Part 3
Evie had spent the night mostly alone. The female Elf that had been so kind to her, Gwenth, had popped in now and then, but thankfully no one else.
She had rested most of the time, thanks to a herbal tea provided by the healers. She'd woken to eat a small meal and then gone back to sleep. She had been exhausted by the altercation with the small elf child.
The pain in her temples had been the worst she'd ever experienced and the emotion had been overwhelming.
This morning she awoken feeling better, but not really refreshed. So many questions had been swirling around in her head now that she was clear enough to think. What was she doing here? What was her purpose? That child seemed to know something, but she was reluctant to search him out in case the pain came back.
She was startled out of her thoughts while she sat in the edge of the bed by a soft tap tap on the door.
"Come in"
The door opened to reveal the said dark haired female Elf, her hair braided back and wearing a kind smile.
"Good Morning My Lady, how do you fare?"
"Better today. Thank you."
"Wonderful. Would you like to bathe and dress for the day?"
A bath sounded excellent to Evie. "Yes please."
She got up and followed the elf into the adjacent bathing room, which featured a natural hot spring in the ground. The water looked so inviting with the steam coming from the top that Evie didn't hesitate to strip and use the steps to submerge herself, sighing in pleasure from the warmth surrounding her. The mineral smells were not unpleasant either - very natural and calming somehow.
She dipped her head back to wet her hair, slightly shocked when she brought it back up and felt hands start to massage it gently - she turned to find Gwenth with soaped up hands stretched out.
"Is everything ok My Lady?"
Truth was that Evie had almost forgotten she was there in the bliss of the bathing pool.
"What are you doing?"
"Washing your hair My Lady? Would you prefer I didn't?"
Evie couldn't remember ever having her hair washed before. It hadn't felt awful so Evie decided to trust her. "No, it's ok." She turned back and let the female resume. Even closed her eyes and let the experienced hands relax her.
"My Lady?"
Evie blinked through the haze, not sure on what was being asked of her. She must have dozed off!
"I'm sorry, what was that?"
"Lower you head to rinse it off?"
She did just that, dunking her whole self under the water for a minute or two. When she came back up she could see Gwenth waiting with a towel for her, so she reluctantly got out of the pool and tied the towel around herself. She was drying off when the elf came back with a beautiful dress - a mint green silk with silver little leaf print all over it. It had long sleeves that were open and draped down, while the neckline had a v shape and the skirt was light and flowy.
"I can't wear that Gwenth."
"Picked it for you. Please let me help."
There was no room for argument for the female elf had already started to help her dress. When she was all ready, Gwenth steered her back into the bedroom and to sit in front of the vanity, so she could proceed to comb and style her red curls.
"Gwenth?"
"Yes My Lady?"
"Can I leave this room?"
"Yes of course you can. Did you think you were a prisoner here?!"
"No I just, I think I need to get out for a bit."
"I understand. How about that tour k promised you?"
"Sure."
"Almost done, just let me put this pin and we can go."
Even watched her secure the pin that held her wood hair back for her face, while letting the rest of it hang down her back neatly.
"Done! Let's go!"
Evie stood up and followed her to the door, her excitement to explore a bit peeking through.
Gwenth led Evie down the corridors, turning this way and that way, stopping to show her the various parts. They didn't do the entire realm because that was way too big, but they kept to place less populated than some - Gwenth had seen that Evie had felt a bit uncomfortable when some of the Elves they passed stared at her strangely. She didn't know it was because they knew her from before. She thought maybe just because she wasn't an Elf.
They passed the library, the gardens and then they went on to the kitchen. On the way there though, they passed a section that Evie felt curious by, having a feeling that she'd been there before.
"Gwenth?"
"Yes My Lady?" The Elf had to come back a few steps to meet Evie who had stopped in the middle of the hall to gaze at something to the right.
"What's down there?"
"It leads to the private study of the King and then on to the Palace quarters My Lady."
"There's a King that lives here?"
"Yes."
"What's he like?"
"Handsome, clever, skilled and grumpy."
Evie let out a little giggle. "Grumpy?"
Gwenth smiled back her. "Yes grumpy! He's known for getting into bad moods."
"Did someone bring him the wrong drink or something?" Evie thought the idea was funny, but her mirth faded a bit when she saw Gwenth's face drop.
"No, something happened recently that he's not happy about. Anyway, come, plenty more to see and I want you to meet my friend Amos…"
Evie gave the corridor they'd been looking at one last look and then let the Elf tug her along by the hand, going down several flights of stairs and emerging in a large warm room with an array of activity going on - a male Elf was issuing orders to others around him at a frantic pace, seemingly a bit frazzled and unaware of their arrival. Evie took the moment to enjoy the goings on and actually felt more comfortable in here than anywhere else, she don't really know why. Maybe she'd been a baker?
…...
When eventually Evie returned to her room later that day, she felt more alive than she had. Seeing some of the wonderful things on offer here was truly amazing.
She knew it take some more time for her to really feel comfortable, and the endless corridors would confuse her, but maybe she could be happy and make a life here. Maybe.
She'd met Gwenth's friend Amos, who ran the royal kitchen. He was friendly and engaging. Funny too. He said he was stressed out a bit and needed some help, so Evie had rolled up her sleeves and helped make some of the sweet treats, kneading pastry dough and making cookies.
She'd found a happy place inside herself as she'd worked away. All her problems had melted away temporarily. She'd had a good time and at the end of it, she'd eaten with the elves in the kitchen and then Amos had sent her off with her own packaging of goodies, making her promise to come back and keep him company again. She'd heartily agreed and almost been sad to leave.
The soft light in the room reflected on an item on the floor and Evie bent down to pick up the object. Holding it up, she admired the way it sparkled in the light. She remembered the pretty necklace from the day before and was gentle when she put it down on the vanity - seeing it niggled at her but she wasn't sure why.
Kicking off her shoes, she started to undress and made her way into the bathing room, humming under her breath.
…...
A few days passed and Evie explored a bit more of the King's halls each day with Gwenth as her guide.
Each day resulted in a trip to the kitchen also, which delighted Amos and Evie both.
Today the red head was wandering alone - her friend - dare she call her that? - yes her friend had been summoned off to a meeting with the King. An elusive male Evie felt, she hadn't yet even caught a glimpse of him. She wondered if he minded that she lived within his realm. Perhaps not, if she hadn't heard from him, she thought.
She was dressed in a soft pink dress that made Evie feel pretty. The style was a bit more relaxed and less fitted, but comfortable and glided along with her as she walked. Her curls had been braided back off her face, with a few tendrils hanging free.
She came to a point along the deserted hallway where she had to choose a path - left or right and she hesitated. She couldn't remember which way to go.
Deciding to take a risk, Evie turned right, admiring the incredible architecture. So engrossed, she had a fright when she heard a door further down slam. Unsure of what to do, she saw the nearest large pot plant and ducked behind it. She wasn't really sure about seeing other elves on her own yet. They looked at her weird still, like they knew something. She held her breath hoping whoever it was wouldn't notice her.
Two figures emerging in her line of sight from her hiding spot, both looking very agitated and arguing over something. Both were males, one rather tall and dressed all in grey - even the large pointed hat. He had a long staff and grey beard. Clearly not an Elf, but not exactly just a man either. The other figure would have taken Evie's breath away he was that strikingly handsome. Tall, much taller than the other male, long platinum hair that hung dead straight without a hair out of place. Two pointed ears marked him to be an Elf. From the look of his fine clothes, Evie thought perhaps someone quite important.
As they got closer, the voices became louder.
"Stop Thranduil! Listen to me."
"Go home Mithrandir."
"I know you're in love with her."
The two stopped not far from Evie when the Elf turned around to glare at the other male. Even knew this was a private conversation, but if she left now they'd discover her.
"What exactly are you trying to achieve Wizard? You have nothing constructive to share with me so you're presence is no longer necessary."
"You asked me here, remember?"
"A mistake to be rectified in future."
"You may be a King Thranduil, but you don't know everything, this course of action is a mistake."
"And what would you know about it?"
"I've seen enough. You wouldn't have asked me here otherwise."
"I asked you here to find a cure for it. Instead what do you give me - advice! I don't need your advice."
"You clearly do if you're avoiding her. I've told you that there is not hard and fast cure for it. But you can help her. Don't scoff at me, you can!"
"Seeing her is just going cause pain and torment for both of us, so why subject ourselves to it."
"That anguish you feel is exactly why you should. I saw the connection between the two of you last time I was here. It's grown every day since hasn't it? Your fae recognizes her as your soul bond. That is how you fix it. You have to spend time with her, draw the memories out gradually. Now it's not based off much research, but…"
"So nothing concrete to back your theory then. Worthless."
"No, there just isn't many cases like yours."
"You're welcome to stay for refreshment before you continue on your journey Mithrandir. Good day to you."
With that the Elf strode away with purpose and did not look back. The wizards stood there for a few moments coming to terms with the poor reception to his plan.
Evie stared after the Elf that was clearly the King. How could he be so blatantly rude?!
She heard the wizard muttering to himself "fool of an elf!"
One of the books he was carrying under his left arm fell to the floor and Evie reacted on kind instinct to rush forward and pick it up for him.
"Here you go" she said with a soft smile holding out the book.
"Oh hello, where have you been hiding?" She took the teasing from the old man when she noticed that his eyes twinkled a bit in mirth when he overcame his initially surprise at finding her there.
She held out her hand "I'm Evie."
He took her hand in his gently, seemingly examining it for something for a moment and then said "it's nice to meet you Lady Evie, I'm Mithrandir as the Elves call me, or Gandalf if you prefer."
Evie felt an urge to spend more time with this Mithrandir and didn't really want him to leave.
"Do you have to go? It sounds like you've only just arrived?"
"I think i could tarry here a while longer, I've got some unfinished business you see. Care to walk with me My Lady?"
"Shall we go and find some tea?"
"That would be lovely. You can tell me how you came to be here."
Together they wandered back down the corridor with Mithrandir successfully leading them to the kitchens, where Amos was only too happy to make them some tea and biscuits. They sat in a private alcove a bit sheltered from the rest of the comings and going's of the kitchen and chatted for hours.
Evie had lots and lots of questions for the Wizard that appeared to be very well travelled, having seen far and wide of middle earth - he encouraged her to go to the library and find a map so she could see where she was.
He asked a lot of questions in return, mostly about herself. So many she had no idea how to answer, she told him she had no memory of past life. But she did disclose that there were feelings she had she didn't understand, seeing things that she felt she should know about, things being familiar but not. He had been sympathetic and told her not to shut herself away from others. Seek them out and have courage to find the answers she was looking for.
They did eventually touch on the subject of the angry King Evie had never officially met.
"I've seen him once before Mithrandir."
"You have?"
"The day I woke up in the healing halls, he was there. But he didn't stay, he just left without any explanation. I didn't know he was the King at the time, I didn't know what until today."
"How very curious."
"Why was he so angry? Gwenth said he has a reputation for being grumpy? Why would they want a King who treats others so horribly?"
He laid a hand on Evie's arm in reassurance. "King Thranduil is not a bad Elf, he's very protective of things he loves and doesn't control his temper very well when things don't go his way. The Elves adore him because he has looked after them for a very long time, but he has been through many hardships - including the loss of the Queen."
"She passed away?"
"Not in the human sense you think of. Elves have a unique Fae that means when they 'die' they go to the Halls of Mandos until it's time for them to live again."
"Like reincarnation?"
"Yes a bit. That's how they are basically immortal."
"Like live forever?"
"Yes, Elves can live forever if not mortally harmed. They do not contract disease like fevers etc."
"That's intense. How is that going to work if I die here in like 60 years? It'll be like I never lived."
"I don't think you need to worry about that for a long while yet Evie. Things will work out as they should. Right now obviously you're meant to be here. We've been side tracked, you asked about the King. Don't let what you witnessed today colour your judgement. He's hurting and possibly a bit sad, don't let him know I said that to you, and might do with some cheering up. No one else ever seems to go near him except Captain Feren…"
On and on he went on talking until they were interrupted by Gwenth to say it was time for dinner. How the day had flown was beyond Evie, but she had had a lovely time with the Wizard. They promised to speak again on the morrow and parted ways - he would not leave without saying goodbye.
Evie tucked some red curls behind her ear as she walked back towards her room lost in thought. It was sad to her to think of a king being a bit lonely. Cheering up certainly seemed to be something he needed. Just maybe she could do that. She don't really understand why, but she felt curious about the tall elf. He was mystery Evie decided she wanted to find out more about. A plan formed in her head as she reached her room and got ready for bed.
When her head hit the pillow she was out like a light almost instantly and that night she dreamed again.
…...
Evie was in the vast library, which was mostly empty except for an ancient elf sorting though various volumes down the other end of the space.
The light was quite poor, but it was clean and free of dust and smelt like old paper. All the books had been arranged in some sort of order, which made it hard for her to find what she was looking for.
She chose a random row and began to look through the titles facing out, her hand lightly skimming each one as she slowly passed.
The biggest problem she realized, was that she couldn't really read any of them. They were all mixed up in various elven languages. Legolas had taught her to speak Sindarin mostly phonetically - the sticky notes were the name of things but the construction of a written sentence hadn't really been explored.
She kept wandering, looking over the covers, her frustration grew. She had no idea if she was even in the right section.
After the third huff in annoyance, Evie had the fright of her life when someone spoke and she let out a little squeal, glaring at the individual.
"Need some help?"
The smug looking on his fair face was enough to make her want to whack him, but she restrained herself. "Oh My God, Thranduil! Don't sneak up on me like that!"
"It's not my fault you can't hear me."
"You and your stupid Elf ears!"
"You wound me Evie! Surely it wasn't that bad?!"
He stood there tall and proud, his presence making the small row feel so much smaller. The ease with which they conversed now in comparison to when she arrived was an incredible transformation - not many other had leave to be so informal with the King - not that he would act this way if anyone else was around. She'd be lying if he didn't affect her. Every time the butterflies would return anew - the red head knew by now that she was in love with him. Somehow. It didn't make sense. There had never been a star struck moment, but gradually over time her fondness had grown.
She hadn't said anything of course. He'd been flirty and affectionate with her, but nothing further, so they did this little dance every time they saw each other - neither quite having the courage to take it further, but neither always wanting their moments to end. The pull and desire was growing within her the longer she resisted. She wondered what it would take for things to change.
Seeing him here in the library wasn't really a surprise, he'd seemed to be able to source her out wherever she was. Mixed with her butterfly nerves was the embarrassment that she couldn't read much of the elvish script - god he'd think her an idiot!
"I guess I'll survive it this time."She teased him. "Can I help you with something?"
She turned her attention back the books in front of her but listened for his response nonetheless.
"I was going to ask about something, but I rather suspect that maybe I help you? Have you found what you're looking for?"
She wanted to say "Yes, you." But she didn't.
Instead she mumbled "I can handle it." And then moved so she could turn down the next row in order to avoid dealing with this.
She only took a step or two before her left hand was pulled back quite firmly, the momentum swinging her whole body back around almost hitting the male body in front of her. Two large warm hands grasped her shoulders to steady her with one letting go to lift her chin up so that ice blue met bright green.
"What's going on Evie? Talk to me."
She sighed and closed her eyes, a tear leaking from her left eye and trailing down her cheek.
The gently caress of a finger wiping it away made her open her eyes again as she said, "I….god this is embarrassing…I can't read them."
There she'd said it. Now to see the shame and disappointment. But when she looked at him, there was none. Just a gentle reassuring smile. "Is that what you were worried about? Evie, no one could be expected to learn it in the time you've been here. Don't be so hard on yourself. Here, let me help you. What's the title you're looking for?"
"En coe - A gobennas"
He just took her hand in his and led her down a few rows and then stopped in front of a shelf, pulling down a title from the top - a place she would never have reached without him - and then offered it to her. It was large and dark blue in colour with gold titling and swirls across the front and spine. She let go of his hand, lamenting the loss for a second, and then took it from him and was surprised at the weight of it.
"Thank you" she whispered to him
"I'm always here if you need me Evie." His smile was the most beautiful thing in the world to her and she couldn't believe this elf was so kind and yet also could be the cold hearted King. "There's a holder over here if you wanted to flip through it."
She followed him back down the end of the aisle and placed the book on the holder, reaching out to flip it open.
"Are you going to keep me in suspense or are you going to tell me what's of interest in it?"
"Legolas told me this book had the best map of middle earth in it. He said it would be good for me to know where we live."
She turned her attention from the distracting male back to the book and kept flicking until she came to a double page in the middle with a very detailed map.
The only problem being she couldn't read it still. It was almost like he read her mind or something because the next minute she felt his large body step up behind her, his arms on either side and his head only an inch or so from the right side of her head. The woodsy pine scent of him that was so intoxicating to her was made worse when he rested his larger hand over the top of hers and moved them to point to the different landmarks on the map and said the name - his breath on her ear making her shiver. The electricity between them was so charged, she felt all of him behind her - it was a comfort and a torture.
She was so distracted she didn't notice that he'd stopped speaking until he cleared his throat.
"Evie?"
"I'm sorry what was that?" He'd stepped away from her and she turned around to look at him - all the time wondering if this connection affected him just as much as it did her.
"I asked if you'd like to learn to read Elvish?"
"Yes I think so. Should I ask Sven?"
"No I don't had another teacher in mind."
"Oh, is it someone nice?"
His teasing grin was back. "Yes."
She regarded him wearily. "Who is it?"
"What would you say if it were me?"
"You!? You haven't got time for that with all your King duties."
"I think that's for me to determine. So what do you say?"
"To what?"
"To learning to read with me?"
She hesitated. It wasn't a bad idea, but she didn't know if she would learn anything being so distracted by him. He sensed her hesitation and wanted to put her at ease," I promise to be nice."
She laughed at that softly. "Alright, who could argue with that."
"No indeed. I find most people don't argue with a King."
"Maybe they should." She loved teasing him back.
She could see he was going to say something else, but Captain Feren had found them and bowed to the King.
"My King, Lady Evangeline. I apologise for the distribution."
"What it is Feren?" The king tone was back and the softer side of the elf Evie was becoming more familiar with was gone.
The two started to talk about various training squads and progress reports which Evie didn't really care for. The platinum haired elf eventually turned back to face her with regret in his eyes. He took her hand and brought it up to his lips to leave a soft lingering kiss. "Shall we begin those lesson after dinner Lady Evie?"
"I'd like that, thank you Majesty." She curtseyed prettily, and held his gaze for moment before he let go. She smiled at the Captain and then they left Evie to herself.
…...
Evie didn't recall much of the dream when she woke, not really knowing that it wasn't a dream, but a memory. She did have lingering thoughts about the Elvenking, which she put down to because of the discussion with Mithrandir. The red headed woman readied herself and focused on her day ahead.
…...
Days and nights passed in much the same holding pattern for the occupants of the Greenwood. Evie had not sighted the handsome King again in her travels around. She spent most of her day in the kitchen baking with Amos for company and then having tea with Mithrandir in the afternoon.
She found the time spent quite enjoyable, but couldn't help the feeling that there was something more.
Thranduil had spent the same time in a foul mood. His cold nature had come back full force - it seemed the red head's kindness had started to run off on him. Their lack of time spent together had made a real impact.
He was currently in his study - a place he'd locked himself up for most of the week - giving his full attention to Gwenth:
"How is she faring?"
"Much improved My King from the first few days. She seems to have found tasks that fulfill the day. The routine appears to be that she prepares for the day and the goes off to the Kitchen to bake. After lunch she's been having tea with Mithrandir and then…"
"What?! Tea with the Wizard?"
"Yes, My King. Is there something wrong?"
"How did they even cross paths? How long has this been going on?"
"Ahhh I think it was the day he arrived, so about 2 weeks? I'm not entirely sure the circumstances, but they meet in the garden for tea."
For once the King was actually speechless. The meddlesome fool was conversing with her! He had thought the Wizard would have left only a day or so after they spoke, but obviously he had an agenda. This is the result of him taking his attention off for a time - utterly stupid. Something he decided was going to be rectified at once.
Abruptly standing, he was so focused on his task that he forgot about the female elf standing in his private study with her eyes wide in surprise and just left.
Walking with purpose, he flew down the corridors until he came to door of the library - when interesting cases of females with memory loss weren't around the Wizard was often found in the library - a fact that was proven right when the Elvenking straightened himself to his full height and let his displeasure show on his face when he found the individual in question hunched over an old tomb.
"Are you out of your mind Mithrandir?!"
The wizard was shocked out of his state of focus by the booming voice of the King, but did not get riled up having expected this confrontation at some stage.
"Nice to see you King Thranduil. You fare well today I presume?"
"Don't try to put me off. What are you still doing here?"
"I found I had some unfinished business."
"Unfinished meddling you mean."
"Now see here, I did not seek her out, coincidence meant she found me. Now if that isn't the work of Valar, then what is?"
"It isn't your place to meddle. Anything you say could trigger something. Go home."
"I will not. She needs company."
"That is not your concern."
"No, but it should be yours. Go and see her."
"I'm not answerable to you, but I've given my answer before and that hasn't changed. I won't ask you again. Go home or I'll have my warriors escort you."
Thranduil thought he'd had the last word with that and turned away to leave, but he stopped dead when he heard the wizard speak again softly.
"She dreams about you."
That softened a part of him - the part that was madly in love with her and currently hurting because she didn't remember him. He didn't turn, but he didn't make a move to leave either.
"Or she thinks they're dreams. I think they're memories. She doesn't know why. Even now with her memory in tatters she still feels a pull towards you. Don't shut her out Thranduil, go and see her."
The tall proud platinum haired King didn't know how to process this information. He yearned for her to remember, but he was loathe to risk it. The internal struggle continued. He did not answer the grey Wizard, he just left not wanting to hear anymore.
...
En coe - A gobennas - Middle Earth - A History
What do you think? R&R xx