Chapter 5
Narinya could not truly complain about her new partner. He was not demanding and he was not unkind, despite not wanting this marriage any more than she had. She was truly confounded when she learned of this, as she assumed that as the prince, he could simply refuse to be married to her. But, she remembered, he had a duty to his father just as she had, and his father's word was law.
That night, Legolas escorted her back to their chambers after the evening meal. Narinya changed out of her formal dress and into a shorter and lighter nightdress, and she now stood in the bathing chamber with the door ajar, releasing her hair from its braids. Legolas sat on the edge of the bed, watching as she used her fingers to comb through the strands. His eyes wandered down her form before returning to meet her gaze in the mirror when she started to speak.
"My lord - I mean - Legolas, as we're married, we may as well learn about one another," she said. He seemed to have resigned himself to the marriage just as she had, so her suggestion felt practical.
Legolas was surprised at her new interest, "Of course." He waited expectantly for her to continue.
Her hair fell freely over her shoulders as she removed the last braid and turned to face him. She considered what she might share and realized it ought to be something meaningful to her.
"Well, I suppose I can tell you a bit about myself. I have lived with just my father and my sister for my entire life, on the shoreline in Lake-town. My mother was lost whilst giving birth to me."
Legolas felt remiss for not having known this. He was supposed to be her partner, and he knew almost nothing about her. He thought again of the weeks after Narinya first arrived, when he was avoiding her rather than getting to know her. While he knew he was good at many things, perhaps being a husband was not one of them.
"I'm sorry to hear this, Narinya. That is truly a great loss. My mother passed when I was still an elfling, but I still have memories of her."
Narinya was quiet, not sure of what was appropriate to say. It was a rare thing for two elves to have in common. She had known that the Queen of Greenwood had passed, but she knew few details of the matter. She had never been able to meet her own mother and yet felt a great deal of pain at not having her in her life. It must have been harder to have had a mother and lost her.
Legolas continued on as Narinya took a seat near him on the edge of the bed. "My father and I – things have been a bit strained since then. He can be kind, but he has had a certain sharpness to him for many years."
Narinya nodded, considering the interactions she had witnessed between Thranduil and Legolas. "I thought perhaps that was just because of your opposition to this marriage."
"Nay, not just that." He replied, and then waited for her to share more.
"I do not know who my father was before the loss of my mother, but, I sense that it had a profound impact on him, too."
Comfortable silence fell between them then.
Legolas waited a few moments before asking a lighter question. "What was it like growing up on Long Lake? What kind of things did you like to do there?" He was genuinely interested in her answer, as he had visited Lake-town before, but only on official business of the realm. He had known some elves resided there, but it always seemed odd to him to choose to live by the lake amongst so many men, instead of in the forest among kin.
She felt a twinge of homesickness at remembering the body of water after which her home was named. "My father took our family there after my mother's death, as a fresh start of sorts. It was a simple home, but we had all we needed. As an elfling, I used to love jumping off the docks, sailing, and fishing. I could be out on the lake for hours." She neglected to mention her childhood best friend who was often accompanying her on those adventures.
Legolas noticed her wistful expression, fleeting as it was, "Are you at all happy here?"
Narinya did not know what to say. She certainly could not complain about her new residence. "Your home – our home – is very nice."
"But are you happy?"
"I am trying to be." She looked away, wishing she had not let so much of her emotion come through in her words. She had a lot on her mind and being happy was not her chief concern.
"I hope that will change." He took one of her hands in his, "I hope it will change for both of us."
Narinya was eager to redirect the conversation and remembered something she had been meaning to ask him.
"I noticed the collection of books you keep. It used to be difficult getting access to many titles in Lake-town. I know I have much to learn and read already, but, would you mind if I were to borrow one or two, on occasion?" She thought about the quiet evenings she usually spent alone in their chambers.
"Of course, Narinya, please do. These chambers are yours now, too. I understand it might not feel that way yet."
They went to sleep that night easily, the gap between their bodies still wide, but their hearts just a little closer.
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Narinya was growing more comfortable around her husband now. Although their conversations were not necessarily numerous, they were at least far more relaxed than before. That afternoon he had taken her for a horseback ride, eager to familiarize her with the forest paths and better acquaint her with her new home. Their two horses walked side by side as Legolas and Narinya conversed.
"Legolas, you asked me the other night what I liked to do in Lake-town, and yet I do not think I ever returned the question."
He glanced over at her, "I'm often out here, amongst the trees, when I am free of official responsibilities. I sometimes end up at the archery range."
Narinya had heard much of his skill with a bow and she remembered well the day she had come upon the archery range while exploring some of the nearer paths of the forest, "I have seen you there practicing."
She recalled the way he had drawn back the bowstring with ease, the sleeve of his tunic stretched taut over his flexed muscle being the only sign that it required any effort at all. He held the arrow next to his face for half a moment before setting it loose. It flew across the open field, piercing the dead center of the makeshift target, splitting the one that landed in the same spot just before. She had lingered there, watching him set loose several more arrows, but moving on before he would take notice of her.
"I know," he said with a smile, correcting her assumption that he had been unaware of her watching him. "I keep those skills quite sharp for the forest guard, and for the spiders, of course... If you were wondering where I was off to so often in the weeks before our wedding, I was keeping my mind off of things by hunting them in the more remote parts of the forest."
"I have heard it is dangerous to wander here after dusk." She looked into the dark woods with both interest and trepidation, now more keenly aware of the spiders than she had been before.
"It can be. But, after dark, my father's halls are secure, and the guard keeps the surrounding dwellings safe."
"Do you ever serve on the guard anymore?" She was eager to think of things other than the foul creatures lurking deep in the woods.
"Until recently. I do enjoy the evening patrols, particularly the longer rotations, out in the far reaches of the forest under star and moonlight. My father thought it was important for me to be at home for some time, so that we might get to know one another." He cleared his throat. "But, the forest is in good hands."
"I hope you are able to get back to those soon, if it pleases you. I would not want you to stop on my account."
Legolas said nothing, uncertain if her hope was genuinely on his behalf, or if some of her interest was in having him gone several nights in a row.
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That evening, after dinner, Lindethiel and Legolas walked out to the queen's gardens, which were bathed in the light of the moon.
"Legolas, I am proud of you. Despite the way things began, I think you have proven yourself to Narinya. You two seem to be much more at ease with one another."
He nodded, "I do hope so. I think she is getting more comfortable here. I imagine it is a difficult transition for anyone." He normally confided more fully in his sister, but for some reason he and Narinya's shared aversion to the marriage felt like something private between them and so he did not mention it.
The siblings continued walking in amicable silence, until Lindethiel stopped by one of her favorite flower beds and turned to face her brother. "Legolas, Feredir wishes to marry me."
The prince had been expecting this news, "That is what you truly want?"
"Yes, it is. It has been for some time."
Legolas nodded, "My heart is glad for you and for him." He would certainly not discourage her from marrying the one that she loved. At least one of the siblings should have that opportunity.
"Thank you, Legolas!" She gave him a warm embrace, not surprised but still glad for his approval.
"I wish to travel to Lórien to visit Haleth, to share the news in person and invite her here for the wedding."
Legolas nodded, thoughtful for a moment, "I was requested by the Golden Wood for an upcoming council there. If you would like, you can go in my stead and meet with your friend, so long as you do not mind representing the realm."
She smiled, "Of course not, I'd be happy to relieve you of that duty for once. When does the company leave?"
"They depart in a fortnight."
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That evening, Narinya was reading a book on the history of the race of men. Despite Calanon only being half human, the text reminded her of him, and of the being growing inside of her. She hadn't given her situation much thought of late, but she realized she would soon have to.
She could tell that Melda had been suspicious ever since her first bout with morning sickness and she knew that in a few more months she would start to show.
She considered her options, but found no good solution to her problem. She certainly could not tell a soul, for it would most certainly bring disgrace upon her, her family, and her new husband. Just as her brow was furrowing with her thoughts, Legolas entered the room.
He looked upon her, noticing the worry written on her features, "What troubles you, Narinya?"
"Nothing, I am quite well." She forced a smile.
He sat down next to her, glancing at the book she held.
"I am trying to catch up with my studies. I have a lot to learn if I am to help govern this land someday."
"That probably will not come to pass."
Narinya was silent, wondering if Melda had told him of her suspicions and she was about to be exiled.
"My father will not be leaving for the Grey Havens anytime soon, and by the time he does, there may be little left of Greenwood the Great's former glory to rule over. In any case, you have plenty of time." He smiled.
Narinya let out a sigh of relief, which Legolas took note of. Part of her would have been glad to be relieved of her marriage, but, her father had not yet sailed, and if she were to be discovered now, he may not have his peace in time.
"Narinya, may I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"Why did you agree to this marriage? You mentioned on our wedding night that you did so on your father's account, but you did not explain further."
"My father is fading, and it is far more advanced than I had realized. He needs to sail, and the only way he feels that he can is if my sister and I are settled. I resisted the idea for some time, but my sister talked some sense into me - I could not bear to see my father die of a broken heart."
Legolas nodded.
"Why did you ask?"
"I sense that your mind is not at ease and I hope it is not because of my faults."
"No, it is no fault of yours." No, he had had no part in creating the child she was now sure that she carried.
She seemed to be telling him the truth, he could see it in her eyes, but that did not answer the question of what was putting her so ill at ease. Leaving her be, he went to bathe and returned some time later, finding her already lightly sleeping.
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Lindethiel was generous with her time in acquainting Narinya with all she needed to know to serve as princess of the realm. When she had afternoons to spare, she invited Narinya to join her and discuss whatever item she thought of as relevant to the role.
Narinya was grateful for this instruction. She was feeling increasingly confident now that she knew the expected decorum better, and had memorized the names of most of the important members of the court.
One such day, Legolas came to pay his sister a visit and was surprised to find Narinya seated by Lindethiel's hearth as well.
"My apologies for the interruption, princesses," he said with a warm smile.
"You are most welcome to join us, Legolas." Lindethiel returned his smile, and Narinya did as well.
"We were just finishing discussing the most important lords and ladies to avoid at any of father's gatherings."
Legolas smirked, "That is very good and necessary instruction. And what is next on your list there?"
Lindethiel picked up the piece of parchment where she had been jotting down topics she would need to cover with Narinya, as she thought of them. Many were already crossed off.
"Well, there are a few items I think perhaps you might be more suited to help with."
Lindethiel looked pleased with her idea as she continued on, "Narinya, I mean not to imply that you are insufficiently skilled, but I recall that you expressed to me some discomfort with the formal dances at your wedding feast. There will, of course, be other feasts that will require much the same."
She turned to Legolas then, "Perhaps you could spend some time working on that together."
Legolas met his sister's eyes, and she wore a knowing and meddling look. Narinya remained quiet, looking at the parchment instead of at Legolas.
"I would be happy to."
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In the middle of the night, Narinya awoke. She was, as usual of late, not feeling quite like herself. She sat up in bed and looked over at her husband. He was breathing evenly and his eyes were glazed and unfocused.
Some part of her had never really believed this would come to pass. Even when she had been riding toward the Woodland Realm with her father, she didn't entirely grasp the fact that she was going to be marrying the Prince of Greenwood. It was not so terrible a fate, she reminded herself, as her eyes traveled across his sleeping form. And the most important thing was that her father was safe.
Legolas stirred beside her but did not wake. He was undeniably attractive, but that did not change the fact that she did not wish to be married at all. She wondered why he had not found a elleth he could bond deeply with and married her instead. It was a shame that his duty to Greenwood was more important than finding a bond partner. And as for her, she had never even really bothered to look.
She gazed at him, wondering if he was unhappy with his new wife, as he had still made no efforts or demands to consummate their union. Then again, she remembered that elves were perhaps more patient than men about such things, at least, that was her impression from having grown up in a town filled with more men than elves.
His face was expressionless in his sleep. She silently compared him to Calanon, who mostly had the features of a mortal man, the slight point of his ears usually hidden behind shoulder length dark hair. The prince that lay beside her was a stark contrast. He had high cheekbones and a strong brow and she knew full well how his golden hair shone when the sun landed upon it.
She wondered how many maidens he had had.
Legolas awoke from his light slumber at hearing her sigh. Narinya looked over as his eyes came back into focus, and she wondered if she should quickly feign sleep to avoid whatever conversation or action he might initiate.
"My lady?" Legolas sat up next to her.
"I am well, just not in need of much sleep." She glanced down at the bed sheet, not wanting to hold eye contact.
"I see." A few moments of silence passed.
She thought of something she could say to break the sudden feeling of awkwardness in the large room. "Legolas, I have been reflecting on certain things, and I would like to apologize for my harsh words on our wedding night. I spoke out of turn." She remembered her words well and regretted calling him conceited now that she knew him better.
"I deserved that after my absence at the gathering." He smiled.
"Well, while I was none too pleased at being alone there, I cannot say I have not done anything regrettable during this entire ordeal."
"And what is it that you have done, my lady?" Legolas was lying on his side, supported by one of his arms. He wore a nightshirt and leggings, like every night.
She forced a smile, though her memory of the event was not amusing to her in the least, considering the consequence, "Well, the evening my father told me of the arranged marriage, I ran away."
Legolas softly laughed.
Narinya looked at him questioningly for a moment, "I suppose it is rather funny that I fled from this, considering all the maidens who I am sure would have been most happy to marry you." She broke eye contact.
"Contrary to your accusation on our wedding night, I am not so conceited that I expected you to want this marriage above all other things, I assure you," He spoke with mirth and his smile lingered, but he grew serious before speaking again, "But, I was surprised to learn that you did not want it at all, as my father had given me no indication of such. In fact, he implied that you did want this marriage."
"I just..." Narinya hesitated, not sure if she was ready to reveal further details about herself. He was looking at her earnestly, in a way that put her at ease. "I was afraid of getting married to someone I did not know at all. I liked my routine in Lake-town, caring for my family, home, and all of those things I can no longer do. To be honest, Legolas, I never really desired to be married at all."
Legolas nodded his understanding, finding little to offer in the way of words.
She turned onto her side, facing away from him.
He looked over at her, letting his eyes roam down her back. Her nightdress fell just above her knees and he noticed that she was careful to never let it ride up any higher.
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