A week with the group passed quickly and Raelyn, or 'Master Dun', began to fit in. Although underwhelmed with her swordsmanship they were very impressed with her riding skills. Much to Raelyn's delight - no one seemed to suspect a thing. The group recognised that 'Master Dun' was a quiet and private young man and accordingly gave him space and time to himself.
The days were spent racing across the plains, visiting the farthest northern towns of Rohan to collect and deliver news. Raelyn had never before been so exhausted or had so much fun.
During the nights the men talked of their childhoods growing up in the remote villages of Rohan, their battles with orcs and their dealings with the mysterious elves of Mirkwood. Raelyn, still not confident in her voice, kept her input to an absolute minimum but loved listening to all their stories. While their stories made her smile, sometimes she could not help but miss her Mother… and brother and father back at home.
On the day prior to reporting Rohanian news to King Thranduil the group stumbled upon a remote village being harassed by a pack of orcs.
The group made quick work of the orc pack and suffered no casualties themselves. Raelyn guiltily held back from the fighting as much as she could. She was not entirely sure of what to do or how best to work together with the others.
In gratitude, the town generously put on a feast that night for the group.
"Won't we have some news for Thranduil tomorrow!" Tehm shouted triumphantly at the feast, as he pointedly wiped off some more orc blood from his cheek.
Raelyn felt a pang of nervousness within her. What would it be like seeing the King of Mirkwood for the first time? Most described him as ancient and wise but above all - intimidating. Surely he could not possibly recognise her. But how could he? Raelyn had wondered. After all, they had never met.
But most of all she was worried about the arrival of the real Master Dun. What was going to happen regarding that she thought.
The group returned to the archway at which they first met Raelyn a week ago and slowly began to file along the winding pathway into the dark forest. Much to Raelyn's relief Master Dun was nowhere to be seen as of yet.
They travelled inward, along the path, for an hour or so before they reached a clearing where a huge stone bridge crossed a beautiful flowing river. Raelyn's eyes widened as she saw the magnificent gates that shut off the cavernous Kingdom from the forest. Two elf guards at the gate collected their weapons and Raelyn could not help but stare. She had never before seen an elf. They were so striking. So tall and slender, and their pointed ears indicated their superior hearing. Raelyn was sure they would not miss a thing with those ears.
"Holo in ennyn!" (Close the gate) one of the Elves called out to the other after their group entered the Kingdom.
The group was lead to the throne room deep within the caves where Thranduil was waiting. The group removed their cloaks and gloves, setting them aside and Raelyn uncomfortably followed suit. The fewer layers she was wearing the more vulnerable she felt. She decided to act as inconspicuously as possible so as not to draw attention to herself. But out of the corner of her eye she caught Thranduil watching her. She kept her head down.
"A new recruit of ours, Sire" said Tehm as he noticed Thranduil's stare "he is Master Dun."
"Remove your hat Master Dun" Thranduil said menacingly.
Raelyn's eyes shot sideways immediately at her leader Tehm. They pleaded with him that she not have to.
"Ahh... H-he means it as no disrespect, Sire, only he's a … sentimental fellow ... It was his Father's you see. He never seems to take it off." Tehm said as he attempted to negotiate.
"This meeting will not begin until your… man… removes his hat." Thranduil continued sternly but Raelyn still did not move.
"Legolas!" Thranduil called looking more annoyed, "Ensure Master Dun's hat is removed immediately."
"Yes Father." Legolas replied dutifully. He took a step forward out of the shadows and Raelyn immediately stepped back. Legolas proceeded until 'Master Dun' was backed up against the rear wall of the Throne Room.
Raelyn's eyes pleaded with Legolas and he was slightly taken aback.
What could be so important about this hat? Legolas thought.
He attempted to lift the hat but found it was fastened down strongly with a multitude of pins. Bemused his eyes met Raelyn's again and she whispered 'Please' so quietly that only he would be able to hear. Master Dun's tone was so soft, gentle and scared that Legolas actually stopped - a little unsure of quite what he had heard.
"Legolas…" Thranduil snarled. Raelyn resigned herself to her fate and carefully removed the pins.
"I shall not keep it from you long Master Dun" Legolas said comfortingly as he reached forward and removed the hat.
Suddenly luscious, soft curls sprung from beneath the hat and cascaded around Raelyn's face. She felt as though she stood naked amongst those men. She could feel everyone's eyes widen in shock but she kept her own fixed on her feet. They examined her from afar and determined that sure enough, a woman had infiltrated their group and had been with them unnoticed the whole time.
"W-we had n-no id-" stuttered Captain Tehm in disbelief but he was cut off.
"Who are you?" Thranduil continued resolutely with an unwavering stare. He leant forward with interest.
Legolas stepped away from Raelyn regrettably. She had looked completely humiliated. Legolas did not enjoy leaving Raelyn standing there in such a state - at all.
"Seeing him.. her.. now," one of the men started to mumble "I-I know who that is…"
Raelyn cleared her throat and boldly looked straight into Thranduil's eyes, "I am Princess Raelyn of Rohan. Daughter of King Jodol and the… late… Queen Tarawyn."
The group of riders jumped, startled that this was not just any woman. This was their Princess! And only a few weeks from her fated wedding! What was she doing? they wondered.
Leaning back against his throne Thranduil smirked "I thought we may meet one day, Destined One" he said, "but not quite like this. Legolas, won't you see that our guest is sorted."
Legolas, still stunned, shared a glance with his Father. Looking back at Raelyn "I apologise, my lady" he began. "F-for..." He had not spoken Common language for some time and the shock had rattled him.
"Let's get this meeting over with then, hmm?" Thranduil said turning back to Captain Tehm who appeared baffled as ever.
"Why, yes o-of c-course." began the Captain.