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Truth Be Known	By : LisaC206 Category: Lord of the Rings Movies > Het - Male/Female Views: 3817 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings book series and movie series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

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The forest was soft underfoot, and the leaves were shimmering an emerald green. Sunlight filtered feebly through the grove of trees. It had to be past mid-morning, Astaldo realized. His stomach was his best timekeeper and he had been in the forest since early morn. He quickly decided he would find them something to eat before trying to decipher her language. She kept pace with him, although not as swift as he and always humming to herself.

What strange times these are for an elf to be wandering about in distant lands and unarmed, he thought to himself. As they neared his home he found himself wanting to know all about this Narninium and what errand she must be on. His mother lived nearby in a beautiful oaken tree and saw them approaching from the thicket.

“Astaldo, whom do you bring to our home from the depths of the forest?” Her face anxiously searching his own.

“I found her singing in the forest mother, she has the most charming voice but I cannot understand her speech.”

“What is her name?”

“Narninium” At the sound of her name, Narninium smiled at her, noting the similarities, she guessed they were related.

“Where are you from Narninium?” Villia asked her.

<I’m sorry, I can’t understand either of you> She looked at them both miserably.

“Ahh…I know the words, she comes from the Western Woods- I may be able to speak with her after all” Villia looked to her son thoughtfully. Astaldo was relieved to think they might at last be able to converse with the lovely elf.

<Are you from the Western Woods? > Villia now turned her attention to the she- elf with the eye-catching hair and azure eyes.

<You know my people? > Narninium was elated that the older elf could speak with her.

 Villia smiled in acknowledgement.

<He has been most kind to bring me here considering…>

<Yes, you must have intrigued him, as it’s unusual for him to do so. Normally you would have been bound and taken to the King upon entering these woods>

<Please thank him for me- sorry I don’t know your name>

<Villia> She said smiling. She turned to Astaldo and told him what Narninium had said. Taking her hand, she led her towards the tree.

<Let us find some food and you can tell us all about your journey> Narninium looked to Astaldo, who smiled warmly and gestured for her to go up the tree.

*****

Villia retrieved the hot baked bread from the oven and set the table with plates and some of her own homemade wine. There was plenty of fruit in colorful bowls and she placed a beautiful silver goblet beside each of their plates. Astaldo poured the wine, which sparkled like the sun itself; and greedily drank his in one gulp. Villia glared at him; taking the bottle, she poured him another and set it on the table. Narninium couldn’t suppress a giggle, and they both looked to their guest. Blushing, Narninium picked up her goblet, also downing the amber juice in one swift move. Villia frowned at this but Astaldo laughed and gave Narninium a wink. Her cheerful laughter was a joy to his ears.

“I think we should establish this young elf-maiden’s task before you are too taken with her.” Villia spoke gently to her son, avoiding his eyes.

“She will know we are talking about her mother” Astaldo warned her. The older elf nodded and continued to offer the bread and fruit to Narninium.

<My son and I would like to know why you have traveled so far alone and what is your purpose here? > Villia seated herself opposite the young elf.

<I come looking for my sister Thalia, who we thought might have headed this way some time ago. She has a rebellious streak in her and will not obey my father, who told her to stay in our realm. Everyone searched for her but she was always a crafty elf, and no trace was to be found. I had the best chance of reaching her, because Thalia trusts me, although I did not think she would be gone this long. > The happiness disappeared from her voice, and she went quiet. Villia reached over and held her hand.

 She said soothingly. Quickly, Villia told Astaldo about Thalia. Astaldo glanced at Narninium, not sure whether to believe her story or not. But the sorrow in her blue eyes convinced him that all was not well with the lovely maiden, and that he would do his best to help her.

“Tell her I will help look for her sister, but I not know of any elf here by that name, and I don’t know anyone who speaks Westie here.” He replied.

“Maybe someone will know of her,” Remarked his mother. Astaldo nodded in agreement.

Before they could organize how they would search for Thalia, one of the Royal Guards appeared in the doorway.

“Sorry to interrupt you during your meal, but the King asked me to come and find the intruder. She must tell him her intentions.” The Royal Guard stood behind Narninium’s chair and her eyes widened with trepidation.

“Her name is Narninium, and she is our guest for now- she means no harm. My son would have taken her straight to His Majesty otherwise.” Villia stood to face the guard, now a little fearful for her son’s reprimand for not fulfilling his duty.

“Belusewen, if it’s alright, I will go too and explain myself to the King.” Said Astaldo who knew the guard personally.

“No! The King’s orders are for the she-elf alone, he will speak with you later, Astaldo.” The guard had spoken rather forcefully. Astaldo and his mother had no other choice but to let him take Narninium.

“She does not speak our language, so anything you say to her may not be understood. You need someone who speaks Westie such as my mother.” Astaldo addressed the guard, rising to his full height; he was not the least bit intimidated by him.

“That will be sorted Astaldo, do not worry for your guest, she will be looked after. You will be sent for later.” With that, he gently tapped Narninium on the shoulder and motioned for her to come with him.

<It is all right Narninium> Villia reassured her. < You have to speak with the King; he demands to know why you are here. Do not worry, they will not hurt you my dear. >

<Please tell him I come in peace, to search for my lost sister. > The fear had returned to her face and she looked pale.

“It’s okay, I will be there soon and help you” Astaldo’s voice was soothing and he smiled at her.

The guard led her away as they watched, more than a little concerned.

“Someone must have seen you bring her here, Astaldo. An unwise decision, maybe.” Villia said, not unkindly.

“I hope she was telling the truth about her sister; otherwise they might interrogate her for a while yet. Strangers are not to be trusted in these perilous times.” Astaldo looked worried. This could have dire consequences for him. He could do nothing but wait until the King summoned him.

She must tell them the truth or they will keep her indefinitely he thought to himself. He was becoming more concerned for the girl than he had contemplated.

Returning to his own tree, he could not get Narninium out of his mind. Sitting at the table, slowly his eyes skimmed critically around his own dwelling. Realizing how untidy it looked, he was thankful to his mother for intervening this morning. As time dragged by, Astaldo thought the least he could do, would be to clean up incase Narninium returned unexpectedly.

*****

Meekly, Narninium walked slightly in front of the Royal Guard Belusewen. Although the guard had not been unkind to her she was scared of this elf. He had not bound her hands, as was the usual, but he kept a firm grip on her arm and marched her fairly briskly through the trees to where the King resided in the most impressive of all palaces.

Narninium’s thoughts were not only of the questioning to come; but she was daydreaming of her chance meeting with Astaldo in the woods. That elf was the most intriguing she had met in her travels so far. Why? Narninium was not entirely sure of the answer, except she was silently looking forward to seeing his face again. She smiled to herself. Engrossed with the thought of Astaldo, she had slowed her walking, forgetting all about Belusewen behind her until he pushed her suddenly, making her jolt out of her daydream and nearly trip over.

Other elves were beginning to gather and talk amongst themselves of this stranger with the magenta hair and bright blue eyes. Several elves were smiling as she passed by and one even waved to her. Narninium returned a small smile to him and he excitedly ran through the trees, coming level with them as he dodged low branches and tree roots. Narninium giggled to herself as she watched his foolish behaviour. Belusewen ignored the other elf, marching her onwards.

The dense trees thinned out here, and ahead in the distance, she could see the entrance to the King’s palace- a huge cave with smaller ones extending around the sides. A river flowed in front of them and they had to cross a wooden bridge to get to the gardens. She was happy to see some flowers managed to grow here, as the rest of the woods were positively overwhelming and beginning to crowd in on her.

It was nearly midday and the sun felt warm upon her back. As they approached, before them were hedgerows of Cape Honeysuckle, with its bright red/orange flowers, all neatly trimmed and bordering the white pebble paths leading up to the palace. They entered the grounds, where Narninium saw the most stunning willow trees with long weeping branches and many a bird singing in them. The garden had countless blooms around every corner, the beauty of it all tempting her to burst into song. Reminding herself that she was with Belusewen and he would not feel quite the same as her, she decided against it.

In the center of the gardens was a fountain with eye-catching stone mermaids sitting on the edge of each level, three in all. Narninium felt tempted to just stop and put her hands in the water and splash her warm face with the refreshing liquid. As they neared the bottom of the steps leading up to the great cave, there were many more Royal Guards evident. Two were either side of the huge stone doors and several more lined the outer walls. They merely stood guard without paying her too much attention.

Belusewen spoke to the guards at the main door and they immediately moved aside, magically the doors opened and allowed them both to enter. The main entrance and hall were intricately carved with animals and flowers of every kind. The colors were soft and blended together to form a relaxing yet regal hallway and Narninium found herself to be admiring the walls and ceilings, fascinated with the details. She was stunned that anything so beautiful could exist within this stone palace. This place was a fortress on the outside, but the inside could not be more different. Of course, one could not expect elves to live without the beauty they were accustomed to.

They passed through a smaller set of carved doors and into a main chamber, which was neither large nor too small. The windows above her; at the front of the great hall were stained in many colors, sending mirror images of themselves onto the walls and floor, creating a dazzling display. Candles were lit all along the walls, flickering, as the gentle breeze their entrance had created, flowed through the room.

At the far end, on the left of the chamber, was a tiny door. ‘Tiny’ in comparison to the main room and Belusewen appeared to be leading her there. Smoothly it opened, and he greeted another guard standing on the inside of the door. Seated at the far end of the small room was King Thranduil, busily writing a letter. His long fair hair flowed about his shoulders, his face looked many years younger than he really was. On their arrival, he put his quill down and cleared his throat.

“The intruder, Your Majesty.” Belusewen bowed low before his King. Narninium curtsied and politely awaited his questioning.

“Thank you Belusewen” He looked to the curious elf before him.

“Your name and what brings you here” The King demanded curtly. He was not in a good mood. He was annoyed to find to that one of his chief guards of the forest, had failed to bring the stranger to him earlier, instead, preferring to entertain her. Other scouts had let him know that they had gone into Villia’s house. It was unlike Astaldo to do anything so foolish and it displeased him immensely.

Narninium sensed the King’s annoyance and found his looks disturbingly attractive. She smiled at him, hoping he wouldn’t be too harsh on her or the elf Astaldo.

 She said apologetically. 

<No need, elf-maiden, for I know Westie speech. I said what is your name and what brings you here? > He repeated.

<Narninium my Lord. I am searching for my lost sister and I come in peace. >

<Why do you think your sister would be in my kingdom, so far from your own? Is she in some kind of trouble, or is ‘she’ trouble?> The regal face looked smooth but stern as he waited for her answer.

<I don’t know, except she has been gone for some time and nobody else has been able to trace her. I know she trusts me and maybe I'll be able to bring her back home, as my parents are fretting over her. It’s been eighteen months since we last saw her Your Majesty. > Narninium’s eyes threatened to spill her silent tears. Her huge sad eyes softened his own thoughts and he considered helping her. He had met the elves from the Western Woods many times in his life, but it was long ago and he had not traveled so far in recent years. He was aware of their mysterious beauty and their voices were the most dazzling of all elves; excluding his own people of course.

<What is your sister’s name, Narninium? >

<Thalia, my Lord > She had gained control of her emotions and now felt a glimmer of hope that the King might help her after all.

 He stood up and moved around the huge desk and was directly before her.

<While I have you here, would you be so kind to return me a favour? > Narninium nodded in surprise, thinking, what could she possibly do for the King?

<Please sing me a song or two as I know of the singing of the West Wood elves. >

Narninium nodded and began to sing. Her notes lifted and spiraled around the small room, bringing a smile even to Belusewen’s face. As she finished the first song, the King was now in a pleasant mood and asked Belusewen to order the scouts to find any information of Thalia. Belusewen bowed to the King, nodded to Narninium, and reluctantly left the room. On completion of her second song, the king asked her to stay and eat lunch with him. Narninium was honored that he would invite her.

They wound their way up a twisting staircase at the far end of the room. It ended on a dazzling sunlit balcony, tucked away into the side of the cave and away from prying eyes. It was not visible from the front of the palace and yet it overlooked the exquisite gardens below. Wisteria grew all around the walls and arched doorway, with bunches of purple flowers suspended like grapes; emitting a strong perfume.

Narninium drew her breath in sharply at the beauty she had walked into. She closed her eyes and sniffed the air, saturated with the overpowering aroma; her face enraptured. The King watched her as she took it all in and was pleased he brought her here to his favorite place in the royal palace. As they moved towards the table and chairs on the balcony, Narninium turned to the King and said:

<Please don’t be too hard on Astaldo for not reporting me straight away. > She knew she was pleading with the King but was still thinking of Astaldo and the trouble she had now caused him. <He heard me singing and I think it made him forget his duties> She said dramatically.

<Nothing should make him forget his duty, it never has before and will not again> King Thranduil replied, annoyance returning to his royal features, reminding him that something had to be done about that, but it would have to be later. Let him sweat it out a bit longer, He thought to himself.

*****

Astaldo had begun pacing the room some time ago. He knew he was thinking too much of Narninium but he seemed incapable of banishing her fine features and lovely voice from his head. Up and down the pacing continued, until to his surprise, he saw it was getting dark outside. Why had the King not called for him yet? And did he not need a translator for Narninium? Oh, he had been foolish to bring her into their private dwellings without taking her to the King first. He knew that King Thranduil would be furious with him, being one of his best guards and not fulfilling his duty, instead, daydreaming over this elf from the West. But what had become of her? He was afraid that she was now imprisoned, maybe she hadn’t told him the truth. Her reasons for being here could be more devious than he first thought and now he was to look a fool. A she-elf deceiving him this way, it was unthinkable!

No, Narninium’s tears over Thalia had seemed very real; after all, she was unarmed and unescorted at that. How much trouble could an elf in her position cause? Surely, nothing to worry about, unless she had some powers that were yet unknown to them. This made his brow crease as he imagined the worst. He needed to talk to his mother; maybe she would know more about the ways of these elves.

*****

Tinkling laughter floated down from the balcony and drifted over his delicate and sensitive ears; followed by much deeper chuckling of his father’s voice and an unusual form of elvish. As night was falling, the air was crisp on his face and the fragrant blooms of the garden were all around him, tickling his sensitive nostrils. It was going to be a beautiful evening and he would be reluctant to come inside if it was not for the intriguing voice on his father’s balcony. The pouring of wine could be heard and more of the elf’s happiness as he silently ascended the stone staircase, pausing briefly to hear her speak.

Narninium had drunk far too much, but she was happy- she didn’t mind one bit. Astaldo was tucked away in her memories of that morning. Another glass of wine and some delicious food, she was more than relieved with the way things were going for her. They had been sitting here longer than she realized. For the first time, she noticed that night was almost upon them and they were still enjoying each other’s company.

<You truly are a kind king to entertain me in this manner> Narninium giggled, her cheeks glowing from all the heady liquid she had consumed.

<Ha ha, then you do not know me at all, elf-maiden of the West> His eyes glinted at her over the wine goblet, which was beautifully engraved with the same flowers and animals she had seen previously on the entrance walls. His huge grin mocking his words. His piercing blue eyes and chiseled features were distracting her

“Yes, somewhat reminiscent of a Nazgul with a sore head” Interjected Legolas leaning forward from the archway. Casually he lifted the bottle of wine and a goblet for himself. A slight frown flickered across the King’s forehead before he smiled at his son and encouraged him to be seated with them.

<My son Legolas, Narninium> He said. “Legolas, this is Narninium our guest from the West,” He continued.

<What a pleasure to meet someone else in the Royal Family, I am being spoilt> Narninium gushed. He was very good looking, with a firm warriors build to his slight form, popular with the elf-maidens to be sure. She eyed him with unconstrained delight.

<Obviously, the pleasure is that my father be dining here with you on such a splendid evening> the foreign words slid effortlessly off his tongue. Narninium blushed at the intentions and stared into her goblet before draining it in one go. Legolas raised an eyebrow at this gesture, glancing over to his father, who was watching her with an incredulous look on his face.

Elegantly, Legolas filled his goblet to the brim, setting it on the table before moving to refill hers. The wine swirled around and the popping of hundreds of bubbles could be heard. Narninium fingered the delicate design on the goblet, deciding against draining it as before.

<What is the aim of your visit, Narninium of the Western Woods? > Legolas eyed her carefully. She seemed to have drunk slightly too much wine for someone of the West. They were not known for their strong vintage, but he knew they could sing. As if reading his mind, Narninium began to sing. Softly at first, then becoming more absorbed, she forgot the King and his son were even there, as she put her heart into it. It was at that point, she remembered Astaldo- that earlier she would have never believed she could possibly forget. Her song ended and instead of feeling the usual cheerfulness that came with singing, she felt undeniably sad.

The King’s face had a look of pure pleasure, and Legolas stared at him in disbelief. Not that her song had no affect on him, but he was surprised to see his father so taken by her. He was quick to realize she had not answered his question.

“What is she doing here, father?”

“Looking for her lost sister, I believe.” The King replied without looking in his direction but smiling to Narninium instead. “Maybe you would be so kind as to help her with this task?” With a smirk, his eyes now turned to Legolas.

“I feel there is more to this than you think. Did she travel here alone, no guards with her and not announcing herself to you as customary?” He tried to conceal his annoyance at the suggestion of helping her.

<Why, we are forgetting our manners Legolas> the King reminded him in Westie. <That was a wonderful song, Narninium. Perhaps you could sing it again for us another day? > He spoke in a fatherly way, choosing to ignore his son. She smiled at him but the sadness did not leave her eyes.

 Her eyes did not leave the King’s face as she sent a silent plea to him to give her a warm bed for the night.

<Of course,my dear, we shall get one of the maids to escort you to a room> He signaled to the guard behind the archway and spoke quickly to him. Legolas did not move or take his eyes from her face, as if trying to read her mind. He sought to know the real reason for her visit. Narninium was aware of his intense gaze, but did not shrink under it. She was thankful when the maid turned up only minutes later.

 Legolas tone was light and cheerful. Hearing this, Narninium thanked him shyly and said goodnight to both of them, curtsying before she left.

*****

Astaldo had lost his composure, he was positively seething that the king had not even made contact with him concerning Narninium. After speaking with Villia over dinner together, he felt concerned about her possible powers. His mother had told him that the West Wood Elves were peaceful and she was unlikely to have any special powers, although it was not totally unheard of. This had eased his mind but he was still worried about her.

Trying to calm himself, he poured some of his mother’s amber liquid into a goblet. In the evenings, he would usually visit the other members of the guard- his friends. They would have a few drinks and be merry until the small hours, especially during the warmer months. Narbeleth was almost upon them, he knew he should be making the most of the warm evenings.

Finding his friends would take his mind off Narninium, as it was becoming apparent, the King would not require him this night. A frown creased Astaldo’s brow, what of Narninium? Where was she this hour? He felt his earlier anger and frustration returning. He tipped the wine down his throat as he headed for the door. The King will not keep me from her; I have a right to know what he has done with her. Astaldo’s indignation now sending him striding through the trees with purpose and determination etched upon his face.

*****
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