AN: soooo we're getting the puppy tomorrow!
Thank you to all who follow, favourite, review :)
PrettyRecklessLaura: im glad, hope you like this chapter :)
Annabel Jones: Glorfy... why not? Yes, Elladan is very very careful of his hair, he HATES when it gets dirty. Poor him. And yes, Alysae is afraid of bees, i mean, who wouldnt in her place?
EmmaCBlackstairs: thanks :)))
MustardLady: 1) Yup crying is good sometimes. Poor Thranduil. I love them too ! Yup, she smoked his pipe , she was really curious, i mean who wouldn't be? ;) And im sorry i didnt make you cry, I tried *shrugs*
2)I wonder who too... ;) Oh my, I laughed at your pun. "One does not simply slight the valiance of a child of Thranduil, and trained by skilled elves at that! " :)
the8horcrux: I may or may not have squealed a little when I read your review :) Im so glad that you think I got his character perfectly! I just kinda see him as someone who would be exasperated with Alysae, but would also hold affection for her. And its alright, i totally understand. :)
. . . Chapter 9- The Feast . . .
"How did you know you loved Aragorn?" Alysae asked Arwen as they walked in the gardens.
There was a flutter of activity around them, elves were seen coming in and out of the House, each one absorbed in their task. As the Fellowship were set to depart in the morrow, Lord Elrond had decided to throw a feast, in the evening, to celebrate the departure of the Ring bearer.
The slight breeze lifted dark strands of hair into Arwen's eyes as she spoke. "I don't think I knew. I merely felt that I loved him."
"But how does it feel like?"
"What does?" asked Arwen as she sat down on a low stone bench. Her purple dress fanned out around her form and she truly was a sight to behold. As fair as Luthien, the Morning Star.
"Being in love," Alysae answered, sitting down next to the elleth.
Arwen folded her hands on her lap. "Being in love is different for everyone. But for me," she smiled, "being in love is being happy when your love is near. It is to feel content when they are happy, for their happiness is your own. Being in love is to be able to sacrifice your life for your loved one's without a second thought, for their life is yours, and if they die, you might as well be dead too. Being in love is to feel butterflies in your stomach when you see your beloved's face, and smile whenever you think of them. It is to always want to be with them, and to be pained when apart from them."
Alysae stared at Arwen's face, beautiful features softening into a smile, and her blue eyes so far away. It was clear that she was thinking of Aragorn. The princess sighted. Was she ever going to find love one day?
Arwen suddenly snapped out of her reverie and blinked. "Why the question, penneth?" she asked, turning to the blonde girl besides her.
Alysae felt herself blush. "Oh, no reason really. I merely wanted to know, in case it ever happened to me." Then she mumbled something under her breath that sounded suspiciously like: "Not that it would ever happen to me."
Arwen took Alysae's hands into her own, soft ones. "Alysae, I am sure you would know if it ever happened to you. And I am very much sure that one day you will find love as well," she added with a pointed glance. "Perhaps you have not met him yet."
"Perhaps you are right," she sighted and looked away. "Though I cannot shake the feeling that something terrible is going to happen soon."
Arwen nodded, immediately somber. "I can feel it too."
"Sauron's forces are growing."
-xxx-
Alysae stared at the dress that lay fanned out on her bed. It was a forrest green gown, with white sleeves and silver flowers embroided on the cloth. Her fingers reached out to softly caress the material. A folded piece of parchement sat next to the dress, and she picked it up. In elegant cursive and purple ink (Alysae rolled her eyes, purple?), it read:
We hope you accept our humblest apologies. -Elladan&Elrohir
She stifled a laugh. The twins may be the worst and biggest pranksters in the whole of Arda, but they were true gentlemen. They'd promised to offer her a new dress, just like the simple silver one they had ruined, and instead they had given her an elaborate and beautiful gown. And just in time for the feast, at that.
A bath had been drawn for her and she stripped off her clothes to submerge herself in the warm water. A soft sigh escaped her. Although she tried not to, her thoughts were immediately drawn to what the morrow would bring. For the first time since she'd beeen found in the Greenwood, she was going to be truly separated from Legolas. The idea drew tears from her eyes. Who knew when they would see each other again? Would he even survive?
She ducked underwater, and blew out a long stream of air, shaking her head, and closing her eyes shut. She would not think about it. When she emerged, she felt cleansed. She used her lavender soap to lather her body, and wash away any traces of human odour, scents that appalled her, like sweat and grim.
For her hair, she used Arwen's Wonderful Honey and Camelia Shampoo, a hair product which worked marvellously with her blonde waves.
When she was done, and smelled of lavender and honey, she wrapped a towel around herself and dried off. She slipped on clean undergarments, and over them the green gown, feeling the smooth velvet caress her skin.
Her hair was still wet and tangled, a mess plastered to the back of her neck, and slowly dripping on the floor. She sat on a small stool in front of a mirror, and took out her silver brush. Carefully at first, and then more forcefully, almost yanking at the strands, she removed the knots. Each pull brought pain to her skull, she could amost feel her hair ripping out of her head, falling down, leaving her completely bald. She threw the brush away with a small sob.
She wanted nothing more than throw herself into the floor and weep until the end of nights, but she would not. She had to be strong. She took a deep breath, and with shaking hands, took hold of her brush once more, to continue the task of brushing her hair.
Finally, it lay in shiny golden locks down her back, still damp from the bath. Alysae still had an hour or so before the feast, so she went out to her balcony and sat on a chair, leaning back with the Sun shining on her face. From up there she could see the forest of Imladris that stretched out in orange and golden hues, branches and leaves that bristled in the wind. Below the balcony, was a small courtyard, with a fountain and a statue of an elven woman. Alysae knew it was Celebrian, the wife of Lord Elrond. She had sailed to the Undying Lands thousands of years ago.
After all these years, she still wondered why Lord Elrond had given her those rooms, that had the views of the fountain, and the private courtyard. The soft gurgling of the water rose gently, soothing her strained nerves, coaxing her eyelids to drop closed, until, slowly, she fell asleep.
-xxx-
When she next awoke, the sky had darkned and taken a soft pink hue. It was twilight, the time where Day and Night met, a time where everything was possible. She rubbed at her eyes and yawned. She hadn't meant to fall asleep. She would have to hurry to be in time.
Standing up, she made for the glass doors of her room, but movement below caught her eyes. Two shadows stood together, not far from Celebrian's fountain. Alysae couldn't see their faces, but she knew that it was Arwen and Aragorn. Who else would be in the Lady's courtyard? She was carefully not to move, so as to not draw attention to herself. She shouldn't be watching them, trespassing on a private moment, but she could not help herself. Soft voices rose, too quiet for her too hear what was being said. When Arwen raised her face to kiss Aragorn, she left, leaving them some privacy.
Back in her chambers, she finished preparing herself. She had sent the maid away, earlier, not wanting any help. This was something she had to do on her own. She would not be vulnerable in front of a stranger.
She twisted strands of hair away from her face and pinned them back against her head. Then, she picked up the silver circlet that rested on her nightstand, her fingers caressing the twisting vines and metal leaves. It was light and smooth into her hands, and yet it held such an unexpected heavy burden.
Looking at it now, she was drawn back to the time it had been given to her.
A knock sounded at her door, jostling her from her reading. She set down the book on a table and called out, "Yes? Come in."
The wooden doors swung open, revealing the Elvenking, with his hair let loose and his robes rustling. "Alysae," he said, entering.
"Ada!" she jumped to her feet. "What d'you want?" she asked. Her father rarely had time to come see her during the day, so preoccupied was he from the darkness slowly envading Greenwood. And if he ever did, it was often for a matter of importance, and not for a playful time.
"Can't a father not want to see his daughter without his motive being questioned?" Thranduil replied with a smile.
She smiled back at him, as he drew her into an embrace. "Of course not," her voice was muffled by the King's velvet robes.
Legolas had left on a patrol nearly a week ago and was due to return soon, but she felt alone without him. She buried her face in her fathers tunics, revelling in the rare gift that was his presence. Thranduil dropped a kiss on her hair, and gently removed her from the circle of his arms. Alysae couldn't help feeling disappointed, but she quickly shoved it down.
"Come, sit," the King beckoned, as he sat on her sofa. Alysae did the same, remembering to keep her back straight, her legs uncrossed, and her posture perfect.
Thranduil shifted slightly to turn towards her, and as he did so she noticed a leather satchel on his lap. Her curiosity spiked up.
"Alysae," he began in a deep melodious voice, "eight years ago I was blessed with a little girl, as dear to me as my own. Now, you are thirteen summers, or so, and you have grown much, becoming a beautiful young lady." He took her chin in his hands. "I am so proud of you," he whispered, and she blinked back tears. "In my eyes, you are as much part of this family as Legolas or I, and I think it is time for you to embrace it. Our people have long accepted you as Thranduiliel, Princess of Greenwood, but it is now time for them to recognise it."
He turned to the pouch on his knees, gently prying it open. He kept it hidden from her, though, so she could not see what was in it. "I wish for you to wear this. Not all the time, but when you shall represent Greenwood. I hope that with this you will remember, that with great power comes great responsibility." Then, he opened his hands, showing her what lay within. A silver circlet, of woven vines and argent leaves glistened. He gently put it down on her head, the smooth metal cool against her brow. "It may seem light to you now, but one day it will feel as heavy as the weight of the world, and only then will you understand. I bestow you your crown, Princess of the Greenwood."
Alysae gasped, and touched the circlet in her head, not believing her eyes. Her father's words confused her a litle, but she knew and respected his wisdom.
"I am overwhelmed," she choked out. "I love you Ada."
The King took her in his arms, stroking her hair. "I love you too, iell nin."
Alysae blinked. Over the years, she had come to understand her father's wise words. Tonight was one of those times. Slipping the circlet on her head, felt like such a tiring and heavy thing to do. The crown encircled her head almsot like a cage. She shook her head. Tonight, she would have to assume her role. There would be no more hiding.
-xxx-
She walked down the corridor leading to the feast when she felt a presence behind her. A hand grabbed her wrist, and she turned around to see clear blue eyes.
"Legolas."
"Alysae," he whispered. He let go of her hand, still staring at her. They had not spoken since yesterday, when she had told him about her... condition.
"Are you all right?" she asked when she noted the dark circles under his eyes and his pallid skin.
He chuckled without humour. "You are the one fading, and you ask me if I am all right?" He shook his head. "Foolish girl."
Alysae smiled. At least her brother still retained his humour, however horrible it may be.
There was a pause, a heavy silence which none knew how to fill. For the first time, Alysae felt awkward around her brother. She fingered the material of her dress nervously.
Legolas, noting her movement, gave a small smile. "Nice dress. I believe I have never seen it ere."
"Oh, it was a gift from the twins."
He nodded. "It suits you well, Alys."
"Thanks," she murmured.
He sighted and looked down. "Alysae, I..." he broke off, took a breath and started again, "Ever since you have spoken to me yesterday, it has been weighting on my mind. I cannot bear to think about it," he whispered. "My mind will not accept, and neither will my heart. I will renounce my place in the Fellowship to stay with you, and-"
"What? No!" she cut him off. "Your place is with the Fellowship, do not forsake it for my sake!" She stared at him angrily. "Do you not understand? If the quest does not succeed, all of us will die! I was aways mortal, Legolas, I was always going to die. Perhaps not right away, but in a few years, I would have withered and died old."
He flinched. "Please do not speak as though that future is gone from you," he murmured.
It may be so, she thought. "I have taken my desicion," she said instead. "I am to leave to Lothlorien, to the Golden Woods. There, I hope I can find healing, for there is naught Lord Elrond can do."
Legolas took a breath. "Lothlorien?"
She nodded. "I'm to leave the day after the Fellowship does, I know naught who is to accompany me."
"I suppose you'll write a letter to Father," said Legolas.
"I will," she said. "I belive you've written one yourself."
Legolas looked down. "Indeed. Erkas and Miraven are to bring it to Father, as they come back, after we are to set off."
"Good," she said. "I hope you've forgotten all about your stupid idea to leave the Fellowship. They would not last a single day without you. Well, Mithrandir might perhaps, but the others..."
He chuckled. "I'd say he would last a thousand years with only his staff and hat!"
She laughed. "We should be heading, now. I'm afraid the feast must have started without us."
And indeed, rose the sound of laughter and silver music, to soothe all souls, and came the distant clashing of cutlery and merry making.
Both siblings arrived through the doors, glad to see that the attention was elsewhere, other occupied by the dancing partners, and the musicians, and the soft voices of elven singers. The wine flew aplenty, and every one talked loudly, around them, especially the dwarves and Men.
Alysae took her seat at Elrond's table, and found herself in between Arwen and Glorfindel, who both greeted her warmly.
"You look lovely in that dress, Alysae," said Arwen in her soft, gentle voice.
Alysae flushed. "Thank you. But truly, it is your brothers I must thank, for they are the ones to have gifted me with it."
"Indeed!" cried Elladan from across the table. He held a glass of wine in his right hand, and his slightly flushed cheeks clearly showed that it wasn't his first. "It really suits her, doesnt it, Ro?" He elbowed his twin.
"Yes, yes, it does," Elrohir answered, not looking at her.
"Although, I'm sure it isn't exactly silver," she smield.
"Come on!" said Elladan. "It has silver bits in it, you can't be difficult!"
She laughed. "I was merely jesting. I truly do love it. Thank you."
"It was no problem," Elrohir answered softly.
After that exchange, Alysae mostly kept to herself, occasionally eating a grape or two, but mostly watching the ones around her. It would be the last evening with Legolas. With Merry and Pippin. Aragorn. Boromir. Mithrandir. Even Gimli she would miss. He tolerated her enough, and so did she. He was arrogant and proud, but to be truthful, so were the elves.
As the evening bore on, she started to feel more and more tired, and she'd just had a nap! Lord Elrond had warned her that she would be more tired than usual, and that she would require more rest, such was the symptoms of fading. Fading. It still remained a mystery to her. Why would she, a human, be fading? It was most unusual. She hoped that the Lady Galadriel would have answers, she had heard that with her mirror, Galadriel could know and see everything. She'd always wanted to see the Golden Woods, unfortunately her father was not... in the best of terms with the leaders there.
She shook her head.
Better to head out now, before she'd fall asleep, headfirst in her plate. That brought her small chuckles. What a sight she would be. Throughout the evening, she had not once ventured out of her seat, and now she prepared herself to greet and curtsy.
"Hello Alysae!" said Pippin, as she made her way through the room. His curls were tousled, and his smile wide.
"Hello Pippin," she replied, before looking around. "Is Merry not here?"
"Oh he's over there," he said, gesturing to a group of people and where his cousin could be seen dancing and laughing.
"I best not keep you waiting," said Alysae, and with a parting word, they both left on their ways. She had not made her way to the middle of the room, when a hand was on her arm.
"Are you tired?" asked Legolas.
She nodded.
"Then, I shall retire with you, for even though the wine flows aplenty, and the company is merry and full of mirth, my heart is greatly troubled. Perhaps, with rest, I shall feel better." Legolas steered her through the mass of people, the twirls of bright dresses, and the stomping feet of men.
Aysae knew that when the feast would die down, most would reture for the evening, but some would stay, in the Halls of Fire, to tell stories, and drink a silent cup of tea.
The evening, she spent with Legolas, and both recalled happier times, laughing at the memories.
"Do you remember when you cinvinced me to hide in the emtpy barrels of wine?" Alysae asked with a laugh.
"Ada was furious when the border patrol came back with a soaked you, and it certainly did not help that you kept on saying: 'It was Leg'las' idea!' I got a serious scolding," Legolas smiled.
Then both sighted, for it would be a long time before they would see each other again, or perhaps never.
-xxx-
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