first hand, "There are other rumors circulating."
Legolas was in the midst of opening the trunk when Thalion spoke, making him release the lid back down, "Such as?" He asked appearing intrigued though uncomfortable with certain possibilities.
"Of your betrothal to a certain lady of Lothlorien," Thalion stated with one eyebrow raised, having heard rumors that the Mirkwood heir would wed the niece of Lord Celeborn in celebration of their victory and newly forged alliance.
"There has been no acceptance of this match on my part," Legolas stated forthrightly, "It is my father's scheme."
"Yet she is well-suited for you. I have met her recently," Thalion explained, leaning against the windowsill and crossing his arms, "Her beauty is unparalleled. Hair past her waist that's the color of sunshine on a cloudless day, eyes the color of sapphires, a voice like a songbird, and poise and grace that puts many Elf-maidens to shame. And she has a fondness for the Elf-prince, when once you met."
Legolas looked at his friend doubtfully, "I do not recall meeting her."
Thalion smirked, "Ah, it was when we spent those long months in Rivendell, at request of your father to study ancient texts," he said to jolt his friend's memory to many centuries past.
Legolas noted that perhaps he had met her, though she left him without a lingering impression. Regardless, I will not marry her," he stated unconcerned, as he returned his attention to the trunk, opening it to find his casual robes, "And by the sound of your praise for her, perhaps you would be a better suitor."
"Perhaps I would," Thalion said amused, but then added warmly, "Though I would not deny a trusted friend the possibility of finding love when it is much deserved."
Legolas went to place a hand on his friend's shoulder, "You are and having always been a good friend," he said with sincerity, "A statement much needed to be said before I leave these shores for our people's homeland."
"My friend," Thalion said surprised, his eyes wavering on his, "You have been called? When do intend to leave?"
"Not for some time," Legolas stated truthfully, returning to the chest to retrieve the garment he would wear for supper, "For one, I have agreed to help restore the forests of Ithilien for King Elessar."
Not desiring to back down on the topic of his friend's heart, and now assuming his disinterest in betrothing Lady Adele was mostly due to his departure plans, he added, "Such tasks need not be done in solitude. Perhaps fair Lady Adele would aid you in this task and then accompany you across the great sea."
Legolas turned to his friend, the long garment now draped over his arm, "My desire to leave these shores is not the reason I will not marry Lady Adele."
Thalion looked at him skeptically before he left for the other room to change. During this time, a light knock at the door came and Thalion went to answer it, assuming it was a house maid bearing information. On his way down the long entryway, however, he would find the door opening on its own and Vezely stepping inside, as the two Elves had grown accustomed to entering each other's unlocked chambers with little more than a slight knock. Vezely also believed Legolas was either gone, as she heard people depart, not knowing it was only the porters, or still there, but alone.
"Legolas?" she called as she stepped inside only to be halted in her tracks, almost dropping Legolas's bow and quiver set in her hand as she saw Thalion standing before her, his eyes narrowing as memories of his brother who was killed in the ambush her troops provoked rang through his mind.
"Apologies," Vezely spoke politely, flashing a brief smile, hoping to display she was undeterred by his unexpected presence and subsequent cold state, "I planned on returning these to Legolas. I did not know he had company."
Realizing his manners were amiss, Thalion regained his composure, saying pompously, "Lord Legolas is occupied at the moment," placing an emphasis on lord as if to teach her proper etiquette when addressing Elvish hierarchy.
Vez stifled a small laugh and resisted the urge to roll her eyes, "Very well then," she replied unimpressed, "I can come back another time."
Legolas, having dressed quickly, came down the entryway, his bronze velvet robes swaying as he walked, "Vezely, this is my friend Thalion." His garments reminded Vez of the richly crafted robes that Lord Elrond wore upon meeting her at Dunharrow. She momentarily stared at him in awe, admiring his grand appearance before realizing he had introduced his friend by name.
"Thalion, pleasure to meet you," she spoke a second later, her eyes shifting back to the brown haired elf, maneuvering the bow and quiver in her hands to freely allow her to put her right fist to her chest and bow her head down in an Easterling greeting.
Thalion greeted her with a slow and polite nod of the head, while Legolas retrieved the burdens from her hands, "I have known Thalion since I was a child," he spoke endearingly of his friend while placing his quiver set on the entryway's side table and leaning his bow against the wall, "We served on the Woodland Guard together, but now he is one of my father's advisors."
Noting his friend's mute discomfort and desiring to ease it by forcing herself to make friendly conversation, Vezely stated, "Guard to advisor. That is a lifestyle change. Was there impetus for it?"
Thalion's cold eyes roamed her face as he stated directly, "The death of my brother."
"My condolences," Vez replied with some sincerity, noting now that Legolas was giving Thalion a troubled stare, this connection having been momentarily remiss in his memory. The awkward silence prompted Vez to make her exit, "I take my leave. Nice meeting you, Thalion." She shared a brief apologetic glance with Legolas, adding to it a polite nod and in order to appear as if she was not too casual around him, stating in farewell, "Lord Legolas."
After she left, Thalion asked his friend, "Is there reason why you have befriended this Elf to the extent that she would disrespectfully enter your room uninvited?"
Legolas could understand his friend's antagonism, for he lost his brother the day her band of Balchoth entered Mirkwood. How he could have forgotten such a connection, he did not know. But he needed to defend her, saying with care, "She is making amends and everyday strives towards them," concern was apparent in his voice, "And she was born in the forests of Mirkwood, our kin should not forsake her." Though Legolas noted after that what he said did not necessarily answer the question of Vez's casual entry into his room.
Thalion looked at his friend concerned, "Your heart is truly filled with kindness for the less fortunate, but your mind has not weighed balance to it."
"You do not know her," Legolas stated calmly.
"And you do?" Thalion asked doubtfully, though not conceiving of the possibility of there being more than a mutual friendship between the two. Thalion then placed a hand on his friend's shoulder, "I will not question your kind heart my friend, for having been just reunited, may our conversation tonight be filled with only joyous words in celebration of a future of peace and hopefully, for your sake, one of love," he winked while opening the door so they could depart for the West Wing, where in the courtyard a small feast was laid out for the travelers to enjoy.
"I trust everything is satisfactory," Gandalf spoke to Thranduil courteously, holding a just filled glass of heady Dorwinion wine in his hand.
"Very much so," he stated grateful for the space allotted to his kin. His attention soon turned upon his son entering alongside Thalion, dressed in the robes he had brought from home. As he added considering, "For I would stay in far more meager establishments if it meant a chance to be alongside my son once more."
Both he and Gandalf stood from their seats as Legolas approached them, his father placing a hand on his shoulder, his face gracing a warm smile. "Gratitude for these comforts, father" Legolas said in recognition of his changed attire.
After providing a courteous nod, Thranduil stated considering, "They suit you, as now there appears to be less need for warrior attire." A server with a tray of filled wine glasses passed by them, and Thalion and Legolas both took one as his father held up his own to prompt a toast, "To an era of peace."
"Yes, to peace," Gandalf added, cheerfully raising his own glass, "May it endure in Middle Earth and also find its way to the lands East of here," his eyes settling on Legolas's, who felt the wizard could sense the uncomfortable situation he would soon find himself in with his father.
The discussion moved on from polite conversation over their travel there to going over the days and following day's arrivals before the week's many meetings would commence. Thranduil informed Gandalf that Lord Celeborn and the Lothlorien ambassadors would undoubtedly be arriving tomorrow, having left a day after them. Lord Elrond and his small company would also be arriving, as would King Eomer and his advisors from Rohan. Then with everyone in attendance, a great feast would be held in the great hall to welcome all that night.
Before Gandalf left the group, hoping to make his way to at least one more gathering that evening in order to be a polite host, he asked Legolas curiously, having noted her absence, "...Legolas, I had presumed Vezely would have accompanied you. I have some important information to give her," for having been in conversation with the ambassadors from Dale and Erebor that afternoon.
Legolas tried to hide his disappointment that Vezely could not freely be by his side as Gandalf assumed; that indeed, she had not been invited.
"What business does one have with this Elf?" Thranduil asked slightly interrupting, looking from his son to Gandalf; his intonation of Elf showing he was skeptical of her worth being mentioned.
"One which the peace we toasted depends on," Gandalf remarked with conviction, "For the East is now in disarray and will need resettling before we can truly assure peace between our borders."
"With Sauron destroyed, is the East not at peace?" Thalion asked carefully.
"Far from it," Gandalf stated in a drawn out tone, "Though I am no expert on the matter of Rhunic politics, this Elf, however, is, and has her work cut out for her. As we are here toasting to peace, she will soon be setting out for war." Thranduil's eyes narrowed, concerned that his borders were not as safe as he had assumed. "In any case, she has been granted invitation to the first council and allowance to question the ambassadors of Dale and Erebor on matters pertaining to the Easterlings' defeat. I was hoping to tell her this tonight, but perhaps, Legolas, you can relay this to her on my behalf," implying he knew the two Elves would be in each other's company soon enough, "I'm sure it will be well received," he added with a small smile. Vezely had discussed with him her desire to meet with these ambassadors and Gandalf graciously offered to be the middleman. And he did more than simply get her a private meeting; he got her access to the introductory council meeting, where all ambassadors would share general information about the war and recovery in their region, thinking such knowledge could be useful.
"It will indeed be. Thank you, Gandalf," Legolas replied politely, being grateful on Vezely's behalf since he knew her desires for this.
"Now, if you will pardon my exit," Gandalf excused himself, though not before quickly consuming the rest of the wine in his glass.
As Gandalf left, Thranduil considered not only the information pertaining to the East's disjuncture and what he considered the impropriety of having Sauron's former ally at one of the official council meetings, but also he wondered about Gandalf's insinuations: that it was unexpected for Vezely to not have accompanied his son, and that his son could relay this information to her on his behalf, as if again it was expected they'd be in each other's company.
"It is a bit presumptuous to offer invitation to a non-official," Thalion stated after Gandalf left, considering it similarly as Thranduil did, "You would think they would provide all parties a chance for approval."
Legolas stated judiciously, "Her need is to question the ambassadors from Dale and Erebor. She will not be given leave to speak to other parties, so there should be little concern over her presence."
"I believe what Thalion refers to is simply the nature of her presence offering impudence," Thranduil stated calmly, "For was she not sided with the enemy?"
Legolas breathed in. "Was," he released the word with his breath, feeling defeated as he gained a better sense of the obstacles Vezely had to go through, and now finding his father's eyes upon him conspicuous of his defense of her.
Thalion, being one to prefer cheer over disagreement, stepped in, "Your son, my lord, is of a truly kind heart to have befriended one of such reputation."
"My lord," another ambassador interrupted the trio politely, acknowledging that he and some others were retiring to their rooms to rest for the evening, prompting Thranduil to address all his kindred, expressing his hopes for them to be refreshed before the busy days to come.
"I will also take my leave," Thalion added in cheerful tone, "For rest is a reward after a long spate of travel."
As Thalion left, Legolas walked side by side with his father, "I do hope you find the guest room amenable," decidedly changing the subject.
Thranduil nodded in confirmation, before asking, "Is there reason why you continue your residence on the other side of the villa?"
"It seemed unnecessary to move after so many weeks there," Legolas replied, seemingly unconcerned by the question though wondering whether his father was testing him for certain answers.
Before the room's entrance, Legolas hesitated whether to follow him inside, as if to freely invite the inevitably awkward conversation he anticipated, but the decision was soon made for him.
"There are matters we should discuss," his father stated walking inside, expecting his son to easily follow. Thranduil leisurely took off his gold and jewel rings, placing them on the den's side table, afterwards unclasping his cloak, which Legolas politely took from him to hang in the wardrobe. The king contemplated his words before speaking any, not knowing that the silence was making his son uncomfortable. "While I am understanding of the close friendship you've developed with a dwarf, as another member of the fellowship, and happy to overlook the travel plans you have set with this companion following the coronation," having heard that before returning home, Legolas intended to travel with Gimli to further explore Fangorn Forest and the caves of Helm's Deep, "Your closeness and willingness to openly defend this Elf from the East, I cannot with good conscious continue to condone."
"Father," Legolas tried to interrupt, but Thranduil was not finished.
"You have already been seen by your kin alongside her, and our people may understand this as a token of your kindness, a gesture of goodwill perhaps, but when the ambassadors from Lothlorien and Imladris arrive, I do not want to prompt further associations."
Legolas closed his eyes and breathed in deeply, discontent with what his father appeared to be suggesting, "And you would have me disassociate myself."
"Is such a request so difficult?" Thranduil said unconcerned, "Or without reason in such times when peace should be the focus of everyone's discussion."
Legolas's replied carefully, "Such a request is impossible."
"Impossible? I am not asking you to break a friendship, for I again understand that one could develop in times of war. But simply ask that you refrain from being in her sole accompaniment and from openly defending her in conversation. You have built an honorable reputation for yourself, do not cheapen it by false rumors," he stated calmly.
Legolas engaged his father's eyes, "And what rumors are you afraid will circulate?"
Thranduil sat down on one of the room's cushioned chairs, taking a moment to compose himself before speaking. He looked away from his son while asking on a delicate subject still troubling him, "You tell me, for lies seem to flow freely from her tongue, and I would only hear the truth," he stated before looking back upon his son interrogatingly, "Your pants were not wet from an obstinate horse."
Legolas breathed in uncomfortably, his feet moving him to the chair alongside his father's, noting he was unable to look him in the eye as he sat down. He explained, "No, they were not. She only lied about the horse because she also fears for my reputation, and of your disappointment. That if you knew we went swimming together in a forest pond..."
"Yet her clothes were not wet," Thranduil interrupted with mild discomfort at its implication." Legolas kept his eyes averted, noting he felt ashamed to have his father point this out. "I heard from Lord Elrond that you may hold affection for her, but I could not in good conscious believe that my son...Tell me the truth," he said getting mildly angered, "What is the nature of your relationship with this Elf?"
"I never desired your resentment," Legolas remained calm, sensing his father's wavering emotions, "Nor did I intend to find feelings where I would not expect them, or for one who I once held the same mistrust of as you do now. But in our short time together, regardless of how hard I tried to deny it, my heart had already decided."
Not persuaded by what he heard and with his stern eyes yet averted, he father replied darkly, "It is not mistrust that I hold for Vezely of Rhun, but disgust. I do not believe you fully comprehend who it is your heart professes this supposed devotion to," he tried to reason on his behalf, "She has seduced you into this, you have been naive, led to believe..."
"Father," Legolas interrupted, slowly shaking his head disheartened, "I am more than aware of the blood that stains her hands, of who she was, for she has told me darker deeds than I care to ever share."
"And yet you can still hold such feelings?" His father stated in disbelief, "I cannot condone your actions."
"You cannot deny my heart. Do not ask me to forsake her. Because by doing so, you ask that I should despair," he said carefully. His father's eyes quickly moved to his, noting the strength behind the meaning to his words.
"And how do you intend not to when the one you love is barred from crossing the great sea?" Having heard these details from Lord Elrond.
"She is not barred from redemption," Legolas replied carefully, "And I will wait as long as it takes for her to cross by my side."
Despite his contempt for the situation, Thranduil could not deny his son's soul-bearing determination. He closed his eyes and brought a hand to his brow, squeezing his temples as if to nurse a sudden headache. He had only ever wanted what was best for his son, and now with evil truly rescinded he desired nothing more than for him to experience true bliss, a life without pain, and a loving partnership, having been hopeful he would find it with Lady Adele. Now he could see nothing but sorrow in his son's future. He was not convinced that Vezely of Rhun was worth it, that she was deserving of his son's affections, or that she offered him anything more than uncertainty. She could not truly love his son, he reasoned, for how could one so corrupted ever love wholeheartedly.
"Do not fear for me, father," Legolas broke the silence, his hand clasping the side of the chair his father sat in, "For I have found love. Unexpected, yes, but it is true. With your blessing or not, Vezely and I will be together because I do not believe either of us can now exist apart." He removed his grip and stood as his father remained unresponsive. He decided it best to leave, and allow him to contemplate all that was revealed this night, to give him time.
Vezely and Legolas promised when departing each other earlier to meet again that evening, at their usual conversation spot on the their side of the villa. Vez went there early and sat on the wide stone ledge of the veranda, precariously dangling her legs over the outer side. She should have been content to gaze up at the night sky; tracing the star's alignments and getting lost in the voids surrounding their light, but her mind would not settle. When she first crossed Rhovanion, she could not stop looking at the stars, for Shadow covered much of Rhun's skies as Sauron's power grew. The night sky had become a black void with only the moon's light finding its way to the ground. She assumed the star's light was again visible; that the same sky she gazed upon tonight would be the one that she could gaze upon once back in Rhun.
As her departure date grew closer, Vezely felt on the cusp of two desires: to live a life alongside her companion, carefree and content as she was today, but to also continue her trade as a warrior; a charge which gave her purpose. Yet she also realized that without pursuing the latter, the former could not be obtained; in order to redeem herself and truly live in peace with the one she loved, she must continue on the path of a warrior. There was some stability in that truism, she thought slightly hopeful, for it helped validate in her mind the urge she had to place sword in hand and go where its use was needed. The Balchoth in her had not left her, even if she had lost her beloved horse and her weapons - her sword broken by Öldür's axe at the Battle of Pelennor Fields, and her sais discarded or, as the healers said, recycled back into Minas Tirith's vast armory during her stay at the Houses of Healing. Vez planned to go to the market in the morning and find a blacksmith she could negotiate with, since she found herself short on coin and with returning to the Dim Quarters appearing to be an ill-suited option after the last time, she feared returning to Rhun with only the bows and arrows Faramir authorized.
"I recall that evening, when I first saw you staring up at the stars," Legolas said softly coming to her side, stirring her from her contemplative state as she turned her body to face him, swinging her legs over to dangle inside the ledge.
She smiled warmly in remembrance, stating amused, "And I queried whether you desired to start an argument."
Legolas's somber demeanor cracked a smile, as he lightly placing his hands on her knees after he stopped in front of her, "I had given you no reason to think otherwise."
She smirked, placing her hands on top of his and saying slyly, hoping to cheer him up, "I do recall some cold stares, telling me that I should not dare make one mal move before the prince of Mirkwood."
He laughed slightly, finding he enjoyed her mild teasing and the way she often took the initiative to force his apprehensive touch. She had taken his hands and placed them at her waist as she jumped down in front of him, her back leaning against the cold stone ledge, her fingers running down the sides of his robe's collar, tugging him ever so slightly as invitation to come closer to her.
She then looked upon him with seriousness, saying concerned, "I do not desire to be stared upon as such by you ever again."
"It is no longer possible," he replied softly, his eyes drawn into hers, as he gently brushed the side of her face with the back of his fingers and leaned in to kiss her forehead, realizing apologetically that he could not save her from the cold stares she received today from the rest of his kin.
Before Vezely cuddled closer to him, she asked wondering, "Perhaps we should spend the evening inside. We do not need to risk being seen."
"None will follow me here," he replied to her unconcerned, now taking the initiative to draw her into his embrace, "And my father now knows."
She moved back from him in order to look upon his face, seeing in his eyes a bitter removal though she had read his discontent upon arrival, "And he does not approve," she stated carefully.
"It does not matter," he replied quickly, trying to brush it off.
"It matters," Vezely affirmed her conviction, her hand going softly to the side of his face as she engaged his eyes with hers, "He is your father and it is your reputation."
"It also matters to me how you are perceived and treated," Legolas wanted to defer attention from him.
"Legolas, I have earned such treatment," Vezely replied firmly, "Cold stares and harsh words, they do not bother me."
"But should I not defend you?" Legolas implored, thinking of how his father desired him not to, "How else to prove that you are not who you were? That you deserve to be treated as friend, not foe."
Vezely look away from him momentarily, touched by his desire to defend her, but unconvinced that it would do any good, "Regardless of every good deed I do, the world will not forget who I was. It is the life I must lead, part of the price I must pay for my sins. I cannot hide from my past, nor should I. And your father is right; you should not openly defend me, for it only marks you as naive."
Legolas then realized her point, "We are back to your suggestion, to keep our relationship a secret."
"This has hurt your father. By furthering knowledge of us, it may only grieve him more," she replied sincerely, "For his reputation is also at stake."
"He just needs time," Legolas stated with false hope; still not convinced in taking this route of secrecy.
Vezely nodded to agree, as if knowing he needed her to believe time would change things, "And I will talk to him, if he is willing to hear me," Vez added, wanting an opportunity to explain her side. Legolas looked down, disheartened by their current predicament. Vezely lifted his chin, "Do not despair," she smiled slightly, "For we still find ourselves in each others arms." Her look was infectious, able to pick him back up and resettle him with hope. His father just needed time, he thought bringing her closer to him; he will understand...
A/N: Thank you to all my steadfast reviewers (you know who you are). I love reading your comments, thoughts, and critiques. And I would love to hear from more of you, so please take a moment to review and let me know what you think. :)