Part 5

Evie walked slowly along the corridor that was mostly deserted - after dinner meant most had retired for the day.

She had received a note while in the kitchens that morning, a summons of sorts - to have that drink with the King.

Butterflies had been present in her stomach ever since. That day she'd bumped into him, literally, had meant she hadn't had time to think about anything, she'd just reacted to the moment.

But today she's had all day to think. About what to say. How to act. What to wear. Gwenth had taken care of the last problem at least, choosing a pretty mint green dress that offset her red hair perfectly. The dress itself was straight cut to the floor with fluttering short sleeves, which flowed over her curves softly, and still allowed plenty of free movement. Her hair was mostly out and billowing over her shoulders and down her back with the front portion braided back off her face.

Not having been in the presence of royalty at all in her life, Evie didn't know what to say to him. What sort of topics would he like to talk about? Music? Riding? Elvishness?

The nervousness that arose made her digit with the skirt of her dress and made her want to delay it a bit.

Maybe if she didnt go, she wouldnt make a fool of herself again? But then he'd probably know how to find her. His palace after all.

Taking a deep breath, the red head turned the last corner and then started down the corridor to the King's private domain. She turned her attention from the floor when she finally came to a stop in front of the large double wooden doors. The warrior posted on the left caught her attention.

"My Lady, the King is waiting in the private garden for you."

That had her a bit stumped. She'd never been there before. The note hadn't specified it either. She was going to look the fool anyway by being late because she was going to get lost. She still hadn't learned all the turns and stairs of the halls yet.

He must have noticed her hesitation and lack of a response because he quietly spoke again, his hand gesturing to keep proceeding down the hall.

"Keep going straight down, past the numerous doors. You'll find a set of stairs at the end that will take you there."

"Thank you. That was very kind."

She smiled at him softly, glad when he smiled in return and then turned her attention back to the way she needed to go. She hadn't had any idea that there was any gardens here, let alone a private one for the King.

Down and down she walked, passing many many doors along the way, wondering what each of them contained. After a time she saw the bottom set of steps come into view, the view above obstructed by the walls as it was half hidden. Her curiosity began to grow and she took that first step up. And then the next and the next and so on until she reached the top. What she emerged into took her breath away.

Blooming flowers everywhere she looked. Roses. Lilies. All different colours and sizes and shapes. All mixed together in a fence of sorts around the grounds. The middle was perfectly kept grass and a large tree in the centre. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the dark at first, for the sun had ling set, but the large torch shaped candles allowed enough light for the beauty to shine through.

So private and so beautiful, she didn't really know where to look first. She took few steps towards the bushes closest to her and breathed in the fragrant smells, closing her eyes and enjoying the moment. It felt good for her to be outside and amongst nature. There was a renewed energy there she couldn't explain, but the feeling was euphoric.

"Beautiful isn't it?"

She turned suddenly, having momentarily forgotten her purpose for being there and faced the most handsome being for a second time that week. He always looked so perfectly put together, his dark blue clothing hugging the warriors body beneath. A soft smile graced his mouth, which she knew he very rarely shared with anyone else. She wondered if many others had been invited to share this private garden with him. The thought that he had shared this just with her made her feel special and the butterflies grew stronger in her stomach.

"Yes, it's incredible."

"You may have noticed that Elves adore beautiful things Evie."

Her breathe caught slightly looking at him when he said this. There was a look about him again, a look she'd seen a few times but never really been able to read. His eyes were just so piercingly blue, like they saw through her whole self and didn't seem to mind what he found. She had to remember how to speak.

"Has it always been here?"

"It was built by my ancestors to give us a reprieve. Come, I'll show you the rest."

She willingly slipped her small feminine hand into his much larger, male hand outstretched for her to take. The sparks that raced up her arm at the contact surprised her, but was not unwelcome. Her green eyes rose to observe him more closely, taken aback to find his own bright blue eyes staring back at her with an another expression she didn't understand. Pushing it aside, she gave him a small smile and then looked forward to the rest of the garden ahead.

Hand in hand they walked along, Thranduil stopping them from time to time to show her a particular flower or explain something special, but never letting go.

When they'd completed a full circle, he let go for a moment.

"Would you like a drink?"

She turned toward him. "Yes please."

Watching him pour some dark wine into two glasses and then pass one to her, she was curious to note that her butterflies had gone and she now felt so utterly comfortable with him, like they'd spent much more time together. Her thoughts allowed her to remember that she'd made a major mistake since arriving.

"What does that look mean?"

She was jogged out of her thoughts by this. And a fair Elven face came back into view.

"I thought you could read my every thought, Your Majesty."

She teased him and also offered a soft curtsey to honour his position, her breath catching when a hand reached out to grasp hers and being her back up to a standing position.

"When it's just us, I'd like you to call me Thranduil."

"Why would you want…"

"Because I can." It was that simple for him. She didn't get it. She was an outsider and rank seemed to mean a lot around here, but apparently not to her?

"Everyone else seems to do what they're told."

"As a King, my wishes are not usually questioned so thoroughly. Is it that unappealing to you?"

Her eyes jumped to his, her brain never going that far at all. He had definitely not offended her.

"Of course not! I was a bit surprised, is all."

"A King can have friends too."

Her heart softened and she couldn't help but smile at him, her hand squeezing his. "I'd be honoured to call you my friend."

She was rewarded with a smile to match hers and a squeeze back. He raised his glass and she clicked his before they both took a sip.

"I was actually going to ask you…"

Her request died on her lips as she heard a throat clearing from the entry to the garden, a tall dark haired elf coming into her line of sight. She thought she detected a element of frustration in the King's voice when he let go of her hand and turned to the newcomer.

"Feren."

"My King, I apologise for the intrusion, but it's the Prince."

"I'll be along in a moment."

With a respectful bow, this Feren was gone, and it was back to the two of them once more. The bubble they had been in seemed to be broken though, the special moments to be remembered.

"I'm sorry to have to cut our time together short. Perhaps we can do it again?"

She thought there might have been some

Hope in his voice, or maybe she'd imagined it?

"I'd like that very much…Thranduil."

"That certainly pleases me, Evie."

She couldn't keep the grin from forming on her face when he took her hand back softly and gently left a kiss on the back of it.

"Will you be ok to find your way back?"

"Yes I remember."

She could see the fair face showing his hesitation and some sort of deliberation going on within, but duty obviously won out because he gave her one last apologetic smile and then he too was gone.

Without his presence in the garden, she could breath again. God, he was like a dream come true. But of course the thoughts going down that path we're dangerous. He was going to live forever, she would not.

Pushing that aside, she took a few deep breaths and then feasted her eyes on the flowers once more. She spent some time soaking it in, feeling incredibly uplifted to be there and then she decided to make her way back to her room. There was smile on her face and a bounce in her step the whole way.

Her thoughts did of course venture to the Prince. She hadn't know there was one. She hadn't seen any trace of a female presence that might be his mother or a queen. Thranduil didn't seem to the type to her to get romantically involved if there was someone else, but she could be wrong, she hadn't been there that long afterall. She decided that she'd ask some questions about it tomorrow, it was important for her to know these things.

…...

Thranduil had felt joy in those moments spent with Evie. It was feeling he'd had before she'd left and now he could envision that maybe it was possible to have that afterall.

Navigating the issue of her post memories would continue to be a challenge, but a life without her wasn't an option.

The development between Evie and Legolas today had been a surprise but a good one nonetheless. She seemed interested in pursuing a relationship with his son which was the best news he could have asked for. He knew Legolas had been pining for it long enough.

He vowed he would do everything in his power to win her back.

…...

She was dreaming again, she was sure. Instead of the beautifully architectured elven halls she had become accustomed to, she was in a barnyard or a farm? There was gravel and fences, lots of grassed land. She walked into a large barn, picked up a brush and started to brush down a magnificent brown horse.

She was interrupted by a extremely fair male child as he came into her peripheral view. He had long platinum hair, striking bright blue eyes and delicately pointed ears. She felt herself smile and say "there you are Legolas!"

Evie woke from her sleep with a gasp and sat up, a bit disoriented, placing her hand on her chest as her heart raced. If she closed her eyes she'd be back in the barn, it felt that real. The name that she said in the dream was ringing in her ears.

Legolas

Legolas

Legolas

The child she'd seen, an elven child, in a completely different place made no sense to her at all. Why would he be at a human farm? Why would she dream about him. She was sure he was the elfling she'd met a few week prior and unfortunately not had a chance to see again. And he was the spitting image of his father. Legolas must be the Prince. God, why did she have to be involved in something so complicated.

She got out of bed and went to the side panel where she knew a glass and jug of water would rest for her to pour herself some. Not often had she woken in the night needing such a thing, but this dream had been so different. Most of the dreams were about the King, but they were all set here and she sort of brushed them off because they were harmless.

Knowing she wouldn't sleep anymore, not with her head full of so much information, she set off out of her room and down the hallway towards a place she knew she'd find peace.

Her read curls had been braided down her back, but many had escaped during the sleep she'd had, framing her face. Her night gown was a mixture of white silk and lace, the length falling to her ankles with a slit up her right leg.

Her feet made barely any sound as she walked, her eyes not really seeing anything as she passed, her mind just so consumed. The guards watched her curiously as she passed them, their orders unchanged to allow her to travel freely.

The halls were pretty silent at this time of night. She came to the base of the stairs, looked up and hesitated. Maybe this had been a bad idea. She'd come all that way though. Taking a deep breath, she placed her hand on the wall and slowly ascended the darkness, taking care with one step at a time.

The entry came into view and her eyes adjusted to the starlight. She was so focused on being in the garden itself, that she didn't notice at first the object of her dreams lying in the grass.

That is until she almost stepped on him, falling down in a heap next to him.

"Oh god, ow" she'd landed rather heavily on her left ankle and she felt sure she'd twisted it, the pain was so bad. She placed a hand on it to see if she could feel anything broken.

"Are you alright?" She looked up from her ankle, remembering she'd fallen over someone and was shocked for a moment to see him in person. He was even more beautiful than her dreams made him to be. There were a faint glow that all the elves seemed to have, a way of showing how different they were, but he was just the fairest elfling she'd ever seen. Concern was written all over his face.

"I'm not sure, I think I may have injured my ankle."

"I'm sorry for being in your way."

She laughed. "I think I have to apologise to you, I was intruding I think. My eyesight isn't as good as you Elves either."

"I think you can be forgiven this time. I'm sure you had a reason to be here too."

She couldn't believe how mature he was. So kind.

"You couldn't sleep either?"

"Something like that."

"What has you troubled?"

His face held an element of pain and sadness in it that made her feel like wanting to fix it.

"I just miss someone."

"They were special to you."

"Yes."

She reached over to place her hand on his arm, causing him to look at her once more. "Can I do anything to help?"

She didn't know what that made him laugh, "thank you, but I don't think so."

"I'm sorry then."

"Me too."

A moment of silence passed between them, one that wasn't uncomfortable, but strange somehow.

"You're Legolas, aren't you?" She had to confirm it.

"Yes." She saw his eyes light up a moment with something she didn't quite catch, but it was nice to see nonetheless.

"I know I can't help, but I'd be happy to spend more time with you."

"I'd like that Evie" they both smiled at each other, both happy despite their own circumstances.

Their time was interrupted by a new presence. His tone showing his displeasure.

"Legolas! I told you to stay…Lady Evie" his tone of surprise changed his whole demeanor when he noticed her presence next to his offspring.

"I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have intruded…Your Majesty."

"It's quite alright, it's just rather late. Is everything ok?"

"She's hurt her ankle Adar! You need to help!"

One minute he was at the entryway and then next he was kneeling beside her, his hands outstretched as if to touch.

"May I?"

She couldn't quite manage words as she breathed in his pine scent, so she nodded her ascent. She almost held her breath while his large hands ghosted over her injured leg and ankle. They were warm and featherlite against her skin. A few moments passed before he spoke again.

"I don't think it's broken, just sprained perhaps. Can you put any weight on it?"

His blue eyes captured her green ones and she just couldn't think. The pull towards him was so strong.

"Evie?"

"Hmmm?"

"Can you put any weight on your foot?"

She shook her head no, "it's too sore."

"What would you have done if you were on your own?" The smile in his voice made her feel a bit silly.

"Sat here until someone found me? I'm not sure." She laughed then because it was rather silly.

"Would you like me to take you to the healing halls?" His offer was sincere and she adored that. She'd noticed that his hand hadn't been removed from her leg and she wondered if the pull for him was as strong as it was for her?

"That is kind, but no, I think if I rest enough, it should be ok."

"Well we can't leave you here, can we Legolas?"

"Of course not Adar! You must carry her!"

"Carry me? I'm not sure…..oh"

Before she could blink, she'd been picked up off the ground and held bridal style against a hard male chest with strong arms supporting her. The smell of him was stronger now being so close and it had her heart racing. Her protests when on deaf ears as they walked. Her mortification was at an all time high and she wanted nothing more than to be left.

"I really don't think this is necessary."

"Oh really? Please enlighten us as to you plan?" The amusement in his voice really got to her, she had this sense of independence and having a man carry her was not the plan.

"I think you can put me down, I'll just find my way."

"To hobble or be a heap in my halls? I think not."

"Ummm, yeah look I'll be fine. Promise?"

The end of that sentence had a bit of hope that it would make this end and he would put her down. But no such luck. On they went.

"What kind of Elf would I be to leave you unaided?"

She didn't have a chance to answer that, for the King turned to look at his young son.

"Back off to bed with you Legolas, I'll take good care of your damsel."

"Yes Adar! Goodnight Lady Evie"

"Goodnight Legolas"

Once the door closed with a soft click, the King focused his attention back at her. "You have a choice Evie…"

"Excellent, I have a choice this time!"

She could see her intended mark didn't hit, he seemed more and more amused with her and that riled her up in return.

"Would you like me to return you to your suite or would you like a drink with me?"

She hadn't really expected him to say that so it caught her off guard.

"I….um."

"You were in the garden I presume because you couldn't sleep, I doubt going back to bed will alleviate the situation."

She had to admit he was right about that. The ordeal had certainly done a fantastic job of making her forget why she'd been there in the first place.

"So which is it going to be?"

"A drink please. A strong one."

She was pleased her comment surprised him, based on the slightly raised eyebrows, but he didn't comment, just carried on to a large set of doors she had seen, but never ventured.

The guards stationed outside opened the doors and they passed through into a dining room with an enormous wooden table. How many people fit around it she wasn't sure, but she'd never seen one so large. They kept moving though past the table and through another entryway to a sitting room, one that was actually quite homely, if a palace could be called such. There was a large velvet couch and matching armchairs spaced around with side tables and candles.

She felt him start to lower her down onto the couch, almost missing him when he stepped away with a smug smile on his handsome face. As much as she hated it, the look suited him.

Her eyes had been feasting on the details of the room when he bent down to hand her a glass of amber coloured liquid, before going to sit in one of the armchairs opposite.

"What's on your mind Evie?"

She should have been more used his direct nature by now, but there it was still startling her that someone could be so observant. Maybe that was the elven way. She took a large sip of the glass, noting the burn as the liquid passed down her throat.

"Dinner must be a large affair for you."

"I'm sorry?" That must have baffled him.

She waved back at the other room. "The table is enormous, do you have so many guests every night?"

"Only you would ask me something like that…"

"What does that mean?"

"…and no, it's generally me and Legolas unless I host a dinner"

"It'd be a bloody amazing dinner if it's Amos that prepares it."

"Precisely why he does, my dear."

They lapsed into a comfortable silence for a moment as they both sipped their drinks.

"You didn't really answer my question."

"You didn't answer mine."

His facial expression seemed to show that he was accepting of this challenge.

"Alright, you Evie are different…

"Because I'm human."

"No, you have spirit about you that's uniquely you. It has nothing to do with your origin. None can compare." He took another sip of the glass. Even felt entirely speechless by that. By god he had a way with words. Quite charming. And he wasn't married, so what was wrong with him?

"Your turn."

She looked at him and pondered what she should tell him. He'd been very kind to her, kinder than his reputation made out, but she still didn't really know him. Friends she'd said only the day before, but close enough to share personal things?

"I have dreams."

He just waited for her to elaborate further. "This one was particularly startling."

She took another drink from her glass, not sure how much to say.

"Are they nightmares?" She noted the slight hesitation as he asked her this, like it was a delicate issue.

"No, all very pleasant enough."

"That's it?"

"That's as specific as I'd like to be."

His deep chuckle was a pleasant sound, but a reaction she wasn't expecting from him. He always was so serious.

"I'll respect your privacy, but it must've been some dream to wake you up."

"Don't you have dreams like that?"

"Elves don't sleep like you do Evie, so our dreams are occasional."

"You don't sleep?"

"Not in the way you think, we take rest. A deep sleep is required when we get injured mostly."

"Have you been that injured?"

"Yes." She watched him take a sip of the drink.

She raked her eyes over his form, wondering exactly how he'd sustained such injuries and where they were. His form was absolutely elite with no signs of any problems.

"Is that all I get?"

"It's as specific as I'd like to be."

She couldn't help but laugh at that, his own laughter joining in. This what she liked about him. He was easy to converse with and he made her laugh. He never pushed her and she felt safe.

"I guess I deserve that."

They talked and drank and talked more. Eventually Evie had relaxed enough that her eyes grew heavy and closed, her breathing becoming more even and deep. A King sat there in the silence watching over his beloved as she slept soundly, a blanket having been placed over her long ago. After a time he decided to carry her to her own bed, a place he was sure she'd be more comfortable. Gently he tucked her in and pulling the covers up and leaving a tender kiss on her forehead. He took a piece of parchment and wrote a note, placing it on the spare pillow for her to find in the morning. With one last look, he left her in peace, his own heart full.

...

So, thoughts?