Chapter 6

Narinya was in her third month of pregnancy now and was finally finding some relief from the morning sickness that plagued her. She had managed to hide it from her husband only because he was always gone by the time she awoke in the morning.

That morning though, she woke up feeling unwell as she had many prior days. Knowing that movement and fresh air would do her good, she slipped into a simple dress and out the door into the halls. She had promised to pay a visit to Lindethiel later that day for another one of her tutoring sessions, and she had to make sure she was back to normal in time for it.

Traveling through the many dark halls, with no particular destination in mind, she passed a wing where maids and servants washed linens in the fast moving underground river. Curiosity got the better of her when she overheard part of a conversation being had.

"He is hardly ever in their chambers."

Narinya leaned back against a corner, where she could hear what was being said without being seen. She did not recognize any of the voices and felt a pang of guilt; she should know the individuals keeping the elven halls running smoothly. Soon, however, she was grateful that she did not know who she was hearing.

"It being an arranged marriage, perhaps they just don't like one another."

"Or perhaps she refuses him."

"What elleth would refuse the prince?" said another voice, jest evident in her tone, "It is more likely that he lacks interest in her; if I recall, he has high standards for the maidens he chooses to entertain."

"She must feel very alone," said one sympathetic voice.

"What can be done about it now? I do not think the king would allow the marriage to fail, even if they are not getting along as hoped. Perhaps the prince will have some arrangement to seek the company of other maidens, if his new wife does not please him."

"Don't be ridiculous."

Light footsteps from further down the hall approached and the rustling of a bag of linens could be heard as someone new joined the others.

"It's a shame, really, for both the prince and princess," one of the original voices continued.

She heard a new and yet familiar voice now chime in, "I will say again that I won't tolerate ill talk about my charge. She has been nothing but kind to me and this transition I am certain is difficult enough without baseless rumors being spread."

Narinya had sensed she could trust her, but hearing Melda defend her in this way truly confirmed that she was very lucky to have her as her handmaiden.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Legolas had left to spend the day with several of his friends. As per usual, they went to the most overgrown corners of the forest in search of their prey. As they made their way back toward the elvenking's halls late in the day, conversation drifted to Legolas' marital status.

"Legolas, how are things with the princess?" His closest friends of course knew of his reluctance to marry and of the rocky start to the new relationship. He had since informed them that Narinya had had more reservations about the marriage than he had expected.

"It is as good as I suppose can be hoped. She is kind and a good conversationalist, when we take the time to talk. She does not seem nearly as guarded with me anymore."

"We thought you might still despise her," Lathron noted, noticing a change in his friend's attitude toward the matter.

"I never despised her. I despised the idea of her."

His companions nodded their understanding.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Later that week, the company departing for Lothlórien was preparing to leave. Lindethiel was eager to get to the Golden Wood to see one of her oldest friends. She had spent the last week making plans and meeting with her beloved, making decisions about when they might publicly announce their betrothal. There were a few individuals she wanted to be sure would hear of it first, her good friend in Lórien included.

Legolas came to see the party off that afternoon, embracing his sister affectionately. He turned to the head of the group, an ellon who worked chiefly as a border guard, "Take good care."

He went to his chambers after saying farewell, finding Narinya settled comfortably in a chair by the warm hearth with a book in hand. Her eyes were quickly scanning the page, but when she found the full stop at the end of the last sentence, she realized she had not absorbed any of what she had just read. Her mind had been wandering again.

It was rare for her to see Legolas at such an early hour. He often did not come to back to their chambers until after the sun had set and he left before it had risen again.

"Legolas, it is good to have you back early." She blushed, suddenly self-conscious at the admission.

He noted the book she had selected from his bookshelf and smiled, "That is one of my favorites." He sat down in the open chair across from her.

"Thank you for sharing your collection with me. I've been quite enjoying this one, perhaps when I finish it, we can discuss it, and you might recommend some others for me to read next."

"Of course." There was comfortable silence for a few minutes, Legolas watching as Narinya finished reading the page she'd left off on.

When she put down the book, he asked, "How was your day, Narinya?"

"It was... fine," she paused, looking like she had more to say, but thought better of it.

He gave her a questioning look. "Is all well?"

She tentatively continued, "I know you have many responsibilities and duties, but I worry that we're never seen spending time together, and you are so often out on your own both early and late."

"My apologies, Narinya. I wanted to give you your space."

"Thank you – I appreciate your thoughtfulness." She paused before continuing. "I know it's ridiculous to worry about what others might think, and I suppose with my new station some gossip is to be expected. You are probably quite used to it."

"Have you heard something being said about us?"

She hesitated, not sure if she wanted to repeat everything she had heard, but realizing it was probably best he know the full truth of it; they were his family's staff, after all. She chose her words carefully when she finally responded, "Yes, while I was passing by the laundering wing recently. I hadn't intended on eavesdropping, but, there seems to be some talk that this marriage is a failure, that we do not even like one another."

Legolas waited for her to continue.

"They say I do not please you; that you must seek the company of other maidens." She looked into the nearby hearth instead of at him as she said it, before turning back to meet his eyes again.

His gaze did not falter, "Are you troubled by what they say?"

"I cannot say that I am not." Narinya knew she should not let it affect her, but she found it difficult to do so, especially when she had so much else on her mind that she could not confide to anyone.

"They know perfectly well that no elf would be unfaithful, of course. That is an idea planted in their minds by the actions of men. But, it gives them something entertaining to talk about while they are going about their day."

There was a long pause as Legolas considered what else to say.

"And as for the other matter, they know nothing of my sentiments or what transpires between us."

Narinya resigned herself to his neutral answer, which did nothing to ease her insecurity on the matter. She was somehow both afraid that he did not want her, and terrified that he might decide that he did. She was being quite ridiculous, she thought to herself, deciding it best to drop the topic at hand.

Later that evening, when both were settling for the night, Narinya spoke again, feeling emboldened by the darkness in the room.

"Legolas… I thought I would agree to this marriage, I would say the vows, my father would sail, and then I might somehow take back some of my freedom. I see now that it will not happen that way. I was a fool to think it would." She had sat down on the edge of the bed near him.

"Narinya, are you not free here? I do not put any restrictions on what you can and cannot do, do I?"

"Nay…" She stopped to consider his words. He was right; he hadn't ever stopped her from doing anything she wanted.

In her resistance to the marriage she had assumed loss of freedom was part of the package, but that was not proving true. Sure, she was no longer free to gallivant with any ellon or man that she wished, but she had never done such things anyway, save once.

"No, you have not done any such thing. Forgive me."

"I do not plan on holding you captive here, Narinya. I understand how you felt about this marriage because I felt the same way. While I regret that you were forced into this, if I had to marry someone, I'd rather they were not one of the ellith who shadowed my every step, hung on every word, and would act as someone they were not if it meant marrying me. I suppose I am rather a bit pleased that you turned out to be who you are."

"Even when I call you a conceited prince?" Narinya smiled, remembering her boldness that night.

"Especially then." Legolas tucked a strand of her dark hair behind her ear, being careful to avoid stroking the sensitive tip.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

The next morning, Narinya was surprised to find Legolas had not left early as he usually did. He was seated near the hearth with a book in hand when she emerged from their bedchamber.

He looked up to greet her. "I thought today we might work on the dancing lessons that my sister suggested," he said matter-of-factly, "Only if you would like, that is."

Narinya felt her stomach flip. "That is generous of you. Do you not have any responsibilities today?"

"Nay, I cleared my schedule." He smiled warmly.

For a moment she thought back to their conversation from the night before. She wondered if he was making the effort to spend more time with her today, to help put any rumors she had heard to rest, and thus her mind at ease. It was a kind thing, she decided.

"Thank you, Legolas. I will be happy to be your student, though I make no promises about my aptitude."

Melda knocked on the door just then, and was surprised to find the two of them bantering there. She helped Narinya into a proper dress, one that would not be too unwieldy for the afternoon's assignment.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Legolas led her into the banquet hall, vast and empty in the late morning, save the occasional page or maid going to and fro.

He was first to break the silence. "Were there no formal ordeals to attend in Lake-town?"

"Very seldom, and when we did have festivals and events, they were hardly as formal as what we have here. There was of course dancing, but it was," she searched for her words, "Less refined. My father neglected to teach me the dances that everyone in this court seems to know so well."

As she answered, Legolas took up her right hand in his and smiled, "There's really only a merciful few to memorize; we'll start with one today."

He explained the upcoming steps and their order, "Slowly at first."

He led her then around the spacious hall as she worked to commit each movement to her memory. When she seemed to have mastered one set, he would add the next. She was focused on the task at hand, and quickly capable of remembering the sequence even at a faster pace.

Awhile later, Narinya could perform the dance from memory at its intended pace. "Once more, for good measure?" Legolas asked, wearing a grin.

She smiled back at him and nodded, taking up his hand again.

This time, she did not have to think about what she was doing or where next to step. One motion flowed easily into the next. Instead, she thought of the prince before her and the feeling of one of his hands resting on her back. Like he had done on their wedding day, he guided their movements with controlled strength, though their dancing was certainly much improved now that Narinya knew the proper form and steps herself.

When the dance was complete, he lingered for an extra moment before releasing her.

"Very well done."

She breathlessly smiled, her face a bit flushed, "Thank you, Legolas. I look forward to our next day of lessons."

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Narinya was seated on the balcony, looking out over the dark green expanse that was Greenwood. She thought she could perhaps see Lake-town from this vantage point, but to her dismay, her home was well beyond the reach of her sharp vision.

She had not been sleeping well of late. In addition to her worries, she could no longer lay in her favorite position for sleep. Her stomach was growing and her breasts were so tender that even thinking of pressing them against the mattress was painful.

Melda was almost certain that her suspicion of pregnancy was correct; from what she could tell from her proximity as handmaiden, it did not seem that Narinya had ever had a monthly cycle since she had arrived. But she also knew that the child could not have been the prince's. Narinya had started experiencing the symptoms too soon after the marriage for it to be possible.

Narinya was tired and confused. She had to tell Legolas. She would absolutely have to tell him. But how? And when? She had a few precious months more, she supposed, before her pregnancy became too obvious to ignore.

She was now quite grateful that Legolas was preoccupied most of the time, as it might just buy her more time. She attended all meals with him and was present at ceremonies, meetings, and hearings. She took on her new role with grace, surprising even herself. Legolas would escort her here and there, stoic and collected. They increasingly shared polite conversation during the evenings, but their relationship certainly did not resemble the typical elven marriage.

Even so, she thought she had caught his eyes wandering her body more than once of late.

Legolas may possibly have noticed changes in Narinya if he had not been so preoccupied. More than enough time had passed for his sister and her party to have made it to the Golden Wood, yet he had not heard confirmation from Lórien that they had arrived there safely, and his concern distracted him from other matters.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Arandion and Riniel arrived to visit Narinya and share with her the news that Arandion would soon be heading to the shores of the sea to build his ship.

He had finally gotten his affairs in order and felt that he had stayed long enough to see that Narinya was settling well in her new home and had not attempted anything rash. Riniel would remain in Greenwood for several days after his departure before her betrothed came to escort her back to Lake-town. She would marry him when the time was right, in private. Arandion knew she had made a wise decision and approved of the pairing wholeheartedly; there was no need for him to remain until their bond had been completed.

Arandion and his two daughters strolled one of the well-trodden forest paths, enjoying the remaining time they had together. "Daughters, it brings me sorrow to leave you."

He turned to address Narinya, "But my heart can rest now that I know you are faring well in your new home. You will see me again. Rest assured of it."

Narinya threw her arms around her father, never wanting to let go. Once he left the shores of Middle-earth, there would be no home in Lake-town to return to. Her sister was intending to move in with her beloved as soon as they were married, and the homely cottage that sat by the water would be empty, or perhaps filled with a new family.

Narinya fought back tears at this realization. This was it. All she had left of her previous life was changing, and although she desired to see her father well again, she felt despair.

That evening, Riniel came to find Narinya in her chambers, seated by the hearth with another history book. Legolas nodded to her at the door and Riniel bowed her head politely to him before addressing her sister, "Narinya, will you walk with me?"

"Of course, sister." Narinya put down her book and met her across the room, taking her leave without a word to Legolas.

Riniel looked at her sister as she closed the door. There was something different about her.

She reflected on the prior sight of Narinya and Legolas seated silently by the hearth, "He is quite a beautiful sight to behold, Nar. You are lucky."

Narinya nodded absentmindedly, still thinking about her father's upcoming departure.

Sensing she would get no further details about Narinya's latest thoughts on Legolas, she continued on, "I know you are worried about father leaving. But we will see him again."

"I know, but, I wish he would not go." Having her father leave was like losing both her parents, as he had been the only one she had ever known.

"I will remain and we will still have each other. You must not forget that Lake-town is really not that far away."

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Narinya was welcome, though not required, to attend regular meetings held with the royal family and their close advisors discussing issues concerning the realm. With Lindethiel away, she made an extra effort to be present at all of them, mostly listening and learning what she could.

At one such meeting, rations for the incoming autumn and winter were being discussed. As Greenwood had few large plots of land suitable for growing, it was often necessary to supplement food stores heading into the winter months.

Narinya listened to the discussion with some interest until the topic of dried and smoked fish from Lake-town was raised.

"The prices grow ever higher," one of Thranduil's advisors noted, looking at the numbers written in script next to the items and amounts being considered for purchase.

Narinya leaned over to look. "If I may?" she cut in. Legolas and Thranduil looked over at her, and Thranduil gestured for her to continue.

"I know one of the fishmongers in Lake-town. I dare say that I could get us a much better price than what is listed here."

Legolas smiled, pleased that Narinya was willing to contribute to the well-being of the realm.

"Certainly, Lady Narinya, we'd be happy to have you take the lead on this," Thranduil's advisor responded, jotting down a note.

She was happy to take on the new assignment, both to be useful to the royal family and the realm, and also to distract herself from her father's imminent departure.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Despite his preoccupations, Legolas knew that her father's departure loomed heavy over Narinya. That evening, he made it a point to return early to their chambers. He found her already on their bed, a book upturned beside her, though she did not seem interested in reading it. She looked over at his arrival, but said nothing.

"Thank you for your offer today, my father and his advisors were quite pleased at it."

"I am glad to be helpful where I can, Legolas." Her words were true, but they did not mask the heaviness of her mood.

He came to sit near her on the bed, studying her expression. Her eyes looked tired. He took one of her hands in his, hopeful that a kind touch might offer more comfort than any words could.

She blinked back tears, "I want him to be at peace, Legolas, but once he leaves, things really will be irreversibly different."

Legolas sat still a moment, before giving her a careful and reassuring embrace. Just before he released her, he kissed her lightly on the forehead.

It was the first time since their wedding day that they had shared any type of a kiss and it was far more soothing to her than she had expected. She closed her eyes as his lips lingered for just a moment there before he broke away.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Arandion left early the next morning, leaving a parting gift for both of his daughters. They embraced him each one final time, tears running down their faces. Legolas looked on from a distance, not wanting to interrupt their goodbyes. He was surprised though, after Narinya and Riniel had disappeared back into the halls, when Arandion turned back and walked up to him determinedly.

"Prince Legolas, please look after her and treat her well. I am aware that neither of you were too enthusiastic about this match, but I promise you she is a wonderful elleth, with many things to offer you."

Legolas nodded his agreement. He would never wish to treat her anything but well.

Arandion bowed his head and put his hand over his heart in farewell. He was eager to reach the shores and begin construction on his ship. His spirit was lifted knowing that with each passing day he was closer to the sea.

Thank you for reading!