Chapter 43 - Mind Your Manners

Vezely pivoted, but kept her head bowed low and her eyes downcast; not desiring to engage either Lord Celeborn or Lady Galadriel as they stood before her. Glorfindel stood nearby, observing the scene curiously.

In a voice both soft and forceful, Galadriel first addressed the Elvenking and spoke highly of his son's valor with the Fellowship, before greeting Legolas with glad tidings they could meet again now that Shadow had passed and his task was behind him.

But during this greeting, Vezely heard the Elf woman's voice in her head, "Do not fear me child of Eluréd," she told her, and though her tone seemed affable Vezely forewent any thought which could be taken as a reponse and instead abruptly lifted her gaze and narrowed her eyes suspiciously on her. Having finished her greeting to Legolas, she turned slowly to greet this expression with measured movement. Galadriel discerned the young Elf held displeasure at having invaded her mind; picking up Vezely's thoughts connecting this method of communication to Sauron. She wondered about this and her notable anxiety, and questioned her out loud, "For one who stood before Sauron without fear, why does trepidation stir in you now, Vezely, daughter of Eluréd?"

Publically announcing her dread certainly was not the intent of Vezely's refusal to answer her in her mind, making her considerably uncomfortable as those nearby turned their gaze and also awaited her reply to this accusation. She straightened her posture, and kept her eyes strong as best she could, even if the light coming from Galadriel's face was unsettling. She did not desire to appear afraid as she implied, and defended herself, "As vassal before Sauron, my deeds and character garnered only pleasure and praise. But in present company, do not all who look upon me do so with disdain and distrust? In the eyes of the powerful, am I not judged foul and placed at your mercy for this corruption?"

Despite knowing she was strong on her own, concern consumed Legolas and he took Vezely's hand by her side; hoping his touch could offer her reassurance and to remind her she was not alone.

But Galadriel's gaze remained one of compassion, and she replied with a serene voice, but spoke as if not only to Vezely, but to all the Eldar present, "None here have the right to judge you, Vezely, the least of all one who was exiled from the blessed realm," referring to her past, "The Noldor know well corruption, for is that not how your father as a child fell lost to the world and how your uncle, Elurín, perished aside him?" Vez did not expect this response and her eyes grew strained and she lowered them in shame for having spoken so boldly before. "Not many here stood during the First Age when Morgoth used our people for his evil purposes," she continued hoping to address those listening, "Brewing such distrust among us that we would not even embrace those who had freed themselves from his prisons in Angband. Instead, we shunned and outlawed those most in need, fearing their corruption would corrupt us. We should not make this mistake again and with one who desires to be embraced. You are not foul, Vezely, but strong for what you have survived and what you will soon endure," then adding after considering her thoughts, "You do not go by the name your parents gave you, but Bellethiel suits you well."

Vez looked up upon hearing her Elvish name, acknowledging with her gaze that she was grateful for the words Galadriel spoke on her behalf, and she pressed a fist to her chest and bowed her head low in deference. She heard her voice again, "Stay your path. In the end, those that do judge will discern your heart is good. Do not forsake them, for they have not yet forsaken you."

And Galadriel smiled warmly upon her before moving on. But during this time, Legolas also heard Galadriel's voice in his head, referring back to the message she gave him in Lothlorien, "Your heart will drive you to the sea, Legolas," she reminded him calmly, "Do not tarry here longer than needs be," and he wondered her meaning as he held Vezely's hand a little tighter.

Thranduil almost let out an audible sigh of relief after the eminent couple left; surprised the meeting didn't escalate into something more embarrassing. He then watched the young couple exchange a look of reassurance, but also uncertainty; and it stirred in his heart compassion for both of them.

Glorfindel stood before them, a fluted glass filled with Dorwinion wine in each hand, handing it to them and speaking, "Congratulations, a betrothal is not a small event," but Vez hesitated to except it, still disgruntled that he opened and read her mail. Legolas was quick to respond in gratitude to the Elf Lord, who then apologized politely after, "Forgive me, I need to borrow your betrothed. A small matter to be discussed."

Legolas smiled curiously, and looking at Vez, he saw she had her eyes narrowed suspiciously and he was quick to discern that she would dishonor his request; Legolas had gotten use to reading her emotions and what reactions they soon elicited. Thus to avoid her rebuking and possibly offending Lord Glorfindel, who deserved everyone's respect, he quickly answered for her, "Of course," and he touched the small of her back and provided her a look of reassurance before leaving them.

After leaving, Legolas was accosted by Elladan and Elrohir, each of them cupping his shoulders with their hands and escorting them their way, "Congratulations dear friend," they greeted him cheerfully, for they were hardly strangers, and felt close akin as all sons of powerful lords.

Elladan then shared his amusement, "You are the first of us to fall to love's bite it seems," having before all discussed their difficulty in finding suitable partners.

"Though," Elrohir commented cheekily, "I did not know warriors were your type. I thought you much preferred the delicate flowers."

"He likes the thorns, obviously," Elladan snorted, turning Legolas's narrowed eyes on him.

"Love's bite indeed," Elrohir considered back.

Legolas knew they spoke only in jest, as was often their relations with him, so he rebuked them in kind, "Appearances deceive you easily, brothers, though that is to be expected."

Elladan grinned, and then gripping his forearm, "We are happy for you, perhaps even jealous that you have found what we have not."

Elrohir nodded to agree with his brother and wondering of their interaction, confided, "Lord Glorfindel seems to have taken an interest, hasn't he? He has kept his eyes on her all night;" his remark unintentionally made Legolas uncomfortable and he shifted his gaze in their direction, finding them holding conversation away from others.

Vez took a swig of the sickly sweet wine as she watched Legolas walk away from her, knowing beyond his look of reassurance was a reminder to behave herself. She begrudgingly followed Glorfindel to a side archway, and once there stated snidely, "Sparse on reading material?"

He tilted his chin up slightly and looked down upon her, being quite a bit taller. He was again surprised by her brazenness, but undeterred and countered her calmly, "I am not going to rebuke you for the incident in the prison, Vezely. But know that Lord Elrond is not the only Elf charged with your well-being," he then explained steadily, "He will leave these shores soon but I will remain, for as you, my task is not yet done."

Displeased with the implication of still being someone's responsibility, she remarked bluntly, "I did not know I was yet a burden to be passed on."

He smiled slightly, perhaps he misstated, "I do not deem you in need of a protector, but it was Lord Elrond's request to aid you if necessary."

Finding him not easily riled made her realize that she was the one being disrespectful, "Apologies. I have spent a fair amount of time defending my actions and," she shifted slightly, "I am not above assistance in matters that now consume my thoughts, and I would find your advice welcomed."

"That is why I desired a conversation. After being informed of the possibility of Morgoth followers in Rhun, and that you tenably ride to war against them, I would like to question you on what you know."

"You desire to speak of enemies and warfare at a celebration?" she asked mildly intrigued, raising one eyebrow.

"Does it offend?" He queried, uncertain.

She laughed, then remarked bluntly, "It comforts. Such are easier topics of conversation for me." She had another sip of wine before telling Glorfindel what she suspected from the information she obtained at the first council meeting; disclosing more on the People of the Dark Lands, their trade in opiates, their desire for empire, most of which she had shared with the realms' leaders the other night at dinner. He then queried their methods of worshipping Morgoth, desiring affirmation of their belief systems.

"...They first drain the leaders of their blood, and mark the others foreheads with it before burning them alive. I never did fancy it; the burning, I mean," she narrowed her eyes as her mind took her back to some of her experiences working alongside them; momentarily forgetting the caliber of her present company, she began speaking too glib on Rhunic psychological warfare strategies, "Not that it isn't an effective method of fear, and granted, those burned suffer greatly even if their suffering is quick, for they asphyxiate on the fumes of their own flesh. And the screaming had shock value, I'll give them that. But they irritatingly called it worship; hymns sung to their vanquished god, reminding me that their purpose was irrational. I never executed on such flighty whims, nor did I worship Sauron with the deaths I dictated. To me, that is barbaric. And their beliefs," she then looked at him curious, noting his strict demeanor for he was holding his tongue on the violence she was accomplice to, "In Rhun, there exists many fables of how the end of time will commence. I am sure the Elves hold closer truths, but the People of the Dark Lands believe Melkor will heed their allegiance and help make them gods of men."

"There is a prophecy that Morgoth," using his Elf-given name and noting that Vezely did not, "Will escape his imprisonment and call upon his greatest servants to join him in avengement, upon which the Last Battle will be fought. They may be assuring their place aside him."

"And to no end," Vez considered annoyed by this affirmation, "Sauron was only Melkor's messenger, so his defeat deters them little, and with Rhun at its weakest, they will only continue their worship while they carry out their long desired expansion."

"And your intentions?" he asked still reserved.

"The resistance is scattered, but I have no doubt the few that remain are setting their minds to Rhun's recovery. And there is enough distrust of the People of the Dark Lands to stall any alliances they may seek to forge, leaving time to reestablish forces to defend the provinces under threat. It is more of a matter of cooperation."

"This much is certain. To ensure peace and stability for this new age, they cannot be allowed to extend their empire, nor can Rhun fall into destruction," he stated with conviction, "Balance is desirable, utter destruction of their culture is not."

"Balance?" Vez scoffed with a small laugh, "It would be easier to set mind to their removal."

"You are to keep peace in Rhun, not to lead assaults," he told her firmly, hoping to reiterate the desire of those higher up.

She tilted her head to the side and narrowed her eyes momentarily considering this, before acquiescing, "Alright...If stability is the desired end."

Glorfindel took a moment to gauge that she understood this, then speaking as an apology, "It seems I have kept you too long from those desiring to be at your side," his eyes found Legolas in the crowd conversing with Lord Elrond's twin sons, noting his brief gaze on them a moment earlier. He then spoke in praise, "Legolas is an honorable Elf. One who has rightfully gained the respect of Middle Earth and he will be honored in Valinor once he sails."

Vez also looked upon Legolas, and betraying her desire to hide softer emotions, concern seeped through her gaze. And that I would not hinder him, she thought in introspective dejection. She returned her eyes to Glorfindel, noting he was now watching her carefully. She shifted uncomfortably and took in an imperceptible deep breath, regaining her composure, "As he should be," she agreed with a curt nod; and hoping to change the subject and leave, "If there is anything else that you need to know before I depart, ask. And gratitude for your advice and your future assistance, if it is deemed necessary."

Glorfindel tilted his head down politely, and Vez mirrored him before taking her leave. The Elf Lord would stroll to the side of Lord Elrond while his eyes watched as she greeted Legolas, noting he wore a concerned smile upon her approach and that she quickly took his hand and held it tightly. Elrond was noticeably curious having prompted the conversation, so Glorfindel offered his thoughts carefully, "She is estranged by culture, as you said. And perhaps her light would go unnoticed if not for those who hold her as honorable company. Yet when removed from that company, would she not falter into ways deemed detrimental to what she seeks?"

Elrond furled his brow, disagreeing slightly, "She is incredibly guarded, especially when it comes to her hopes and fears. I believe for her, they are novel emotions and not easily reconciled with her public character. But they are what drive her. I do not believe they will be easily placed aside."

Glorfindel narrowed his eyes, needing more time to consider this, "Worry not to my thoughts my lord, for I will honor your request and watch after her when you depart..."

The party ended rather uneventful for Vez, or at least it was as she hoped after forcing herself to remain more reserved beside Legolas for the rest of it. She did not know if this made things more uncomfortable for those they were conversing with, or relieved, but for her it was the latter.

Since the new guests were also staying in their wing, Elrohir and Elladan accompanied Vez and Legolas back over, creating an awkward moment when the couple tried to silently communicate who would sneak over into the other's room later on. Vez suggested with a flick of her eyes at her door that he should, considering his footfalls were quieter than her own. Once inside her room, she got comfortable by changing into her blue silk robe and opening the book Legolas had brought over the other night, "First Age Poems of Love and Lament," which he said his father had packed for him. Meandering through Elvish text was yet new to her, for she found she had an easier time making the casual speech of the language than with writing and reading its formal script. It wasn't long before she found the task burdensome, though it was more due to her impatience in desiring his company. Placing the book back on the table next to her, she gazed upon the white flowers in the small glass yet sitting there, taking one from the bouquet and tucking it right above her ear; smiling mischievously to herself thinking of amusing Legolas with its presence; for he did desire to see her with flowers in her hair.

Legolas would also change into his lounging robes and bide some time organizing his space; hanging his formal coronation robe outside his wardrobe in preparation for tomorrow morning. It was hard for him to fathom their time together in Minas Tirith would soon end; it felt too brief though it was eventful. Thinking enough time had passed, he quietly opened his door and stepped out, prepared to walk lightly across the hallway and open the unlocked door.

"Legolas," Glorfindel had been at the end of the hall, finding the Elf stepping into it, "Accompany for a short walk," he requested, coming towards him.

Legolas of course did not deny the offer and quickly found himself embarrassed by the praise Glorfindel first spoke of his deeds with the Fellowship; having conversed with the Elven Lord before he set out from Imladris. He was also commended on his set task to rebuild Ithilien's forests. Yet when the conversation turned to when he would sail to the Utter West, Legolas's responses grew more guarded.

"You will like Valinor, for its beauty surpasses any lands in Middle Earth," Glorfindel told him, thinking of his own desires to return when his task was done, "All is hallowed there, so it is naught of corruption or sickness, and the trees are to be praised rather than tended..."

Hearing Glorfindel's eyewitness description of Valinor again ignited in his heart his desire to sail, though the anchor to say in Middle Earth was also strong; for not only would he abandon his friends of the Fellowship yet, he would not leave until Vezely was also permitted to accompany him.

"You will stay until the bonds you swore at Imladris have ended?" Glorfindel asked him curiously.

"And until my partner returns and can sail with me," he told him, uncomfortably realizing again that the sorrow of losing his mortals friends would be met with the happiness of starting life anew with another.

"And if she is not permitted or returns not from her task?" Glorfindel stated what many of the Eldar thought but would not ask forthrightly, for fear of being unkind.

"Do you have knowledge to base this on?" Legolas asked carefully, wondering if the Elf Lord was speaking from foresight.

"Nothing has been revealed," he replied truthfully.

"Then I will not fall to such worries," he replied undeterred, "I hold onto hope, even if it is hers as well. I know doubt runs through her mind, even if she dare not speak of it to me anymore. But I would not have her leave here believing herself unworthy of redemption," he then added firmly, "Nor anyone else."

Glorfindel took a deep breath, gauging he had driven a need for him to defend her, he then cupped his shoulder, saying encouragingly, "She is well spoken for and I would not disbelieve the words I have heard. But you have well-earned the bliss abroad, and deserve happiness..." He then told Legolas of Elrond's desire for him to watch over Vezely in his absence; hoping to reassure him that he would do whatever he could to ensure her path back to him; having further realized his happiness, Valinor or not, depended on it.

Legolas turned the doorknob slowly, hoping not to alert any others in the wing of his entrance into her room. He found the space darkened; a candle on the center table had just expired and was exuding smoke from its wick. Vezely was curled up on the chair next to it, her feet tucked under her, her head resting on the side cushion, and a small flower tucked above her one ear. He gently gathered her in his arms, intent on relocating her to her bed.

Stirred awake, Vez instantly knew it was him and she smiled as he lifted her, saying nothing, nor opening her eyes as he brought her to the soft mattress. And when he placed her down she scooted over for him to lie beside her.

After lying down on his side facing her, resting his head on the same pillow as her, he whispered, "Forgive me for my lateness, I was delayed."

"It matters not," she whispered back, "For you are here now."

He brought a hand to her cheek, his fingers then finding the small flower just above, making him ask with a curious smile, knowing she was up to something, "What is this?"

"A flower," she replied straight faced, trying to imply that he was asking something strange. This garnered a look of suspicion, so she feigned further confusion, "Do you not like flowers in my hair?"

Legolas smiled at her, and played along, "I do. But this is only one and I desire to see many."

"Many? How many my lord?" she replied, trying hard not to laugh through her smirk. They had inched closer to each other so that their foreheads touched.

"At the very least, two bouquets worth, my lady," he told her with all importance, touching his nose to hers and knowing smugly he was better at playing this game.

"Oh, I suppose I should first have more hair to put them in," she seemed to consider seriously, "Otherwise, it would appear my head is not but flowers."

Despite believing he would not crack, Legolas laughed first and she joined him, their grins slowly dissipating in order to snuggle closer in contentment.

A/N: You guys, just the coronation and it's Rhun time! I am planning those chapters now. They will be truncated time-wise to speed through many years of events - besides I doubt you all want to read Vez sans Legolas and the others. Comments and reviews and things you want to read in Rhun really appreciated as I move forward - you all inspire me to keep writing this story to the end!