Chapter 34 - Many Greetings
Vezely gritted her teeth and clinched her fist at her sides, forcing her feet to move back to the door rather than bust the teeth from the blacksmith's mouth. The bearded, potbellied man refused to offer his services to a woman, regardless of how much coin she could provide him. "Why would I waste my labor on a show piece?" he laughed at her, believing a sword had no other use than decoration for a female client. Yet as he continued to cackle and spout rude chauvinistic remarks, Vez couldn't keep her mouth shut. She pivoted at the doorway and spoke darkly before exiting, "It is a pity I do not have one of my show pieces on me today, for it would look lovely lodged in the side of your skull."
It was the third blacksmith she had visited that morning, all equally uninterested in offering their services; the first two refusing when she attempted to bargain down to a price her purse could afford.
Back on the streets she would find the locals gathered along the city's main pathway, excited as if they expected a parade to pass by. As she got closer she realized they were awaiting the arrival of another caravan of guests - Elves. She stood behind the front row, her black scarf hooded over her ears, watching as they rode past on their regal horses, their heads held high, draped in riding cloaks of silver and ice blue, many with hair the color of the moon. They were not the Elves from Rivendell, for Lord Elrond was not amongst them, thus she deduced they hailed from Lothlorien.
The Elves remained composed on top of their steeds, staying aloof to the gawking of the onlookers who stood in awe of the graceful beings passing them. Vez was not necessarily as impressed as the Gondorians seemed to be, but it was a novel sight to her eyes to see more of those whose race she called her own. Unexpectedly, one of the Elves' eyes fell upon her; an Elf with silver hair and a face etched, even if only subtlety, by the lines of time. He locked eyes with her as he rode past and narrowed his focus, unsteadying Vez's breath at first. It was as if he knew she was out of place in that crowd; that he could see past her disguise and stare into her very essence. Disliking the feeling his gaze evoked, she returned her own, narrowing her eyes suspiciously on him though it provoked no change in his demeanor as he passed her; no, he kept flawlessly poised and detached.
Vez had already visited the prison earlier, and while at first relieved to find no new developments or what she deemed as concerns after meeting with the Captain, her brief meeting with Remi led her to believe otherwise. According to him, there had been more talk of challenging her leadership from the few higher ranked warriors; those not content to be led by a member of the former resistance. The timing of this possible coup concerned her since she could not fathom Faramir allowing the challenge ritual to take place on prison grounds; seeing how it is a fight to the death. Nor did she desire to spill more Rhunic blood on Western soil. Her plan was to address all the Variags and few Haradrim on the information obtained following her attendance at the first council meeting, which she was grateful Gandalf negotiated her access to. Perhaps then she could dissuade such actions from taking place or bring them to the forefront. In any case, it brought her mind extra unease.
The only other stop that morning was to find a pair of boots. With a new sword seemingly out of the question, she could at least now afford ones of higher quality. She settled on a knee-high pair, cognac in color with flexible soles. They were of a more premium leather than her previous ones and fit her better, realizing as she walked from the door the difference in comfort level a well-made pair could offer. She would head back to the villa with at least one accomplishment, she thought, as she gladly sullied their clean soles, though it did little to relieve her lingering displeasure over failing to commission a new weapon.
She flipped back her hood as she entered the villa's grand entrance, as a courtesy to the house maids who greeted her politely. Making her way to the kitchen hall, hoping to meet the hobbits during their "second breakfast" thinking their company would cheer her mood, she had not expected to encounter a large gathering within the central courtyard; a space she had no choice but to cross. There the newly arrived ambassadors from Lothlorien were being welcomed by the Elves of Mirkwood, who must have met them there instead of at the main entrance of the villa. Legolas and his father were amongst them.
That morning Legolas acted civil around his father, neither of them bringing up the conversation from the night before. Legolas did not desire to provoke an argument, and Thranduil was not ready to forfeit his position. Lord Celeborn greeted them with his niece, Lady Adele, by his side, courteously introducing her to Legolas without knowledge that the desired proposal of courtship could never be. Legolas noted that Lady Adele was as everyone continuously stated - poised, with beauty that almost rivaled that of Lady Galadriel, and when she spoke, the sound of her words charmed all those around her.
"It is pleasure to meet the honorable prince of Eryn Lasgalen," Lady Adele fluttered her eyes on his, as she gracefully held her hand out to be more personally greeted.
Legolas took it within his, bowing his head down to kiss the back of it as was expected. He noted the softness of her skin as if her hands were hardly used, "As it is to meet you, Lady Adele" he added politely.
It was then that Lord Celeborn cleverly led Thranduil away from the couple, but not before a father exchanged a stern look with his son, reminding him of his disapproval of current affairs. This led Lady Adele to initiate the conversation when she noted that the Elf-prince's eyes were turned towards his father when she desired them to be on her, "I must confess. I should have said it is a pleasure to meet you again, for we have met once before."
"Yes," Legolas replied trying not to hide his current displeasure in his father as he slowly turned his eyes to her, "At Imladris."
"You remember," she smiled brightly, cheered to hear it, for she remembered meeting him fondly. Legolas nodded politely, not mentioning it was his friend Thalion who reminded him. She added, "I was saddened I did not have a chance to farewell you when you stayed in Lothlorien when you passed through on your journey with the fellowship. I do hope your stay there was comfortable..."
Vez cursed herself quietly in Easterling at her timing, as she contemplated turning around and heading back to the markets rather than be spotted and forced to introduce herself to another cohort of Elves. Mostly she desired to avoid causing a scene for the sake of Legolas and his father, though she also did not favor their eyes upon her. Taking a chance, she stayed along the outside corridor, walking quickly and hoping all were too involved in their conversations to take notice to her passing.
"You," a commanding voice called crisply over to her; a voice she could not ignore as she turned her head to see it came from the same Elf whose eyes stared her down in the marketplace earlier. She turned towards him and crossed her arms as he walked over to her, her eyes suspicious as to his purpose.
As he stood before her, searching her face, she felt as if he could look into her past. Like Lord Elrond's, his blue-grey eyes exuded a depth of wisdom gleamed from ages of experience. He spoke to her slowly, "You have done terrible things," a statement recognizing who she was.
Her eyes glanced beyond him, realizing all in the courtyard had turned their heads to see their interaction. Only the Mirkwood Elves knew exactly who she was, for having met her yesterday and being familiar with her background due to Thranduil's involvement. With the exception of Lord Celeborn, the Lothlorien Elves would have only vaguely heard of her, if at all.
Vez held her head slightly higher, undeterred by such a statement or garnering interest, replying solidly, "And you have done great things. Yet my deeds, terrible as they seem, have also been deemed great."
He pondered her words, finding in them a strange riddle of conflicting worldviews, finding it slightly intriguing, as well as her presence curious, "What makes Nwalmaer a guest of the king soon to be crowned?"
"Her name is Vezely," a kind but commanding voice called from down the corridor, its owner garbed in midnight blue robes and golden embellishment walking briskly towards them. Gandalf was by his side and other ambassadors from Imladris not far behind. The dark haired Elf continued to speak, "The only daughter of Elured, the lost son of Dior and Nimloth," and then adding after stopping in front of her with a small smile, "And my cousin." His speech confirmed to all in attendance the hierarchical bloodline she descended from, which for most who had heard of her, had only been based in rumors.
"Lord Elrond," Celeborn bowed his head politely, the rest of the guests doing the same for the great leader.
Vezely greeted Elrond by bowing her head down with her fist to her chest, not expecting he would put his hand on her shoulder in more personal greeting, prompting her to look back up at his wise eyes. He acknowledged the light returned to her and the ear once severed reformed; she had accepted the grace of the Eldar, choosing immortality instead of the gift of man. He smiled upon her, a brief smile she returned before he turned towards the others, momentarily keeping his hand on her shoulder before going to greet them.
Vez glanced with slight bewilderment at Gandalf who knew Lord Elrond helped her out right there, a deed she did not expect nor believed to have deserved. Her eyes then shifted briefly to Legolas, who stood next to an Elf-maiden who was by all descriptors beautiful - long blonde hair, pale skin, in a milky blue dress of the highest refinery that seemed to cascade down her perfectly poised, svelte form. The assumption that this was his "perfect match" according to his father easily entered her mind. Legolas softly smiled back at her, his eyes displaying relief that the situation didn't escalate, and Vez's displaying gratefulness that it didn't also.
Before leaving, she approached Gandalf to personally thank him for granting her access to the opening council meeting, having been told by Legolas the night prior. The wizard brushed it off saying she needed all the information she could gather in order to report on the West's situation to the Blue Wizards. Then noting she sought to make an escape, Gandalf implored, "You should stay. These are your people."
Replying skeptically, "They are ambassadors and I am not."
"On the contrary," Gandalf added in drawn out tone, "I would think you stand as an ambassador from the East."
"I am not sure that makes it any less precarious," she added dryly, looking upon the group thinking of the absurdity of her going and mingling with them.
Gandalf shrugged, not necessarily denying her right to insecurity, "Well you are invited to the welcoming feast tonight. I do hope you attend."
"I will," she conceded, nodding politely to Gandalf before turning to leave, glancing upon the three Elven leaders who stood together conversing. She knew they represented three of the most powerful Elves in Middle Earth; if they deemed it so, they could decide her fate. All the Elves there were high ranking officials, long on years and experience, steeped in knowledge and the patience to use it correctly. It was not often that Vez felt completely incompetent, for she had ruled over men for many centuries, answering only to the Dark Lord above her. While her time in the resistance turned this upside down, she only truly had to answer to the Blue Wizards. Now, however, she felt as a youth amongst elders who undoubtedly saw her story as a small black mark on the larger map of witnessed time.
In the company of Thranduil and Celeborn, Elrond first apologized, "Forgive me for before. That title no longer suits her as she now exists outside of Shadow."
Celeborn, seemingly unconcerned by Elrond's actions, wondered, "The resolve of her continued existence is surprising," for he had heard her story, including her release from Dol Guldur, though he did not know the outcome.
"A feat she contributes to her adopted culture. There is yet purpose for Vezely of Rhun's existence, a role she must play on the far edges of Middle Earth before she is allowed entrance into the Far West," Elrond explained still uncertain of the details of this path.
"And you are now openly associating with her?" Thranduil asked curiously, knowing that Elrond had since kept his involvement as her protector a secret.
Elrond considered this change in stance, "Her past is devastating, her future uncertain. But the bloodline we share is already marked by misfortune and misdeeds," a truth the two elders knew well, "I do believe she can rise above it."
Thranduil nodded politely, satisfied with the answer and glad to move on to another topic of conversation, though it still did not change his opinion of her with his son. No, that was different.
Legolas watched as Vez left, a part of him wishing she would stay though knowing why she did not. His attention was turned again by Lady Adele. "I am feeling a little foolish," she mused, "For I am not familiar with this woman's history."
Thalion was nearby and stepped next to Legolas, placing his hand on his friend's shoulder, desiring to re-introduce himself to Lady Adele, "Legolas is well acquainted, it seems, as he deems her friend," his appearance bringing a bright smile to her face.
"Lord Thalion," she mused, "It is lovely to again be in your presence."
"As it is wonderful to be graced by yours my lady," he said valiantly, bowing his head to her.
"Lord Thalion and I have had the opportunity to meet again at the council between my uncle and your father following the great battle," Lady Adele explained, "He has spoken rather highly of you my lord."
"How could one not speak highly of such a friend?" Thalion stated cheerfully. "I am happy to say he has only changed slightly since we last met," causing Legolas to look at him skeptically, leading Thalion to add, "What I mean is, he now has accomplished more deeds he can profess humility to, for you will not find a more modest spirit in our fair woods."
Legolas knew his friend was elaborating for the sake of their audience, expecting such a lady would prefer to hear of his humbleness rather than his virility. "Thalion often finds a need to exaggerate," he added politely.
"You have just proved my point," Thalion stated with a small smirk, before making an excuse to leave their presence as many of the Elves were slowly trickling to their quarters in the West Wing to refresh themselves after a long journey.
Legolas walked aside Lady Adele, noting that her measured gait was impeccable and polished though he couldn't help but suspect she slowed her steps in order to linger by his side a little longer. He could not deny that she was the epitome of perfection when it came to general standards of Elvish femininity - poised, well-mannered, generous with her complements, and attractive; especially her hair, which hung to the small of her back and glistened without the need of sunlight. He could understand the compliments flown about her from his father and Thalion, and their belief in her aptness for him. Nothing about her was complicated and life partnered with such a perfect being would be blissful, cheerful, and their conversation lighthearted and king. She would be the type of Elf-maiden all would expect to marry Thranduil's son, or at least the son he was before he set out for Rivendell. Thalion was wrong, for Legolas had changed, and more than he liked to admit. As her strides grew more leisurely and more distance was placed before them and the rest of the Elves, he felt incredibly uncertain how to profess that he would not court her. Bringing up the proposal was awkward to begin with, and he knew it was impolite and ill-mannered to simply shoot it down. Yet being perhaps more fluent in these manners, she would bring it up for him.
"I am certain the proposal orchestrated by your esteemed father and Lord Celeborn was not an expected one to have met after a long journey away from home," she spoke politely, "Though it has been one much considered on my part," and to better let him know her acceptance of the proposal she placed her hand under his arm, making him into unwilling escort while adding, "And I find the prospect most pleasing." Legolas swallowed the spit in his mouth uncomfortably. She then released his arm, saying, "We do not need to discuss this more right now for I am weary from travel and desire refreshment before we gather again. I look forward to having more joyous conversations with you, my Lord Legolas," she held out her hand to be farewell'd as she was introduced, and Legolas obliged, afterwards wishing his relationship with Vez would be known, simply to avoid more of this social awkwardness.
"Vez, think fast!" Pip called as she entered the kitchen hall, throwing an apple directly at her face. She caught it effortlessly with one hand. "That's the last one," he added with a smile.
"Thanks Pip," she grinned as she started to clean it by rubbing it up and down her coat sleeve, pleased they saved it for her since it was often her fruit of choice in the morning. She stated a good morning to them all and sat down next to Merry, who was about finished consuming a plate of fried eggs and potatoes, looking at his attire curiously, "You are looking quite proper today, Merry."
Merry was dressed in his Rohan robes, with his short sword attached to his side, replying proudly, "I thought l'd look proper to greet King Eomer this afternoon, seeing as I am a squire of Rohan."
"Indeed," Vez smiled warmly, realizing she was looking forward to the arrival of these guests, and to see Eowyn again. "They will be the last to arrive," Vez added before taking a bite of her apple, "All of the Elves are in the central courtyard as we speak."
"All?" Pip asked wide-eyed getting an mischievous idea, "I'd say this calls for a little undercover observation," he looked at Merry intrigued as he sprang out of his seat to investigate, looking at Frodo to join them.
Frodo shook his head, saying endearingly as he followed the two hobbits from the kitchen hall, "They really haven't changed."
In the midst of respectfully clearing their plates from the table, Sam looked on in fatherly concern, thinking he better trail them in order to make sure they didn't get into trouble. "A good morning to ya Vez," he said apologetically in adieu, following the other hobbits out the door.
Vez chuckled to herself, realizing again how effortlessly the hobbits could turn her mood around.
Merry stood poised and proper alongside Aragorn and Faramir at the guest villa's entrance awaiting the arrival of King Eomer and his advisors; the Steward's interest in being there going beyond simple politics to matters of the heart for he would again be in the presence of the one he was courting, Lady Eowyn. Vez had also come out, standing off to the side of them, glad to see her companions in arms once more.
Eomer greeted Aragorn first, followed by Faramir and Merry, with Eowyn aside him, her hand lingering in Faramir's as the sweet smile on her face made the Steward's eyes unable to pull away. Eowyn would also greet Vez warmly, with a hug, before Eomer also held out his hand to her, as she grasped it in recognition of their mutual respect, having finally found it on the battle field.
Eomer whistled with his fingers, "Léofara (Beloved-Traveller)," he called and a black mare came to his side. He took the horse's reins and respectfully handed them to Vezely."I always keep my word," Eomer stated proudly, for he had not forgotten the debt he perceived to owe her for saving his life during the battle. "I figured she is your color." Vez was beside herself, her eyes wavering in disbelief on his as her hand slowly took the reins of the horse. "May she serve you well on your journey back to Rhun."
"I am honored," were the only words that could escape Vez's mouth at that moment, as her gaze turned upon the black horse she held before her. She placed her hand on the horse's forehead, stroking down the bridge of its nose and speaking to her in Elvish, to which the horse responded kindly, her ears perking up and eyes going straight to hers.
Eowyn then prodded her with a grin, "Go on," she said while gently pushing her to the horse's side, "Ride her."
Vez jumped upon the horse's back, patting her neck before kicking her sides gently to walk her around the streets outside, desiring to race her out of the city though knowing the horse deserved rest after a long day of travel. It was inevitable for her mind to reminisce about Gizik, her trusted companion who journeyed with her across Rhun, and then to all the horses that came before her. She could count lifetimes in horses, she thought, with each steed she was a different version of herself, and today, as she sat perched atop a horse gifted to her by the king of Rohan, she was the farthest from who she was when she slayed Rohan's first king, Eorl, at the Battle of the Wold.
Legolas knocked lightly on Vezely's door, checking down the hallway as he did, weary of having been followed there. He had a short respite from meeting with the other Elves before the evening's gala where all ambassadors would feast in the great hall. Legolas had the truthful excuse of returning to his room to change, though he also planned during that interlude to spend some alone time with Vez.
Vezely had just finished her bath when the knock came, her hair still wet and her body comfortably cloaked in a blue silk robe. She had not expected him, thinking he'd be unable to sneak away for the whole day. She noted his eyes checking down the hallway before he stepped inside her room; obviously concerned of this clandestine meeting going noticed.
Closing the door behind her and then leaning her back against it, she grinned, "We are sneaking around now."
Legolas laughed slightly, watching her walked towards him, "It was not my idea to do so," he replied holding his hand out to her.
"It is better this way," she said apologetically taking his hand, but finding some optimism, "And we are still managing to spend time together."
"Though I should be getting dressed right now," he remarked while strangely noting her hand lacked the delicacy of Lady Adele's; instead, it was similar to his in regards to having calluses in certain areas due to heavy weapon use.
"Ah, you must look your best for that fair lady who will be dotingly by your side," Vez mocked, making him believe she knew his mind had wandered there, adding truthfully a moment later, "She is very pretty. With long hair, like you prefer."
Legolas narrowed his eyes, for she had assumed his preference in long hair before, though he never admitted forthrightly to it. Deciding to play her little game, he replied smugly, "She is beautiful. The epitome of perfection." Vez widened her eyes, suspicious of where he was going with these statements of glorification, "And I would be fool not to marry her." He placed his arms around her waist and pulled her into him.
"A complete fool," Vez replied bluntly, keeping her hands by her sides, not desiring to reciprocate his embrace for simple matter of not liking his words even if she suspected he was teasing.
"Then that is exactly what I am," he stated with conviction.
And you're my fool, Vez desired to say possessively but held her tongue; unwilling to admit she was feeling the bitter pangs of jealously. The thought of this fair elf-maiden latched by his side tonight as all his kindred believed the two were courting brought displeasure in the form of a knot in the pit of her stomach. Instead she remained mute on this subject; since it was by her prodding that they kept their relationship hidden.
She brought her hands to the sides of his face, framing it in admiration for all he was to her, as he slid his hands from the small of her back to her shoulder blades, beckoning her closer. It took mere seconds for their lips to meet. Legolas felt a deep need to show his affection after being emotionally divided from her all day and with further realization that their time together would soon be at an end, he felt he had not kissed her enough. Vez needed this as well, and for him to initiate it. Too often she felt that she mischievously overreached their courting barriers simply to have what she felt was an important and desirable component of a relationship; a physical one.
Yet in the middle of this display of mutual affection, a knock sounded on Vezely's door, breaking them apart as they stared bewildered at each other. Vez hurriedly shewed Legolas into the side room, pressing her index finger to her lips and then to his as a means to communicate to stay there while she dispatched whoever it was; she did not want anyone taking this short amount of time they had alone together away from them.
Outside her door stood King Thranduil, waiting impatiently and displeased having to do so, since he knew his assumptions of his son's whereabouts would pan out correctly...
A/N: Quite a few mini-vignettes in this one (but hopefully not confusing). Now with everyone in Minas Tirith, the plot will get moving! I promise. And thank you for all your reviews! I take everything into consideration as I write.