Disclaimer: I own obvious OC characters! Everything else belongs to Tolkien!
Author's note: Hi guys! Thanks for all the /follows/favourites and anonyms readers. Glad people are still enjoying the story and I'm sorry for the latish update and any spelling mistakes. A special thanks to the readers that reviewed last update! You guys are amazing.
And don't talk to the weasel!
Happy Reading!
My eyes refocused on the world around me. I awoke from my slumber. At first I didn't remember where I was but then the memories struck me. I froze then glanced around. I was right where I fell asleep. But with a blanket and soft pillow. I could kiss whomever gave me the pillow.
The soft scratching noise broke me away from my thoughts. I looked towards the sound. Thranduil was at his desk writing on a piece of parchment. The quill scratching across the material gently.
The noise paused. Should I leave? Would that be rude? Oh I can't believe I kissed him! Strangely enough I never regretted it… but then it was only a peck on the hand.
"I see your finally awake." Thranduil's soft yet authoritative voice said amusedly, his back was facing me. How did he…?
"How did you know I was awake?" I asked curiously. Peering in his direction.
"You stopped snoring." He said, I could tell he was smirking. Even though I couldn't see his face. But I could hear it in his voice. My mouth formed a shocked little 'o'.
"I never snore!" I said defensively. He chuckled at me. I knew he was only teasing me and yet I still took the bait he dangled in front of me.
"I hope you like your new maid…" he said after a stretch of silence. I sat up a little straighter. I didn't really but who was I to say no to the king's demands.
"I do, but it is unnecessary…" I replied, looking down at my hands. There was something off about Moriel, she seemed nice but it just felt hollow. Perhaps I have gotten paranoid. All this stress is eating at me. Thranduil turned and angled his chair in my direction.
"It is necessary! Servants are invisible. Nobody cares to look for them while offenders are committing a crime. Regardless a lady needs a maid and since you no longer have patrol duties I expect to see you more in court." He smirked when finished the last bit. His words dismissed any argument I may have. So I let it drop. Perhaps I should go…
"I should probably leave… Malenor and my brother will worry." I said nervously.
"They have already been informed where you are. There is a feast tonight, I hope you and family will attend." He asked politely. I breathed in deeply and nodded my agreement. Suddenly his eyes didn't seem as cold. They held a welcoming warmth. I smiled.
"Thank you, my lord." I said graciously. I just hoped nothing bad would happen at this dinner engagement.
"Thranduil. When we are in private you will call me by my name." He corrected me automatically. I could feel a warmness tinge my cheeks. I straightened my dress and hair. Nothing was that out of place but just to be sure and made my way towards the door.
"Good bye, Ivoriel." He said quietly, returning to his work. I looked over my shoulder.
"And to you, Thranduil." I replied my voice almost feathery. I thought I saw him smile but I had turned away too soon.
The doors opened and I marched out into the dimly lit corridor. Seems I have to inform Malenor of our new dinner arrangement as it has changed.
…
Moriel had busied herself in my wardrobe. So that left me wondering about the household. Exploring quite a bit. I found a hidden passage. The door was concealed by panelling and tapestries. Though I didn't get much time to explore the short tunnel as someone knocked loudly on the main door. There was a dried watery substance in the darkened tunnel. I would investigate it later. I almost skipped to answer the door.
Galion, one of Thranduil's most trusted servants stood at the door. I smiled at him. Curious as to why he was here.
"Good evening Galion." I greeted happily. He smiled a very tiny smile in return. He bowed his head with a hand over his heart.
"My lady. I am intrusted to give you this. It is from the king, his wish is that you would wear it this evening." He said timidly and his hand reached out to hand me a very small parcel. I was shocked to say the least. I never expected anything from him. I felt a rush of appreciation and excitement. I thanked Galion and he left. I closed the door almost silently. I could feel a presence behind me. I turned quickly. But found nothing.
Moments later Moriel came around the corner. Her smile a little too bright. She must have been having a good day…
"My dear lady, I have lain your dress out." She said happily. I smiled slightly, she was older than me but more vivacious. I thanked her and quickly hurried into my room. She followed suit.
…
Moriel helped tie the lace at the back of my dress. I barely felt her nimble fingers. I looked in the mirror to the side. My dress shown silver blue in the light. The light reflecting softly off my hair. Moriel had finished. My hair was left down in soft waves. I thanked her and she left for a moment. Why I didn't know but my attention was elsewhere.
The little soft velvet bag sat on my nightstand where I had left it, the temptation being too much I opened it. A necklace fell onto the palm of my hand. The metal felt cold. Mithril. A light caught my eye. I carefully untangled it.
A tiny crystal vial a little larger than a teardrop hung off the thin chain of silver. It held the light of a star. Such a gift! I was awestruck, I knew I would have to thank him. Very much.
But Ivoriel missed the murderous envy that flashed in Moriel's eyes as she was mesmerised by her gift. Moriel as an excuse to touch the piece of jewellery fastened it around Ivoriel's neck.
"Ivoriel." Gwaenor called from the door way. He leisurely strolled into the room without invitation.
"Hello Moriel!" Gwaenor greeted ecstatically when he caught sight of her. Hm someone's had a little to drink. Gwaenor dressed in green and had dark boots on. His hair pinned back from his face with a tiny, simple side plaits. Moriel bowed and quickly excused herself, with the promise that she will be there at dinner. Gwaenor raised his eyebrows at me in surprise.
"A new friend?" he asked, smiling mischievously. I giggled.
"No. she is my maid." I said quietly. Gwaenor hummed in amusement but let the subject drop and held his arm out for me to take. Which I took thankfully.
"You look very pretty. Who is the lucky ellon?" He said in my ear as we exited. I blushed a crimson.
"N-no one!" I squeaked. Who was I trying to impress? Only one person crossed my mind but I quickly dismissed it. I poked him in the side.
…
The room boomed with chatter and laughing as food was laid out for the festivities. I looked towards the head of the table once or twice. Catching Thranduil's eye more than once. I felt a little self-conscious at the thought that he had been staring at me.
A bowl of soup was set down in front of me. I talked to an Elleth beside me. The wife of one of the councillors I found out. She supplied most of the conversation, I only had to nod my head every once in a while and reply with short answers before she launched into another story. It was very entertaining. I occasionally looked over at Malenor and Gwaenor. Malenor was such a social butterfly. Chatting everyone up. Aewenel and I always liked to tease him.
Gwaenor was situated next to a few older friends of his, who talked animatedly. They were laughing and smiling at passing maids. Who blushed and giggled. I quickly looked back at Faerveren, who continued talking about the on goings of trade and other elves.
I looked down at my food for the first time. Was I seeing things?
The black shells of beetles were visible. The bugs' shells shone with pretty colours as they floated about in the light. I swallowed nervously and I looked up at Gwaenor. Now that I noticed I could smell the strong odour they gave off.
Gwaenor recognised my hidden stress and mouth's 'are you alright?' I shook my head slightly and looked down at the soup. His eyes moved to the bowl in front of his me. A blaze of anger shone in his eyes. I picked up her spoon and fished one out for further inspection. Faerveren beside me gasped in shock at having noticed the contents in the bowl.
My fingers began to tremble. Faerveren put a hand over mine and asked a servant to replace it. Even now, I had long lost my appetite completely.
But among the chattering guests no one noticed Moriel smile at her unsettling effects.
…
Thranduil noticed that Ivoriel wasn't eating but otherwise resumed talking to Esgaron, an old councillor. He thought nothing of it but it did raise his concern. He would ask about it later.
…
Meanwhile…
Échon and Échanar, the twins lead a small search party through the forest. Though they soon found the elk carcass in a small meadow. Its strong beautiful body had been left to be mauled and fought over by scavengers.
The body smelt terribly. The head the only thing missing, the rest of its body untouched. How someone could kill such a beautiful being was beyond their comprehension. Some members were left to give the body away properly. The rest including the twins left to inform their king of their findings. Whomever it was that committed the crimes were malicious and dangerous.
They pitied Ivoriel. For they knew whoever it was that killed the elk was unforgiving and would stop at nothing until they achieved what they set out for.
There were no clues but the head was cut clean off and there were no blood trails. It was as if they had just disappeared with the head. But they would give a more thorough search. The only clue was a few strands of hair were tangled with the antlers. It wasn't as light as Ivoriel's. But the guards kept an eye on any with similar colours.
A little shorter than the last update but I updated yay! Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! I would very much like to know your thoughts.
Until next time!
PS: I'm sorry for any spelling mistakes