Legolas and Raelyn returned to the throne room where the meeting had ended.
"We fear, Mi'lady" said Captain Tehm as he bowed uncomfortably "that we might not be able to bring immediate word to Edoras of your safety. You see, we still have to travel to three remote towns and then on to Gondor. Then word must travel from Gondor to Edoras. It would take days."
"I could spare a few of my own people to accompany you home, Raelyn," Thranduil began, "However, I am intrigued by you. Perhaps you might like to stay here a little longer and then return. You might like to stay… enjoy Turuhalmë and even see your prophecy. I will inform Edoras of course…"
"That would be most agreeable, your Highness." Raelyn replied with a gracious curtsey.
"Indeed. I will send word to Edoras that your guards might collect you in… three days." Thranduil said decidedly. "After all you do not have the greatest luxury of time at this moment..." He added referring to her upcoming nuptial.
"You are very gracious, your Highness." Raelyn replied gratefully but with a twinge of sadness in her voice. Secretly she long regretted the day she would wed Harrin. Every passing birthday that fateful day loomed ever closer. Harrin was twenty-three years her senior and from her all but brief encounters with him in the past, Raelyn gathered he was not entirely thrilled about their union either. For twenty-one long years he had to wait for someone he did not even want. This made him a stubborn, abrupt, unsympathetic man who was very set in his ways.
Raelyn did not want to leave the Mirkwood Kingdom so soon. She knew hardly anything of the elves but yet her life was bound by their prophecy. It could not hurt to learn more about their wonderful culture before it was lost to the Undying Lands forever.
"Legolas," Thranduil commanded "Why don't you show our guest the prophecy I am sure she has so long awaited to see.
"Indeed Father," Legolas said smiling at Raelyn "Right this way." he murmured leading her out of the throne room down a short corridor to a small door.
Standing proudly Legolas allowed Raelyn to enter the room. It was full to the brim with books. Books were piled high in corners and strewn about, open on desks and lying all over the floor. Writing was highly respected by Elves and was rarely treated in this way. The pairs of eyes widened with disarray and Legolas's face fell. He was visibly ashamed that this library had been left in such a state by his Father.
"Do not worry," Raelyn whispered gently with a sideways glance and Legolas nearly blushed.
Legolas tiptoed through the room ever so carefully looking for the sheets of elvish parchment. Although it took him some time to come across the documents Raelyn was far from restless. She gazed about the room. Such a vast number of writings, maps and drawings surrounded her. She could see plenty of elvish writings, of course, but there were others too – parchments covered in the Westron language, her native Rohirric, even Khuzdul. Such a wealth of knowledge, wisdom and time was contained in those walls.
"Here is the original elvish copy, My Lady," Legolas began. "Son, after son, after sunrise will appear a daughter of Rohan whose voice will reign upon the world of men. Her union to the other…" Legolas stopped translating.
"…family…" Raelyn continued confused at why he had faltered.
"Why yes, of course, family… will change the face of Middle Earth forever" Legolas finished with a slightly perplexed look on his face. He quickly returned to normal by continuing with "I must assist with the preparations for Turuhalmë which is held tomorrow – would you like to assist me?"
"Yes of course, what is it?" Raelyn answered keenly.
"It is our Winter solstice celebrations. It is a time when we reflect on our lives, feast and dance under the light of the stars. We share stories with our loved ones by the fire." Legolas replied wistfully.
"It sounds most wonderful…" Raelyn murmured imagining how beautiful this celebration would be in the very heart of the forest.
"It is." Legolas replied holding Raelyn's gaze just a little longer than usual.
The two busily helped prepare for the celebrations. Legolas dismantled and collected large trunks of fallen trees for the bonfires while Raelyn set the enormous tables with plates, cutlery and elvish wine. When the preparations were all but complete Legolas took Raelyn by the hand and led her to the centre of what would become the dance floor.
"You cannot say you have truly experienced Turuhalmë unless you have danced" Legolas said while demonstrating steps of ancient elvish routines. Legolas gently spun Raelyn in circles leading her through the movements.
Suddenly fifty or so young elflings poured onto the dance floor squirming and laughing. Their teacher gathered their attention and the group began practicing their dancing too. Raelyn joined in and was partnered with a tiny elf half her size. Legolas smiled and chuckled as the two spun hand in hand, he did not drop his gaze for a moment. The elflings struggled to keep time with no music so Raelyn sang the tune of an old Rohanian song. Legolas could not help but notice how beautiful her voice was and how wonderfully she got along with all of the elf children.
The sun began to set in the sky and the teacher called out "It is time to finish now children. Do us proud tomorrow night by dancing your very best." The children whined that they must stop but obediently began to file out. Raelyn waved to every one of them as they left.
Legolas stepped forward from his position as spectator and said "I will show you to your room now, My Lady."
"She's MY lady!" called out the little elfling that had been partnered with Raelyn but he was hurried away by the blushing teacher.
Legolas and Raelyn burst into laughter as they too left the dance floor without noticing they had clasped each other's hands.