Chapter 35 - Weapons and Wine Don't Mix
"My lord," Vez spoke politely, slightly tipping her head down to the unexpected visitor; trying to remember expected Elvish etiquette even if she would not open the door all the way. The inappropriateness of her current attire, dressed in a silk bath robe that crisscrossed over her front and tied precariously at the waste, now rang through her mind.
"My son is obviously here," Thranduil stated sternly without greeting, tilting his head slightly higher in suspicion of her apprehension to open the door any further, "I desire to speak with him."
She narrowed her eyes slightly, considering words that would make him think otherwise when Legolas quickly appeared by her side, placing a hand gently on her back, as his other encouraged her to open the door slightly further to allow his father to see him.
Legolas was not willing to let Vezely lie again on his behalf, knowing she was preparing to; he did not desire his father to hold it against her later. Legolas asked calmly, his hand remaining on the small of her back, "Are your intended words deemed so important that they cannot wait until another time?"
"Preferably not," Thranduil stated assuredly, caring little about taking his son away from her; his words drew a displeased reaction from him afterwards. Thranduil now noted Vezely's improper attire, for it was not a garment one should wear to answer the door or for that matter, to wear alone with his son in her personal chambers; though he should not have been surprised considering her background.
Vez turned her eyes to Legolas's, silently communicating that he should probably go with his father. He took the hand she had at her side, gently bringing the back of it to his lips, kissing it softly as his eyes wavered on hers while he stepped away. He did not release her hand immediately until he was too far from her doorway as he moved across the hall. Internally Vez was shocked he did this in front of his father; for her, it was simply throwing salt in a wound and she would have chastised him on his father's behalf if she was not so taken back by it.
For Thranduil, this affectionate display made his son's stated devotion to Vezely of Rhun manifest. He narrowed his eyes on her contemplating the now very real affection between them as his son stepped past. Vez, whose eyes lingered longingly on Legolas's, now looked with apprehension at the king, uncertain of his thoughts; she again found these noble Elves difficult to read. She bowed her head politely once more before shutting the door, feeling awkward from the whole situation.
Legolas entered his quarters, not even holding the door open for his father who was trailing behind him, and instead of engaging him in conversation, he ignored him and went to his wardrobe. He desired to openly display his disinterest in what he had to say, so he busied himself searching for the robes he would wear to the evening's gala.
Thranduil's eyes scanned his son's quarters, part of him wondering if he would find any articles of hers in there, while noting the space was more humble and meager in size than his own. His son should be staying in the West Wing with the rest of the Elvish ambassadors, he thought. Turned away from him, his posture straight, with his hands clasped behind his back, he asked a question he had been pondering all day, "Is there reason why you have not divulged this indecent relationship with others of our kin?"
Legolas breathed in deeply, trying to settle the antagonism he had brewing before shifting his eyes from his wardrobe to his father. He immediately gauged he was uncomfortable by the way he was standing; how he clasped his hands behind his back and kept his eyes averted. "You could ask the woman who I would prefer to be in the presence of right now. It was her desire to keep our relationship hidden."
Thranduil asked skeptically, "And why would she prefer to do so? What is in hiding it for her?"
Legolas now realized his father could not perceive of Vezely having a non-corrupt purpose."She fears for my reputation," then adding a moment later, slightly scathingly, "And yours."
Thranduil scoffed, admitting, "She understands what you obviously do not."
"I do not care to be discreet about something that should not be deemed reprehensible to begin with," he lectured him. "It is her reputation which should be altered in the minds of all our kin."
His father considered his son's words, though he did not reply directly to his assertion. Instead he asked, "So I have the correct understanding that you will continue this charade, courting Lady Adele as you are courting..." he stopped, narrowing his eyes on his son, his voice growing stern, "Are you yet courting Vezely? Or have you already..."
"Father," Legolas tried to deny his discomfort as he realized what he was getting at, "Vezely and I have not consummated our marriage, but we are betrothed. I know it would be unworthy of me to marry without your blessing," a small amount of relief was apparent on Thranduil's stoic face as he shifted his stance slightly. "And I still desire your blessing," Legolas added now looking at him concerned. "I understand she is not who you would deem suitable for me, for she not Lady Adele. And Vezely would be the first to admit that she is more Easterling than Elf," a brief smile flashed across his face as he couldn't help but think endearingly about her saying so, "But these differences, as stark as they appear to your eyes or how unexpected our relationship is, they matter not to my heart."
"Her past should matter, for does it not disrupt your desired future together?" Thranduil added coolly, his manner imploring his son to reconsider.
"Her past drives her towards this future," Legolas stated bluntly, having himself come to this conclusion, "Maybe if you gave her a chance you would realize she is not unworthy. She has attributes which you may even find respectful."
Thranduil again shifted his stance, as he moved his hands in front of him, adjusting the voluminous sleeves of his silver robe. It was uncomfortable having his son lecture him. Part of him desired to speak his thoughts, saying he highly doubted he could find much to respect in the former servant of Sauron, but he held his tongue. He felt depraved for his continued unkindness towards his son; to be reunited in a time of peace and hopeful prosperity, after their long tainted homeland was finally cleared of Shadow, only to be arguing over matters which he should have little say. Breaking the silence, he stated his current position, "I cannot dictate your path, but neither am I prepared to give you my blessing." Thranduil couldn't help but stand by his conviction that his son was heading down a path of despair; as a father, he could not condone it.
Legolas narrowed his eyes on him angrily before taking his chosen robes and going to the other room to change, shutting the door behind him. Thranduil got the hint that their conversation was over and left, briefly glancing at Vezely's door before going down the hall. Absurd, he thought of the affectionate display he witnessed prior. There came a depressing recognition that he did not know his son as well as he thought, because he could not process him partnered with this Elf. Lady Adele seemed perfect for him; what his son saw in Vezely of Rhun he did not know.
Vez quickly got dressed in her lighter hued garments, thinking the blacks she had been wearing recently were not appropriate for a feast welcoming ambassadors who had intentions to usher in a new era of peace for the West. Not that anything she wore would be comparable to the ambassador's attire. These folk were their people's high-borns and their garments, made by the finest tailors and of the highest quality fabrics, quite readily displayed this. As she threw her crimson scarf over her shoulders, a knock sounded at her door. Great, another unexpected visitation, she thought as she hesitantly opened it.
"Gimli?" Vez stated in relieved surprise; she had not seen the dwarf since the ambassadors from Erebor arrived in Minas Tirith, which made him preoccupied as host.
"How are ya, lass?" the dwarf, who looked well-washed and tryingly-groomed, asked pleasantly. Gimli knew about the tense situation her and Legolas were having, and their decision to hide their relationship from his kin. He disliked this tactic as soon as he heard it, mainly because of the reaction they believed their partnership would garner from the other Elves.
"I'm alright," she stated stolidly, not desiring her troubles to seep through, "How is everything on your end?"
"Fine, it's fine," he said shuffling something behind his back making Vez narrow her eyes slightly in suspicion. He added, "Today I was taking my kin on the tour of the grounds and we ended up in the armory. Well, walking through there I saw something familiar," from behind his back he presented two recognizable weapons, "I might be wrong, but these sure look like yours. What did you call these things? Sass? Silos?"
"You found my sai?" Vez stated in disbelief, her mouth ajar and her eyes wide as they beheld the weapons she believed were forever out of her reach. A quivering smile marked her face as she slowly took them from the drawf's outstretched hands. She immediately brought the metal tipped hilts to her temples, feeling their familiar coolness as she closed her eyes; she felt absolutely mirthful to be holding her weapons again, as if a piece of her was returned. "Gimli, thank you," she said sincerely, her eyes serious as she brought them down in front of her. She bent down to his level and embraced him, giving a brief sturdy hug, her hands still gripping the sai's handles as she did.
The gesture made Gimli blush slightly, though the dwarf understood her reaction; imagining if he had lost his beloved axes, especially the one gifted by his father, and to have it suddenly be returned to him. "It's nothing," he said brushing off his embarrassment as she stood back up, providing him a curt nod before looking back smitten at the pair of silver weapons in her hands. Suddenly not getting a sword commissioned that morning did not bother her as much.
Gimli cleared his throat and then added cordially, "Now I am also charged with the responsibility to assure your attendance tonight. If that is, you don't mind an old dwarf as escort."
Vez smirked, wondering who set him on this task before adding, "Only if you don't mind escorting an uncouth Elf."
Gimli laughed gruffly, waiting at her door as Vez placed her sai on her bed; part of her desiring to bring them with her but she knew weapons were not an appropriate accessory. Thanks to Gimli, she felt slightly more relaxed about the evening's event, realizing she was not without friends who no longer judged her based on her past.
The white marbled hall was already brimming with ambassadors when Vez entered aside Gimli, their ears hit with the sounds of conversation and soft music playing. It was a formal affair; even the dwarves looked prim in their best attire and beard embellishments. However, it was undeniable that the Elves stood out with their tall, graceful forms, in their voluminous, regal robes, their long shiny hair, and gold and silver circlets. It was encouraging to see some mingling between the different races already taking place: Lord Elrond and some other Elves aside the hobbits and Aragorn, the men of Dale and dwarves of Erebor in discussion with Eomer and his ambassadors from Rohan. This era of peace depended on conviviality.
Soon filled wine glasses found their way to people's hands as servers swept through the esteemed guests with their silver serving trays. Aragorn with Faramir by his side addressed the crowd from the front of the hall, welcoming all to the White City and desiring for them to enjoy the evening's gathering as a start to celebrating this new era. The toast set the night's tone to one in favor of light conversation and merrymaking rather than the business of ruling their respective realms; that was to be saved for the upcoming council meetings.
Vez was introduced by Gimli to the dwarves from Erebor, including his father, Gloin, who stood as an older splitting image of his son. "This is the dark elf witch of the Balchoth?" Gloin asked in sudden recognition while meeting her, making Vez think this moniker must be the one that traveled through dwarven halls since it was what Gimli called her on the edge of Fangorn when first they met.
"Hmm, she goes by Vez," Gimli stated a bit sternly on her behalf.
"That title is not so offensive, actually," saying amused while placing a hand on Gimli's shoulder; grateful it wasn't "the bitch of Rhun" or some other less savory title that existed and passed through her ears. "It is nice to meet you, Master Gloin," she said placing her fist on her chest and bowing in Easterling greeting, adding, "And if you can wield an axe half as good as your son here, then it is an honor."
The rarity of an elf complementing a dwarf was one thing, but an Elf honoring an axe wielder was another. As Vez made her brief greetings to all of them, Gloin stated quietly to his son, "I like that pointy eared one."
Eowyn also greeted the dwarves before cornering Vez to ask her something privately, "Is there reason why you do not stand beside Legolas and instead that Elf-woman appears rather closely by his side?"
Vez's eyes moved furtively over to where Legolas stood aside several of his kin, Thalion amongst them. Lady Adele stood perfectly poised right next to him, a doting smile plastered across her oval face as her bright eyes looked upon the prince affectionately as he spoke. "That is the woman his father would prefer he'd marry," Vez stated narrowing her eyes, not hiding her annoyance. "We are keeping our relationship discreet, as to not cause contempt from his kin."
Eowyn was confused by this, but before asking a follow up question Faramir appeared by her side, turning her attention and instantly igniting a smile on her face. Faramir had intended since the start of the event to steal Eowyn away from anyone who happened to be near her. That it ended up being Vez was simply a coincidence. The Steward greeted her cordially, "Lady Vez," as he internally reveled in the fact that she held contempt for that title.
"Steward," Vez replied back with a curt nod and unimpressed look on her face. She knew Faramir and her would maintain their dislike for one another, but she hoped for Eowyn's sake not to openly display any of that contempt near her. "I will leave you two alone," she said pleasantly to Eowyn, though uncertain where she would go next.
In that brief interval, her eyes again glanced over at the group of Elves Legolas engaged with, only to witness Lady Adele's dainty hand flutter up to briefly touch Legolas's forearm, as she politely chuckled at something that was said. Vez turned her narrowed eyes away, instinctively downing the glass of wine in her hand, thinking it was probably a good idea she left her newly returned weapons in her quarters. She then grabbed a second glass of wine from one of the servers who passed her by.
"Lord Elrond," Vez kept the glass from her lips, tilting her head down in recognition of the esteemed Elf who unexpectedly came up beside her as she turned around.
"I would very much like it if you joined me, for we have had little opportunity to get to know each other," he stated pleasantly, bringing a hand around her shoulder and leading her by his side.
"I would like that," Vez replied warmly, though surprised to be asked, "I believe what we know of each other comes from the mouths of others."
"That is the case, isn't it?" he agreed. "Though I've realized you have your father's temperament."
"My father?" Vez confirmed, thinking he was joking, "From what I remember he was quiet and kind spoken. A fisherman, not a warrior." Her father Elured never took up the sword even when other Elves were called upon to fight; he preferred to live a life of peace and obscurity in the northern forests of Mirkwood alongside the Silvan clans.
Elrond smirked, adding what he meant, "Reserved he was but he also had an uncanny ability to turn others' ideas on their head." To Elrond, Vez again proved this trait in response to Celeborn that morning, showing she had a unique way of looking at the world; something he noted of her father the first they met. As Vez pondered what he meant by this she also realized he was leading her over to where she did not expect - to the company of other Elves, Lord Celeborn and King Thranduil among them.
"You have already met King Thranduil, I presume. And Lord Celeborn earlier today," he introduced them.
Vezely nodded politely, noting a brief glare of disdain in Thranduil's eyes as she did.
"Apologies for an improper introduction earlier," Celeborn stated, knowing he was remiss in his manners.
"None needed," Vez replied, keeping her cool demeanor, "I am an unexpected guest."
"Indeed, but a guest who I heard fought bravely for the Free People of Middle Earth," Celeborn added politely, his eyes centered on hers, interested in how she would respond to mild praise.
"I was just a soldier doing what was expected of me," Vez remarked humbly, trying to ignore the mention of Free People, a title the West often used for themselves and one she felt demeaned the East to a land of slaves.
Her humility surprised Celeborn, for she seemed less humble in the courtyard, prompting him to ask, "This morning you spoke of the greatness of deeds I deemed terrible. Tell me what you meant by this."
Elrond shifted his stance, thinking troubling thoughts of entering this conversation, "Perhaps we should not question Vezely on her past," he stated cautiously.
"Such a topic need not be cordoned off. I would be glad to explain my meaning," Vez added respectfully, her eyes yet engaged with Celeborn's; she could tell she interested him. She suspected these noble elders could probably spend days or weeks waxing philosophical on what they considered paradoxes. Elrond furled his brow contemplatively; having desired to ingratiate her with the Elven leaders rather than create disdain. Vez, however, quite enjoyed discussing Rhunic differences as she herself continued to understand them. She smirked slightly before beginning, "Leaders in Rhun are not leaders because of their bloodline. They are leaders because they have earned the respect needed to sustain their title. But I have realized respect is conceptualized differently in Rhun. To respect ones leader means you would not dare challenge their authority. It is fealty spun with fear. Sauron understood this. That is why he had me raised by the Balchoth, one of the most ruthless clans Rhun has ever known. And I became commander of the Easterling Coalition not because Sauron deemed it so, but because I earned the respect needed to obtain such a position. And thus, deeds deemed terrible are allotted greatness by those who would follow you."
Celeborn contemplated this strange understanding of respect and the inverse leadership system, "It is known that fear is a prized weapon of Easterling warfare, though I had not known it helped dictate leadership."
Desiring to prod her further than Celeborn perhaps would, Thranduil took the opportunity to ask, "And what deeds gained you this respect?" Vez's eyes shifted to the king, surprised he engaged her in conversation since she expected he'd be disinterested in what she had to say. "Is it the killing of innocents?" Thranduil added calmly, as if asking a simple question. "How many lives did you build your reputation of fear on?"
Vez believed he knew quite well her dark deeds but desired to hear of them from her own mouth. Perhaps, she thought, he was seeking confirmation on how unsuitable she was for his son.
Elrond added slightly uncomfortable, "You do not need to answer that."
"It's alright," she stated calmly her eyes seeping no emotion as they lingered on his. She questioned back, "Do you desire to know how many innocents died by my own sword or by my orders? The truth is I do not submit these numbers to memory. If I did, I believe it would suggest I was either boasting or deploring my actions. I did neither. Now, if you were to ask how many of my men I sent to their deaths, I could tell you that exact number. You are all great leaders who have led your people to war. Did you keep count of the number of enemies who fell beneath your feet?"
"So innocents are considered enemies?" Thranduil queried.
Vez sidestepped a direct response, asking instead, "If destroying one village prevented a greater regional war from breaking out, would it not present itself a preferable option?"
"There will always be other options," Thranduil stated coolly.
She smirked, noting that Thranduil sounded just like his son, though her amusement in this was perhaps taken as her being smug since she now noted more contempt arise in his demeanor.
"Perhaps our viewpoint is one taken out of inexperience, for we have not been faced with making such decisions," Elrond intervened calmly.
Vez removed her eyes from Thranduil's glare, adding politely, "I must apologize for speaking too liberally of my charge under Sauron. Do not think I condone killing children, merely that I did not barbarically reign death and destruction without reason, even if such reasoning does not match Western morals. I often believe that is a fundamental misunderstanding the West has of Rhun; that we are all uncivilized and that explains why we submitted to Sauron. Sauron was respected by many, but the truth is the fall of Rhun was neither quick nor without considerable resistance."
"A resistance you know well of having recently fought for it," Elrond added, trying to turn the direction of the conversation back to one when Vezely was not under Sauron's rule. Vez shrugged slightly, thinking she also knew of the resistance when her armies were crushing it prior her imprisonment. "I think this continued misunderstanding necessitates more lines of communication to be opened between Rhun and the West," Elrond stated diplomatically, "For we were too long remiss of Sauron's resurgence."
"If men deem it so," Vez replied in recognition of Aragorn joining them; the soon-to-be crowned king greeting her by her shorthand name "Vez," after he greeted others in the group.
Aragorn appeared interested in discussing some private matters with Elrond and Lord Celeborn turning them away for a moment, allowing Vez a chance to say to Thranduil discreetly, "I would like to continue this conversation and another if you deem it worthy," her tone sincere, hoping to show she desired discussing with him her relationship with his son.
Thranduil stared at her sternly, exuding a demeanor of disinterest in further engagement, though for the sake of his son he considered it as she politely bowed her head and left. Vezely headed to grab another glass of wine.
"I would very much like to meet your friend," Lady Adele stated cheerfully to Legolas, having noted the strange Elf-woman leaving the meeting with the three Elven leaders. "You should call her over here and introduce us."
Legolas tried to hide his discomfort in being asked to do so; thinking nothing good could come of this interaction. Thalion immediately noted his friend's hesitation, making him believe it was his presence which made Legolas hesitant. Legolas had apologized to him earlier for having forgotten about the situation involving his brother's death in Mirkwood at the hands of Vezely's soldiers 500 years ago. Hoping not to be the one who made his friend uncomfortable or forbid him from answering Lady Adele's request, Thalion stated encouragingly, "I think that would be most interesting. I will go invite her myself."
The tall, brown haired Elf quickly sauntered off, his moss green robes swaying behind him as he trekked down the Easterling Elf, intent on being a good friend even if he did not care for the woman he was inviting.
Vez had desired a break from Elves when Thalion stepped in her path, "Lady Vezely," he stated with feigned kindness, "I hope you are well this evening."
"Well enough," she stated bluntly, as she narrowed her eyes showing suspicion of his purpose; she never trusted individuals with overly cheerful personalities. They always seemed to be hiding something, she thought.
Oblivious to her overt displeasure over his presence, Thalion remained courteous, "Would you be so kind to accompany me so I can make your introduction to the lovely Lady Adele?"
Vez almost laughed at the manner in which Thalion invited her, as if she should be honored to meet Thranduil's perfect daughter-in-law. While preferring to continue the other way she realized it would be remiss to decline, so she added unenthusiastically, "Why not?"
Thalion held his arm out for her to be escorted, but she ignored it and walked on. She would go, but not in any proper way. Thalion shook his head, trying to ignore her brutish manner.
Legolas had not expected for Lady Adele to be attached to his side the entire evening, making him obligated to introduce her to other members of the fellowship and ambassadors. While not specifically stating their relationship to each other, those without former knowledge of him and Vezely would have deduced the two Elves were courting. Legolas felt incredibly inappropriate and awkward in the situation. Luckily for Legolas's sake, Thalion had not lingered too far; the Woodland Elf also enjoyed the opportunity to be introduced to others by his now esteemed friend. Legolas took note of Vezely's prior interaction with his father, and while not knowing the content of that conversation, he could not imagine it being pleasant. He now felt ashamed to be putting her through another spate of discomfort.
As Vez approached the couple, her eyes on Legolas's, she instantly read his apology, making her assume correctly it was not his idea to have her join them. Her eyes then shifted to Lady Adele's, who waited patiently for Thalion to introduce them. Before Thalion stated Lady Adele's name and proper titles, he introduced her simply as "Lady Vezely of Rhun," sufficient enough he thought.
Lady Adele bowed her head in greeting, "It is a pleasure to meet you Lady Vezely, friend of the esteemed fellowship."
"Ambassador," Vez greeted the angelic being, not desiring to nod. While there were several Elf-women in attendance that evening, ambassadors from the three respective realms, Lady Adele seemed to possess a heightened beauty and grace, and by her mannerisms, this angelic being knew it.
"Please tell me Lady Vezely, when did you first meet the nine?" She asked with a smile, then looking to Legolas for confirmation, "For you were not with them when they briefly passed through Lothlorien and were tended to by my kin."
"We met in Rohan, a few weeks later," Legolas replied briefly.
"Though we have both encountered Lady Vezely before," Thalion added, having desired to go into impolite territory since discovering her presence and now being slightly put-off by her impoliteness, "In Mirkwood five centuries past."
"I do not recall meeting you," Vez replied bluntly, her eyes narrowed on Thalion's as she contemplated whether she crossed paths with him during her short stay.
"No, we did not meet specifically," he stated, "Though you met my brother."
Vez's eyes shifted momentarily to Legolas, confused of his friend's meaning, but Legolas's eyes were centered on Thalion. She could sense a similar discomfort brewing in him as when Thalion mentioned the death of his brother to Vezely the day before at the entrance of his room.
"My brother died the day you and your troops entered our forests," he explained solidly, turning Vezely's eyes back to him.
"If that is the case," Vez maintained her cool composure, not sure what the Elf desired from her, "Then my condolences for the grief this confrontation caused you."
Thalion wondered, noting some insincerity to her words, "I'm curious, for someone with your qualities, do you truly comprehend the grief of losing a loved one and the insatiable desire one will always have to make it right?"
"Thalion," Legolas intervened defensively, "Vezely lost her parents to Orcs at the age of six. She understands grief."
Vezely kept emotionless, trying to not let any resentment seep through for his presumptions of her "qualities." But this reaction did little to ease Thalion's distress; it made him more determined for her to understand his meaning, prompting him to ask her, "And did you make that right?"
Vez laughed accidentally; a dark laugh as she looked away from him annoyed. Her mistrust of cheerful personalities rang true once more, she thought. The Elf had been hiding his contempt for her behind his smile; a contempt he held since the loss of his brother. "I never did, nor did I care to," she answered bluntly, "But do not think I misunderstand your grief or desires for I learned them quite early," she explained, "When I was thirteen, a raiding party invaded the borders of our territory. Among the causalities was my cousin, Shahna, who was the same age as I. I had spent every day with that girl since I was given over to my clan and she would be the closest I ever had to a sister. When the leader of the raid was brought before us, to die for his crimes against our people, my father handed me the knife, telling me to slit the man's throat and take my journey into adulthood," she slowly traced a line under her jaw with her index finger, her eyes settling briefly on Lady Adele's disturbed expression before looking back to Thalion's wide eyes, "The Balchoth believe you are not truly an adult until you have killed." While they may have expected her to say she declined the deed, instead she added darkly, "My father said I cut the man's throat so deep I should have just taken his head off." Thalion swallowed what spit he had in his mouth, appalled to think of such a task. Her voice then switched to one of contemplation, "But no matter what momentary joy it brought me to take that man's life, it could not right the wrong of her death. It did not bring her back. Tell me Thalion, do you now desire to make it right? Shall I place a dagger in your hand and tell you to slit my throat?"
Thalion's eyes wavered on hers, for he realized how he was unable to relate to such a story. He breathed in through his nostrils and looked away from her, displeased that he could not find the right words to respond. He honestly did not know what to expect from stating this past truth to her, only that he felt he owed it to his brother.
Vezely added concerned, "Rejoice in the fact that you will one day meet your brother in Valinor, for I will never see Shahna again," her eyes returned to Legolas's who held only concern for her, but she could only exchange a distanced stare, as the emotions of the past overwhelmed her. Realizing this, she added stoically, "I think I have overstayed my introduction. Lady Adele, it was nice to make your acquaintance," and then tilting her head down, keeping her eyes averted from Legolas's, she addressed him properly, "My lord." She would turn away and head towards the exit, with Legolas's eyes following.
"Excuse me for a moment," Legolas stated politely; he had to go after her.
She did not look at him when he grabbed her wrist, making her turn towards him. "Apologies, I should not be here. I am only inviting trouble," she spoke quickly and quietly.
"It is my fault," he replied calmly, noting she sounded ashamed in her actions, "I should have warned you about Thalion."
She smiled slightly, removing her arm from his grasp, realizing it was still there, "You are not upset with me?"
"No," he smiled slightly in realization that her worries were such, "You gave them quite an uncomfortable visual, though not an unworthy understanding of your perspective."
She finally looked at him, realizing she needed to hear this, but the concern in her eyes was still apparent, "I should still go. I have had too much wine, and am less willing to keep my mouth shut."
"Stay...by my side," he said hopeful, placing a hand on her wrist again, though desiring to take her by the hand instead.
Her eyes glanced passed him, noting now that Lady Adele was glancing their way, leading her to remark uncomfortably, "Legolas, we shouldn't."
He slowly let go of her wrist, realizing disheartened that he must do as they planned. "Until later," he exchanged regret in his eyes before she left; even if he remained grateful knowing they would spend the evening together.
Regardless of the company he found himself in, Thranduil had not been without acknowledgment of his son's whereabouts that evening, or Vezely's for that matter. As the two parted their separate ways, he left his current conversation and followed her out the exit; intent on having a conversation with his son's would-be-wife.
A/N: Thank you for the submissions on Tumblr [vezely . tumblr . com]. There's more great artwork up so check it out when you have time, especially Vez's coronation gown. Dress 2 and 3 proved so popular in the poll that Deviant artist lika-143 combined them into one stunning outfit. I think it looks fab!
And your reviews always bring me so much amusement and encouragement, so thank you thank you thank you!