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A Duel With Destiny	By : Mel99Moe Category: +Third Age > Het - Male/Female Views: 2358 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own any places or characters of Lord of the Rings. No money is being made. This is strictly for personal enjoyment.

Chapter List
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Chapter 3

Tonight was the night of the festivities. Just as was agreed, Alastegiel handed herself over to the maids and servants to get ready for the harvest dance. She was poked and prodded, tweezed and squeezed. She had made up her mind that she would not enjoy a moment of this torture. Then a bath was drawn for her. She was at least given the privacy of undressing and slipping beneath the water. Then the ladies in waiting came in and washed her hair and body. Alastegiel felt awkward at first, but soon found it to be quite pleasing, especially when she was given a glass of the King’s own fine wine. As the servants washed her with soft clothes and fine smelling soaps and oils, she let her mind wander to the sight of Thranduil, as he stood tall and firm at the targets. She couldn’t deny the fact that knowing he had archery skills made him more interesting to her. She allowed a vision to play out that not maids but Thranduil himself was washing her. He was indeed very handsome and probably a very meticulous lover. ‘No. No’ her mind yelled. She mustn’t think of him like this. She loathed him. He was of royal blood, only interested in himself. He had tricked her, which was why she was here in the first place, enjoying this warm bath and delicious wine, wishing he were with her now.

The bath ended and she dressed in a soft white robe. She was led to another room where a maid tended to her hair. She expected it to be a tedious project, to have to untangle it, have it dried and then braided. Whatever they used to wash it made it feel soft as silk. There was no pulling or tangles for that matter. The comb glided rather easily through it. Another glass of wine was brought to her and she accepted it. The smell of butterfly blossoms filled the air, light and delicate, very flowery. This was the most feminine she had ever felt. Maybe it was not all bad to be pampered.

Soon her hair was done and it was time to dress. Again, she agonized over what kind of royal torturous get-up they would stick her in. She was pleasantly surprised to find a beautiful, soft green flowing gown in her closet. The maids helped her into it. It went all the way to the floor and the back flowed out behind her slightly. The sleeves were long and the cuffs flared out like wings when she held them up. The low neckline accentuated her bosom, giving her a very womanly figure that she did not know she had. It was a gorgeous dress, fit perfectly and felt like her own skin. The maids brought her to a full-length mirror. She hardly recognized herself. As an added touch, one maid placed tiny flowers in her braids, which matched her dress. It was finished. She was ready for the dance.

The servants led Alastegiel down the hall to a waiting area where Thranduil would come for her and lead her to the dance hall. She had never been in this part of the palace before and took the time to walk around, admiring porcelain figurines and tapestries. Tall columns made up a circle in the center of the room and the ceiling was in a dome shape. All of the things in this room were of value and very well taken care of.

Suddenly there was the sound of someone clearing their throat. Alastegiel turned to see Thranduil standing in the doorway. Her heart skipped a beat as her eyes fell upon him. He was absolutely glowing in his dark green robes, silver tunic and leggings. Mithril cuffs wrapped around his upper arms, accentuating his muscles. A matching belt hung low on his waist and a silver circlet adorned his head. If she didn’t know any better, she would have thought him to be the King himself.

Thranduil’s heart stopped as he gazed upon the beauty across the room. Had he not known it was Alastegiel, he would have thought someone new came to Greenwood. She looked nothing like herself. She looked regal and important, radiant. Thranduil went to her and took her hand in his, bringing it to his lips. “Lady Alastegiel, you are absolutely beautiful this evening.” Then he smiled. “I see you endured the torture and came out unscathed.”

“I wouldn’t say that, but it definitely was not torture. An elleth could get used to living like this.” she said as a pink tinge spread on her cheeks.

“That is good to know.” Thranduil commented. “Shall we?” he said holding his arm out for her. Alastegiel smiled and accepted. They made their way to the dance hall.

All eyes were on the Prince and his lovely date. Many began to wonder if the Prince had at last found the one he would take as his true love. They went well together. If only they had known the matter in which this date took place. Never had Alastegiel been so glad to lose a wager.

Thranduil was a very gracious host, introducing her to all the nobles. Alastegiel noticed how nice they all were, not the stuffy aristocrats she thought them to be. Then they danced the night away. With each dance, they held each other a little closer until at last, during a slow melodic song, they dared to wrap their arms around each other. Thranduil’s warm breath caressed her neck. She reveled in the feel of his strapping body so close to hers. He took in her scent, which burned a place into his memory. His heart sang out to her and she felt his admiration.

The song ended and the couple looked deep into each other’s eyes, searching for the one thing they both so desperately wanted. And there, they found their souls, touched by a love neither one knew existed besides in fairytales and elf lore. It was as if they had known each other their whole long lives. There was no more animosity, no more games to play, no more convincing or duels. It was real and raw, love in its purest form.

The song had ended for a while now but the couple still held each other closely. “My lady, I find that I cannot let you go. I think I have always searched for the one who could not only capture my attention but hold me fast in my place. You are the one I have looked for.”

Alastegiel smiled. “I never knew such emotions existed until just now. I find I can no longer resist you, even if you tricked me.” she added for good measure. She wanted to make sure he knew she was still the same elleth he first met.

“From far away and for far too long have I yearned to know you. Now in this one moment I find that I have known you my whole life. I never want to let you go. I feel as if I have found my soul mate. Alastegiel, I love you. Will you allow me the honor of a courtship? Will you one day become my wife, my princess, my forever?”

Her heart was soaring now. “This all seems to be happening so fast, but never has anything felt so right. Thranduil, Prince of the Great Greenwood, you have my permission for I too have found a match to my soul within your eyes.”

The Prince smiled from ear to ear and leaned in to kiss her for the first time. Alastegiel brought her fingers to his lips to stop him. “What about my life as a border guard? Are you asking me to give up my dreams of accomplishing this goal?”

“If you choose to stay on this path, then I will not hinder you. Instead, I will be there by your side, fighting for our home and our people. A warrior Prince and a warrior Princess we could be. I really don’t care, as long as we are together. I will not stop you.” he said with sincerity.

She searched his face and his eyes and saw honesty. “This is the elf I hoped you were. No more games Thranduil. I think I could spend eternity with you. Your heart is true. Should the day ever come, you will make a very admirable, powerful and much respected king. And I would be proud to be by your side. I love you Thranduil Oropherion.” She reached up and cupped her hand to the side of his face. Thranduil lowered his head and slowly brushed his lips across hers. “I love you.” he whispered just before capturing her lips. The kiss was soft and sweet, the first kiss of many. They memorized this moment in time.

His hands went to her waist and pulled her close to his body. Her hands came to rest upon his chest. The world around them seemed to disappear until someone tapped on Thranduil shoulder. They broke the kiss and looked to their intruder. It was Oropher, the King of Greenwood the Great. He looked upon the couple with sternness but a gleam in his eyes. Alastegiel immediately released Thranduil. Surely, this was improper behavior.

“Thranduil, what is the meaning of this?” Oropher asked.

Thranduil took Alastegiel’s hand and pulled her close. “Adar, I would like you to meet my future princess.”

Oropher looked at Alastegiel with a kind smile. His eyes spoke volumes as he seemed to accept her already as a good match for his son. However, his face grew more serious as he turned his attention to Thranduil. “And you are sure of this?”

“I have never been more sure.” He let his gaze fall back to Alastegiel. “I love her and she loves me. We have no doubts and we wish to proceed with a courtship.”

“I see.” said the mighty King. He then turned his attention to the guests who were watching the scene unfold before them. “This night has been filled with the blessings of the Valar. Greenwood shall have a princess.” he announced. Everyone smiled and clapped, but they already knew this for they had seen the looks on the couple’s faces. It was love and it was true.

* * *

Oropher wished that the happy couple would follow the ritual of a proper courtship, but he knew of Thranduil’s impatience. There was no doubt in his mind that a bond would be made soon. The Lady Alastegiel was a perfect match for his son, which is why he did not talk Thranduil out of making any spontaneous decisions. A day, a month or a year, it did not matter. These two were soul mates, destined to love one another and would be together forever.

Thranduil and Alastegiel had been very close for the past couple of weeks. They got to know each other quite well. He came to watch her training session and once she sat in on some court business. She was literally bored out of her mind until Thranduil retaliated against some kind of trade agreement with the Men of Lake Town. His voice was strong and booming throughout the hall. How terrible and powerful he must have seemed to the Men. The elves in the room wore a look of pride for their Prince. In the end, he got his way. She couldn’t help but feel a new attraction for him.

* * *

Later that evening, as they walked in the garden, Thranduil came around in front of her and stopped. “Alastegiel, I know I said I would court you properly and if this makes no sense to you I will understand. But I can wait no longer. I see no reason to delay the inevitable. I know how I feel about you and it will never change except to grow stronger with each passing moment.” He wrapped his arms around her and looked deep into her eyes. “Bond with me, my love. Let us become one in the eyes of the Valar. I can wait no longer to call you my wife.”

Alastegiel did not know what to say. She smiled and brought his head down to hers, kissing him with a fiery spirit he had not yet felt. “I do not act so rash. I must be under your spell to want to agree with this. I do want to bond with you. I am finding it difficult to wait. You are all I think of day and night. You have consumed me. My soul yearns for you.”

Thranduil kissed her deeply as his tongue searched for entrance to her sweet mouth. His hands traveled up her sides and brushed along the edge of her breasts. Something stirred deep within his body. Desire rose quickly. Alastegiel felt the evidence of it harden against her. She suddenly became nervous and trembled at the very thought of what they were about to do. Thranduil looked at her. “Do not fear this meleth. I will not hurt you. I will not force you to do anything against your will. I will be gentle.” he said then whispered more mischievously, “At least this first time I will.”

Alastegiel giggled and instantly felt at ease. “Do you know what you do to me? When I am with you, I feel invincible, beautiful. My worries and fears dissolve with every kiss, every touch.” She grabbed his tunic and pulled him close to feel his hardened desire against her stomach. “I want you Thranduil.” Her hot breath caressed his ear, setting him on fire. “But not yet.”

“What?” Thranduil’s voice cracked.

A fiendish grin spread across Alastegiel’s face. “Perhaps a duel young Thranduil. You tricked me once but you shall not do it again.”

“I tricked you yes, but the outcome was satisfactory was it not?” he said as he closed in on her. Alastegiel put her hand up to stop him.

“It was well played out.” Then she smiled sheepishly. “And I was quite satisfied… so far. However, you are asking me to break the rules and abandon courtship. You are a Prince. Do you not think such a hasty decision will be frowned upon? You must set an example for your people. What will they say when they have been cheated of the celebrations that follow such an engagement?”

“They will say I am young and foolish, that I show disrespect for the King and my father. Then they will see your honesty and your beauty. They will see why I was so hasty and know they would have done the same had they been in my boots. The elves of the Woodland have seen you once already and they love you. They know you will make a worthy addition to the royal family. They will accept you as their own.” He finished by brushing his lips across hers and kissing her deeply. Thranduil was very convincing. It was part of his charm. However, Alastegiel was quite keen and persuasive on her own. She was a strong match to his mighty power. She was not easily seduced by his charms, though she was almost overtaken by him. There was still a part of her that remained stern and always would. Thranduil needed someone to keep him in his place when he became overconfident.

“You have not answered me my Prince.” she said, her voice slightly cold as she seemed unmoved by his seductive words. “Will you honor me with one more challenge? I deserve the right to claim a victory.”

Thranduil would play along. “Alright then. What are your terms?”

“Two arrows. Closest to the center wins. Just as before only this time I know of your skills.” she answered, eyebrows creased.

“And what will the winner receive?”

“Name you price my Prince.”

Thranduil pretended to think for a moment, but he already knew what he wanted and so did she. “If I win, you become my princess, my wife this very evening. We will forgo the courtship and begin our long and happy lives.”

“Typical.” she said and smiled for she very much wanted the same thing. Nevertheless, this was a duel and she would need her own terms. “And if I win we will have a long and proper engagement. I will not have it said that I did not follow protocol. If I am to become a princess, I must make a good impression and an even better example.”

“Agreed.” Thranduil said. “Tomorrow then, my private practice field. No others. Just us.” Then they went their separate ways to prepare for the match.
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A Duel With Destiny