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A Frozen Sun	By : Esequell Category: Lord of the Rings Movies > Hobbit, The Views: 2548 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I don't own Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit and I'm not making any money from this.

Chapter List
- 5
- 6
- 7
5 – An Uncertain Beginning
The blue green waters of this warm lagoon were fed by hot springs that rose beneath the caverns. This natural, indoor bath was the private, welcome retreat of the royal family. Thranduil let the heat sweep away his pains and relax his muscles. It drew from him all the tension of the last week. He ran a hand through the ripples. His skin exuded a soft, white glow which shimmered like a starlight underwater. Some had recently insinuated that it had grown dimmer in recent years, bringing him closer to the nature of man than elf.
Perhaps it is a sign that my journey draws near, he thought. He had put off that decision until Legolas became more capable.
His back was stiff from sitting so long and his hair had grown oily. Thandir had offered to wash it for him but Thranduil wanted to be alone tonight. He lounged against the rocks with a bauble of rich, ruby wine. The glass clinked against the stone as he shifted about. His wet hair clung to his throat and chest and he once threw it over his shoulder to stream in the current.
Haliel's ghost was still down here; a wispy specter made of Thranduil's memories. Now and then he would catch a whiff of her favourite scent and swear she was nearby. Occasionally he would wake to a snippet of her voice but she always faded too quickly, like a dying flame. At first he had suffered his grief like a sickness but now he had sunk into weary, lonely resignation. In the time since her death Thranduil had forsaken all Gods except the Voice.
Olerydes had a gift for saying what was true but still his ears baulked at her honesty. He spat feathers at her cheek but praised her integrity. Lately he had finally taken her nagging for the loving act it was and begun to drink less wine. Thranduil did not enjoy sobriety. It bought on a secret, desperate desire to be loved again. The mausoleum quiet of his halls and chambers hinted at serial loneliness. His children had become his confidantes but soon even they would fly his nest. Olerydes was very close to making her own life. Now her child would become the most important thing in her world.
As it should be, he thought.
Thranduil did not wish to burden sensitive Lilia with the troubles of power when it was unlikely she would ever be Queen. On Legolas however, much rode. Thranduil was beginning to sense the boy required a wife. He was certainly no longer a child. He had grown up overnight, leaving his father reeling in surprise.
Even he does not yet see his need, but he is innocent. He needs company and counsel and someone to confide in who loves him unconditionally. Soon they will all be gone from me. The thought filled Thranduil with equal parts fierce pride and dread.
And then, there was Pephennas. Thranduil was no fool. He would not fall for the first pretty face but Phe's innocence had charmed him. So had her attempts to confide in him and to win his trust.
More my lady, he willed her. What I want from you is not what you give knowingly, it is what you are. Give me who you are and I will love you for it. You will be the first in a long time to do this.
Thranduil sighed a gentle breath through parted lips as fair as rose petals. With this relaxation came an unexpected erection. He closed his palm around his aching manhood and enjoyed the familiarity of his own warm flesh. Then with gentle strokes be began to coax pleasure from his body. He was not surprised when Phe appeared in his imagination. Thranduil sighed happily and then the door opened and Legolas strode in carrying a towel. Thranduil released his erection and pretended innocence. The boy was in the wrong place to see what Thranduil was doing, for which his Father was very grateful.
'I did not know you were in here, Ada.'
'Clearly,' Thranduil's voice was soft and relaxed. 'I am certain I taught you to knock.'
'I thought you would be abed,' Legolas nodded.
Thranduil thought to himself sullenly; If I were abed, would I get more peace there?
'No,' Thranduil picked up his wine. 'Though I may be soon.'
Legolas sensed his Father wanted to be alone. He touched the door handle to leave but then he turned to look at the back of Thranduil's head. Thranduil could sense something was on his mind. He waited.
'Ada. Words have been flying around the court. Many still adhere to the Old Way. Do you think Olerydes will marry now? They are saying she is shamed forever.'
'The foolish will always gossip Legolas. You and Olerydes would do well to ignore them. I will deal with any insurrection that is bought before me with evidence but past that, you must grow a thicker skin. When she has mended her heart for Ronir she will have a suitable match. Perhaps a Widower or an older, more reliable elf than he.'
Legolas nodded.
'She does not blame you, Ada.'
'I am not so sure,' Thranduil's eyes narrowed. What is the boy getting at? 'Has she spoken to you, then? About Ronir?'
'Not to me,' Legolas shrugged. Legolas recalled the sword on Thranduil's lap the morning set for Ronir's trial. 'Lilia says she weeps all night sometimes. Would you have killed him?'
'I did think of it,' Thranduil nodded. 'But it is too late now. Perhaps if I catch him I will be tempted.'
'I will miss her when she marries.'
'As will I,' Thranduil said. 'But I cannot keep you all forever. One day you must all start families of your own. That is how we grow up. You all have an appointed time.'
Legolas licked his lips nervously. 'Ada-' he started.
Thranduil did not try to fill the sudden silence. He was waiting for Legolas to work up his nerve. When the boy lost his confidence and made for the door, Thranduil commanded him softly, 'Stop, Legolas. Tell me what you are struggling with.'
Legolas sighed. 'There is someone...I am close to,' he finally confessed.
'How close?'
'Very close,' Legolas sounded nervous.
'Do not tell me she is with child!'
'What? No!' Legolas burst out in shock. Thranduil smiled softly at the wall. He had surely made the boy blush but he was not so cruel as to turn and stare.
'Good. Go on, then. Do I know this maid? Assuming she is still a maid.'
'Ada,' Legolas sounded very unhappy. 'I would not do that to her! She is innocent and perfect in every way. And yes, you know her.'
Thranduil turned. He found Legolas flushed and bothered.
'If you have picked that silvan wench, I will-'
Legolas hid his blush.
'No,' said Thranduil flatly. 'You will not marry Tauriel. She is far beneath you.'
'Tauriel is as good as any lady to me,' he finally said.
Thranduil leaned forward. 'Not to me. Her Father was a pig boy. There are others more worthy with greater importance to our family.'
'I do not think that is important,' Legolas breathed.
'I do.'
For a long minute Legolas gazed angrily at his Father and then he said stubbornly;
'I will not love who you choose.'
Thranduil shook his head.
'I do not care if you love her, Legolas. You only have to marry her and sire children. If Tauriel wishes to be your mistress afterwards then I will turn a blind eye but you will marry who I choose.'
'That is not fair! You loved Mother before you were married,' Legolas came closer to glare down at his Father. Thranduil hid nakedness against the side of the pool. Any plans to use his earlier erection were long gone now.
'Do not test me, Legolas,' he warned.
His son curved his lips in an accurate approximation of his Father's most intimidating stare.
'I love Tauriel.'
Thranduil made a noise that was half a sigh and half a hiss.
'Do not say that in front of me.'
'You dislike her for more than her birth!' Legolas accused.
'Yes,' Thranduil said patiently. 'I most certainly do.'
'She tries hard to please you! One failure at work does not make her an unsuitable bride! She has redeemed herself in my eyes.'
Thranduil knew only too well the value of the right woman to a King. He had no desire to see Legolas unhappy but neither would he hand his crown to a low born elf.
'I will not allow it. Put her out of your mind.'
Legolas pulled away from him and hauled the door open. His Father's shout echoed up the corridor behind him.
'Legolas!'
But his son was already gone. Thranduil made a face and turned back to his bath, irritated.
000
Thranduil sensed the worst of the snows coming. In his dreams, he saw great drifts marching across the land like soldiers in white silk, throwing snow bombs at his men. Then his men became his family and Thranduil sat up in bed, cold of heart and tired of bad weather. The next morning, the land was carpeted in white. The drifts rose four feet tall at their deepest and they went marching one after the other in the direction of the biting wind. Already these early snows had caused accidents and so guards were dispatched with hot torches and shovels. Sindaroth was quiet that day. Almost everyone had gone outside to enjoy the snow.
Thranduil felt lonely in the caves and indeed it was a quiet day even for a King. He watched Legolas ride off on patrol with Tauriel. Her copper hair streamed in the wind and the lightly falling flakes landing on her face and nose like stars. Thranduil was irritable. His mind was busy and his body seemed to have woken from a long slumber. Twice he had found himself suddenly aroused. It was beginning to wear thin. He went to find his chief Gaoler, Halben and pulled him outside to practise their blades.
Halben's gift was unique and he matched the King for speed. Holding a sword seemed to help but still Thranduil felt ill at ease. He wondered how far Legolas would go to defy him. Thranduil lost the match, and the next one too. Halben was good enough not to laugh but a few titters did go around the courtyard and so Thranduil, reluctant to be shamed thus, put a little more effort into their fighting.
From a high window he spied a streaming scarf of sweet, pink silk which had been caught by the wind and drawn off the owners shoulders. Phe was battling the wind to get it back. Thranduil stared at her, captivated. He smiled when Olerydes grabbed it and both girls laughed. And suddenly she was looking down, her hair picking up. Olerydes followed her gaze and saw her Father, who was then abruptly bashed about the shoulders by Halben. He staggered and grabbed a bench and then turned with something close to fury in his eyes. Halben held up both hands and laughed.
'I'm sorry!' he cried.
Thranduil smiled tightly, and the next match he won.
That afternoon he took Leesha and Anion out to play in the snow. He watched the window often but he did not see her again. Not her waterfall of chocolate hair, nor her pink scarf, nor perhaps, a wave of her hand. He wondered if it was worth losing a match properly so that she might pity him as a lady should, but then he discounted it because it would surely ruin his reputation.
000
One cold morning, Phe stood unaided. Olerydes realised that together she and Lilia could have Phe walking around a little, so a few days passed in which they took her to the bath house, around the lower floors and into the branches a little way. Phe began to smile more, for which Olerydes was grateful. She had been dour of late. Olerydes had wondered if Phe was losing hope for her recovery but this development improved Phe's spirits greatly and they all laughed and joked as they went.
They were standing by one of the great, upper windows when a noise startled all three. Olerydes had been on edge since the Ungol had surprised them in the pool. She reached automatically for her dagger but she found only her Father standing behind them. He smiled warmly.
'Ada,' she sighed in relief. 'You startled me.'
'Iellig,' he nodded. Then he bowed his head in polite greeting to Phe, who returned it, blushing. She could think only of their last conversation and she wondered if he had come with his answer.
'Hiril vuin. I am pleased to see you recovered so. How are you feeling?'
'It is harder to walk than I had imagined it would be,' Phe said. 'I feel very tired. But I feel brighter for being outside my chamber!'
Thranduil stepped a little closer.
'Lilia, Olerydes, do you not have five minutes business to attend to elsewhere?' he turned to gaze at his eldest who just bowed her head and tugged her sister out of the room. When they shut the door he smiled at Phe warmly. It was a smile she had not seen since their first conversation alone on the balcony.
'Hir vuin,' Phe offered him a bow of her head and a warmer smile. 'Perhaps it is only you and I who do not get to play in the snow.'
Thranduil walked to the window and gazed down. Phe was suddenly aware of how tall he was. There was a foot of difference between the top of her head and the tip of his crown. He wore a coat in Autumn colours. It suited him well.
'I am afraid I was smashed about the head with a snowball earlier. Leesha is a strong girl, for her age. But if you had the strength we might remedy that.'
'Do not tease me,' she said softly. 'I love the snow. I do not have the strength.'
He turned to her and folded his arms. Then he cocked an eyebrow.
'Will you take dinner with me, hiril vuin? This evening.'
'Of course, hir vuin,' Phe's heart thumped merrily.
'Until tonight then,' he stepped away from her, and disappeared through the door, his coat trailing after him.
Phe gazed after him like a fool. Olerydes said nothing when she returned but Phe had the sense the older girl already knew that something had passed between them. Phe hoped she would not take exception to it if Thranduil did as she hoped and offered her freedom for in return for his pleasure.
000
Olerydes brushed and braided Phe's hair. She draped a string of pearls around her throat. She fetched Phe a cloth to wipe her face and hands. All the time she sang softly about an old lord and his lady love. From the lyrics, Phe gathered the maid was quite innocent and the lord himself was a lecherous old man who was quite filthy and persuasive. She was pleased though when it had a happy ending and the lady fell in love with him.
'Dearest?' Olerydes began to take off Phe's shoes and stockings. 'I know this is a little discourteous but we all wonder. Do you find Ada...comely? It is just that when he spoke to you earlier you went redder than a Carp!'
Phe went bright red now. She tried to hide it by looking down but Olerydes just laughed at her discomfort. She patted Phe's foot reassuringly.
'You do not need to answer me. Your face says enough. Why did you oppose the match so strongly then?'
'I did not know Thranduil then,' she said. 'But it hardly matters. He does not want me in any case.'
Olerydes nodded. She did not want to admit that she had overheard Phe's conversation with her Father.
'He did not refuse you because of you. He refused because your Father tried to trick him for lands! Father holds his power by being clever and by being strong. Caduven offended him because he tried to make a fool of him! I think Ada likes you really.'
Phe tried to school her face and not smile but it was hard when she felt his Thranduil's acceptance meant so much.
000
The dinner was sumptuous. It spilled from the serving bowls like a cornucopia of her favourites. Olerydes and Lilia helped her to sit and exhausted though she was even from the short walk, Phe managed to lift her own cup and cut her own food. It was such an improvement that she was elated. Thranduil had left his Autumn overcoat on and a split up the front of his overcoat revealed dark grey leggings so tight that Phe could see the muscles in his legs. He sat with one thigh folded over the other and it made her feel weak and fluttery. Her body awoke in ways not used since Rosdaer. She could not stop herself from smiling and Thranduil was grateful to find her so.
There it is again, the smile that takes the breath from me!
'Hir vuin,' she said happily. 'I had almost forgotten what a proper meal around the table feels like!'
Thranduil offered her a smile and said; 'You are in pain, my lady. I can see it in your face.'
'Yes,' she smiled anyway. 'It does hurt. But it hurts when I lay still, when I sit, when I walk. I am happy to be distracted from it.'
'Then I will do my best to distract you,' he gave her another of those warm smiles that Phe was coming to recognise as hers and hers alone. They made her feel warm inside and fed the hunger in her heart for more of his affection.
'My lord. Your family has shown me such care and attention since my fall. Olerydes has become my strength. You have all given me much more than I can return.'
Thranduil gestured to his aide to fill their cups.
'I am...interested...in your proposal,' he said softly.
Phe's heart began to thump. 'Yes, my lord? What would you ask of me?'
Thranduil sipped his wine and sat back to contemplate her beauty. Then his smile faded slowly and he shrugged. Phe thought he looked a little sad.
'Nothing, my lady. I want nothing from you.'
Phe's heart stopped beating. She could not look him in the eye. She stared at her plate instead.
I have surely failed, she thought. He looks as if he is about to take revenge on me for my cheek!
'I...do not understand,' she whispered.
Thranduil put down his fork with a clink.
'How can you make a deal with a man who wants nothing from you, I wonder?' he asked.
Phe blushed so hot that it was uncomfortable. 'I do not under-' she started.
'I know you do not understand!' he raised his voice and Phe flinched back, afraid.
Thranduil rose slowly and spoke; 'You underestimate me, hiril vuin. I do not make deals for my favours. I do not take kindly to the fawning gentility who come to my presence only to flatter me with their compliments, their gifts, their sense of humour, their beauty, their tits on show! I would surely grow sick of the sight of them if I did not have the power to send them away!'
Phe wanted to shrink. He came towards her with the soft rustle of silk.
'Do not deal with me!' He bent low. 'I am beyond trading for my pleasure. I have grown sick of all my friends. I have replaced my aides ten times over to escape their worship! My children are my last pleasure, my only pleasure. They speak only truth to me. Those who cannot do this, I have no use for!'
Phe could not muster up words or a voice, she was too afraid of his anger. Then Thranduil grasped her chin in his hand gently and tilted her head up until she could not avoid his burning eyes. She wanted to cry, being so unable to escape him.
'Look at me,' he insisted, hotly. 'Look into my eyes when I speak to you! It is a tendency I do not like, the way you gaze at my boots and not my face.'
When Phe was at a loss for words, he gave another of those shrugs and his eyes narrowed.
'Do you think it is respectful to look away from a King? It is respectful to show him the truth in your eyes!'
'You will have it, my lord,' she whispered. She was too afraid of his wrath to deny him. A pair of hot tears ran from her eyes and one splashed onto his met his gaze. She was surprised to see laughter in their depths as well as anger. Mercifully he straightened and took a step back. Phe gazed into his face and found his expression pensive and curious, but no longer angry. He spread his hands.
'You are weeping, you see? I am accustomed to speaking my mind. If you will not tell me when I must stop then I have no use for you at all.'
'How can I tell you when to stop!' she whispered, her voice thick with tears. 'You are the King. You tell me when you wish to stop!'
Thranduil's skin flushed cold.
So you were right, Iellig. She believes I am self centered and cruel, that I wish only my pleasure over hers. She thinks of me as nothing but a King she must obey. This will not do. How can I care for her if she is nothing but a doormat to my will?
'Then think of me differently,' he bent again to look at her. Phe swallowed hard, nervous and quite aroused. 'Think of me as a friend perhaps,' then he smiled. Phe felt it was a real smile. 'I will take nothing from you because there is nothing you would trade me that I want.'
Phe felt as if her heart was broken. Her tears rose thick and fast to shame her. Horrified and embarrassed, Phe hid her face swiftly behind her napkin. She tried very hard not so sob.
'Why do you weep?' he finally said.
'A weak heart,' she choked, by way of explanation.
Thranduil's brows knitted together.
'I am not trying to hurt it,' he said softly, as if she had misunderstood him but Phe could not see how. She saw only pain and rejection.
'Thandir,' he summoned his aide. 'Have her taken back to her chambers. Let her dinner be served there.'
000
Phe was curled up on the chaise when Olerydes came back from her dinner with Lilia and Legolas. The older girl lit a lamp which bought some warmth and life back to the room and then she sat gently down and put her hand on Phe's shoulder.
'Leave me be, I cannot talk about it!' Phe sobbed, and Olerydes sighed through her nose.
'Then do not talk,' she said softly. 'I will just sit here and wait until you run out of tears.'
'It will be a long time.'
'Then I will bring you a bucket. The fountains do need replenishing.'
Phe sniffed and cast a glance at her.
'You are funny,' she conceded. Phe grabbed her hand then and held it.
'What is wrong, dearest? I hate to see you cry.'
Phe shook her head and dragged a pillow closer to bury her face in it. Olerydes smoothed her hair with her free hand.
'Did Ada...hurt you?' Olerydes asked delicately.
'No! No. He did not touch me, not like that. I thought he might, once. I thought perhaps he desired me secretly and if I offered him my body he might forgive my Father. But it is clear that he does not want me. And I do not blame him. He says I have nothing to trade that he wants!'
Phe had thought she could repeat it without crying but she was wrong. She burst into fresh tears that hurt her heart and hid her face from Olerydes in shame.
'Oh,' Olerydes made a face. 'That business with the deal. Yes. I wish I had heard it beforehand. We might have improved it. He does not take kindly to that sort of thing. He considers it insulting, you see. My father has not held power so long by being an idiot,' she smiled, then she realised what she had said. 'I do not mean you are, dearest. Just that he is difficult to bribe. I know people do not always see it but my Father has his own sort of honour! He is a King, after all. Integrity matters to him!'
Olerydes sighed, 'In truth I think he has grown tired of all falseness. There is a lot of falseness around the court nowadays. He would rather spend his time with those who are real, like his children. Perhaps he is just getting old and grumpy.'
Phe sniffed.
'He frightens me so. He was so angry! I thought he was going to do me a harm-'
Olerydes shook her head quickly in defense of her Father.
'No, he is not like that. He is a proud, fierce man though. He did not punish you for confessing about your Father. If he had found you less than innocent he might have done. What where you trying to gain from him, Phe? Or was it honesty that lead you to speak to him so plainly?'
'I cannot play this game!' Phe wept. 'I am not my Father. I cannot hint and wheedle and obtain what I want by cleverness. I do not think I am clever enough!'
'So it was both,' Olerydes surmised. 'If you wish his affections you must be yourself with him! Do not try to buy his favour or make him like you. In truth I think he finds you quite intriguing and I can see why. You are very innocent, Phe. I am not insulting you,' Olerydes smiled. 'I think you are too naive for Sindaroth but perhaps that is why he persists with you. Perhaps he sees potential. If he did not, he would send Legolas or I to deal with you. He has certainly done that before, when it is someone he does not like.'
Phe turned her head to gaze at Olerydes.
'He would certainly not spare the time to take dinner with you,' she observed.
Phe tried to smile but privately she thought that she did not want dinner with him again. Indeed she wanted to avoid him completely.
'Do you...love him?' Olerydes asked suddenly. 'Is that why you cry so hard when he shouts at you?'
'No!' Phe denied it quickly. Phe gazed into her dark eyes. 'My heart still belongs to Rosdaer.'
Olerydes nodded.
'Mine to Ronir. I think I may see if Ada will bring him back.'
Phe put her face back in the pillow.
'I almost wish Thranduil had accepted me,' she said softly. 'My future is so uncertain and it is all because of my Father's scheming.'
Olerydes gazed out of the high window.
'Your heart is tender for him, dearest. His is probably the same. I know he likes you really.'
'How do you know?'
'He still speaks to you. That alone is favour in his eyes.'
Phe bunched her hand in the pillow and sniffed.
'Even if I could love him. Even if he cared for me...I could not bear to. It would be wrong,' Phe whispered. 'After Rosdaer.'
Olerydes chewed her lip. She wanted to say that a hundred years was a long time but she was reluctant to upset Phe further.
000
Thranduil crept into Leesha's bedroom when it was time to wake her. He pulled the thick drapes back and turned to her bed. A square pillow lay under her covers and she was nowhere to be seen. The first that Phe heard of this was Olerydes arrival after breakfast. She came in to draw Phe's curtains looking pale and vexed.
'What is wrong?' Phe caught her hand, concerned.
'Leesha is missing,' Olerydes bent down to help Phe sit up. 'Ada went in to wake her and she had stuffed a pillow into her bed and run off in the night.'
Olerydes went to the window.
'They are searching the caverns now but I fear she is gone into the forest. I think she means to return to her homeland. It is so dangerous in there,' Olerydes chewed her thumbnail.
Shortly after that the horses were assembled at speed. Phe went to the window to watch. Legolas leaped into the saddle and turned his horse to speak to his Father. Thranduil threw his overcoat to an aide and mounted the white horse he favoured. Then the boy Thandir came galloping down the long path on his brown gelding. His cheeks were flushed and he was scatty and panicked but nobody made any mention of it because the more eyes they had the better.
A few minutes later, Anion crept into their room. He ran to Olerydes and threw himself into her embrace.
'What is wrong, Anion!' she smoothed his hair and smiled to Phe over the top of his head.
He is a sensitive boy, she thought. Battle might ruin him, if ever he has the misfortune to fight in one.
'He will not let me go with them!' The boy sobbed. Olerydes hid her smile in his hair. He smelled of the woods. It made her miss her walks and vow to return to them soon.
'You can help search the caverns,' she looked at him. 'Go on, go! They have need of you, I am sure.'
Anion clearly had not thought of that. A moment later he was gone too. Phe chuckled.
'He is a sweet boy,' she said.
Phe's smile faded. She gazed at the distant Greenwood and feared for the girl's safety. Thranduil rode over the bridge with the patrol. Suddenly she feared for his, too.
000
Legolas found the tracks first. Little footprints in the dirt and snow. He drew his horse abruptly to a halt. Thranduil came up beside him. His hair was wild and damp. He was afraid and angry and aching in the cold. Together they followed the tracks to where they disappeared into a single line.
'She has been dragged!' Legolas breathed.
'No-' Thranduil hissed. 'Leesha!' Thranduil cried to the cold wind, his voice echoing through the forest and disturbing distant webs. There was no answer.
'Leesha!' Legolas joined him. He turned his horse to follow the direction of the tracks.
Thranduil's horse skidded on a patch of ice and nearly lost his footing. They drew into a clearing where a great cave mouth yawned from the rock face. The tracks descended into the cavern. Thranduil slid off his horse. Fear trickled down his back and suddenly his strength seemed so little against what was to come.
'Leesha!' he called into the dark, but there was still no answer.
'Ada,' Legolas left his horse and came forward with a torch. Inside, the rocks were spun with mithril strands of silver web. Thranduil's heart stopped. All blood drained from his face.
'Ungol,' he almost groaned.
She is so small and they are strong and fast. Why did I leave her alone, even to sleep!
'If she lives we must find her-' Thranduil said.
Legolas grabbed his arm and Thranduil caught his gaze.
'She lives!' Legolas insisted. 'We go inside.'
Thranduil followed his son into the hot, close dark where there was barely the room to swing his sword. He felt the webs caress his face and neck and tangle in his hair. His hands were steady but his heart fluttered wildly. His skin went cold and clammy with fear when he thought of what he might find, buried here in this rocky tomb.
He could not bear the thought of her lifeless body and he cursed himself thrice over for ever leaving her unattended.
From now on I will be your shadow, he vowed. Until you can fight and kill these foul beasts yourself.
Thranduil nearly stumbled on an outcropping of rock that jutted like a thick pencil from the floor. The sharp edge tore through his boot and sliced his skin. He caught himself, angry.
This is a nest. Only a nest would be so warm!
Deeper he went with Legolas silent and present beside him, down into the crushing dark where there was no light except their torch. It burned lower and lower and finally guttered out. Thranduil felt a terrible panic rising, for the last time he had been in such a hot dark place, he had been burned by a dragon. He fought with memory and commanded it to die and to leave him be. He held his breath in check even as his lungs burned for air and mercifully, gained control of his terror before it could overwhelm him.
How close the dark is, I can hear them scuttling, their awful movements in the deep. They will sting her and poison her, then eat her alive. Give her back to me. Give her back I beg you and I will pray to you five times a day! Mother have mercy. Father watch over my family and keep them safe when I cannot.
He had not prayed in decades. He repeated it as he stepped through a stinging puddle that hurt his foot. He winced but he was used to this sort of pain. It was the pain in his heart that hurt the most. This terrible dread that she was already dead. He felt as if he was walking a fine line above the pit, waiting to fall to grief.
Then something brushed Thranduil's face and he was grabbed and pinned against a wall. Sharp rock sliced into his shoulders. He felt the rush of air as the jaws closed around his skull but then the thing screeched and fell back. It died with a blade in its skull. Legolas hauled his Father upright. They waited, tense and silent, huddled together. Legolas' body was warm against his.
'Ada-' he breathed.
'I am not hurt,' Thranduil whispered. He found his sons arm in the dark. Warm and solid. My strength.
The second blow hit Thranduil in the belly, so low he was sure the spider had been aiming for his privates. He was glad it had missed. This time he was ready. Whatever part of it he cut off with his blade fell onto the floor with a thud. The spider screeched and brushed their boots as it squirmed and died. He climbed over it, almost stabbing himself on the stinger.
Our lives hang by a thread of their silk. Here in this dank, dark place between the world of elves and the worlds of darkness.
His face was covered in web. His foot had gone dead of blood. Then a scream echoed in the depths and Thranduil found his courage, which had been hiding behind his heart. He ran towards it, his breath loud and irregular in his ears.
So dark I cannot see my feet. If I trip they might take me. Mother have mercy. Father watch over my family and keep them safe when I cannot.
'Ada!' Legolas hissed urgently, but Thranduil was feeling his way around a smooth wall. He found the tunnel that had been dug into it and pushed through thick webs and bones and trod over a stinking carcass. Here in the dark where his eyes did not work, he let the power of sight fade away and suddenly colours flared all around him. Colours of spiders, the colours of prey. The gossamer hint of web and the burst of pink and blue and black grief that was Leesha.
The lights! Oh, thank the Valar!
Thranduil ducked under a spiders legs and it felt nothing but his air as he passed. As he went he slit open its soft underbelly and it sprawled, screeching on the ground. His face twisted in disgust as he stuck another through its abdomen and cut off its stinger. Legolas emerged from the tunnel behind him. He glowed like a young leaf. He trod and felt his way over the spiders fearlessly.
How brave you are to come in here with me. My treasure, you are almost ready, and I am too. For the sea. For my escape.
Thranduil found Leesha with his fingertips. His hands trembled. She was ice cold and damp. A sob rose up his throat. Legolas put his hands on his Father's shoulders. Thranduil tugged her free of the webs and she spilled, limp but whole, into his arms.
'She is alive,' Thranduil whispered as he wrapped her around his body and hugged her head to his chest.
Legolas felt for her pulse but there was nothing. He did not dare to say what he knew.
Thranduil ducked into the tunnel through which they had come and backtracked along the glowing gaps, where the webs had been parted by their intrusion. Legolas followed behind. Every so often he would turn to slash or slice or shoot and every time the spiders fell, until the light bloomed up ahead and blinded Thranduil. He emerged shaking and damp to lay her on the grass. She was green and very pale. Her blue eyes were still open and her hair was matted with cobwebs.
Legolas sank, his quiver spent, to kneel beside his Father. So it is over then. She is dead.
'She is alive!' Thranduil said again, as guards came from between the trees to gaze at him in pity.
'Ada-' Legolas tried to get through, but his Father was not seeing him, or the guards, or any other thing except Leesha.
'Ada...their stings!' Legolas exclaimed suddenly. Thranduil turned to look at him, his face wet with tears and his hair a tangled mess of web and slime.
'Only stung,' he breathed. Legolas grabbed Leesha and picked her up. He whistled to his horse. 'A healer might reverse it!'
000
Phe clapped a hand over her mouth as Legolas pushed the door open. She had been sitting on a bench resting while Olerydes and Lilia helped to search the caverns. Now the whole family rushed with Legolas into Thranduil's study. Phe went too. She had seen the corpse in Legolas' arms. He laid Leesha flat on the Kings desk and stood back. Behind him came Olerydes. She caught Legolas by the arms.
'What has happened?' she breathed.
Legolas' eyes were full of tears.
'Stung,' he said and he clapped a hand over his mouth to hide his tears.
Phe could see Thranduil's hands were shaking. He threw down his sword with a clatter and laid his hands reverently on Leesha's feet. His shirt was torn and bloodied at the back and his boot was torn through. It was trailing yellow slime and blood. Then Olerydes came back to herself and she pushed past Phe to touch the girl's cold, white face.
'She cannot be-' Phe began to cry, but Legolas turned to her with such fury in his eyes that she stopped.
'Do not,' he said coldly.
'Forgive me,' she whispered.
Olerydes laid both hands on Leesha's head, her fingertips working into her hair. Then she closed her eyes and Phe stared at her in shock.
It cannot be. She is clearly dead already. I do not understand why she would them such hope!
The silence stretched. Phe felt like weeping for Thranduil, who had put his forehead on his arm in despair. Then Leesha convulsed. Then suddenly she began to breathe. Her chest rose and fell erratically for a minute then settled into a steady rhythm. Olerydes' frown deepened as she slid her fingertips to the girl's temples. Nothing happened. Then suddenly life came back to Leesha's open eyes and she startled and scrambled away, her eyes wide and haunted.
Thranduil grabbed Leesha and gathered her into his arms fiercely.
'Iellig,' he choked as he rocked her. Leesha found his matted hair with her little hands and finally she stopped panting like an animal caught in a trap and began to sob.
Olerydes slid into the nearest chair and clutched her head. Legolas made for her and grabbed her before she could sag uncomfortably.
Phe stared. She had never seen a healer bring back a soul.
I would never have guessed you were so gifted, she thought. Olerydes had gone very pale. Legolas wrapped his arms around her until she patted his hand and assured him that she was well enough, now. Only then did he release her, but he kept hold of her hand.
Phe sank slowly to sit on the chaise. Thranduil buried his face in Leesha's thick, curly hair. Phe could tell he was crying because his body shook and pity rose up her gullet.
So you do love, she thought. You do need. I had taken you to be cold, calculating. I wish that I had someone who would cry for me as you cry for her, were I taken by Ungol.
000
Leesha would not let go of her Ada. Thranduil was happy to have her close. She lay quietly on his chest while Olerydes stitched the wound in his foot closed. Her shallow breathing hinted at a sickness coming on. Only when Thranduil had ensured Leesha was resting did he raise his eyes to gaze at Phe. For long seconds she held it, saying nothing. Then Thranduil rose with the girl in his arms. Leesha wrapped her arms around him and did not want to be left behind.
Thranduil carried her silently from the room and down the old, secret steps. When he reached the bottom he took her to the hot pools and sat her gently on the side while he shed his shirt and the ruined leggings that had been to hell and back. His shoulders hurt where his hair tickled the cuts. He slid into the water and turned to peel off Leesha's sticky, dirty clothes. He bent his head to smile gently. Leesha did not smile and she did not seem to see him but she held out her hands for him to lift her in. She was tall for her age and sometimes she seemed so precocious. Thranduil sometimes forgot that she was only four.
Her skin was still cold. Thranduil took her in his arms and lifted her into the warm water. He held her in a gentle cuddle with one hand under her knees and her body curled against his chest. She put her head on his shoulder and hid in his hair. Hers got wet and the curls fell out of it, but so did the webs.
She wriggled only to make herself more comfortable. He shifted his grasp on her until she was sitting on his forearm.
Mine, he thought silently, you are mine now and I am going to weed this wild tendency out of you somehow.
He kissed the top of her head and remembered that he had done this with Legolas too, and Olerydes. From their first days on the Earth they had been close to their Father. He had been there for their bad dreams, for their successes, for all their growing up. Leesha began to cry, quietly. She trembled in his arms and still did not say a word. Only when she was later sitting on the side of the pool in a thick, white towel, her skinny legs curled under her, did she finally say 'Ada.'
Thranduil pulled himself out of the pool and sat on the side. Leesha played with a root and then threw a leaf into the pool and watched it dance on the ripples from his exit. He squeezed the water from his hair and turned to gaze at her.
'Where is Gwenthel?' he asked her then. 'Did you lose her again, sweetling?'
Leesha nodded, and she scooted closer to put her fast drying head against his ribs, and curled up beside him. Thranduil picked her up and stood. He sat her on a table to put her fresh clothes on.
'We will find her,' he smiled.
Leesha shook her head.
'No? Was she in the cave?'
A nod.
Thranduil put a robe on and pulled it closed. He felt unusually cold despite the natural warmth in the bath house. Leesha shivered and tried to get closer to him for his warmth. He took her back upstairs to bed and tucked her in but before she could fall asleep she went pale and grew hot. Thranduil brushed the back of his fingers over her forehead. She was so warm that he could feel it an inch from her skin. He made to call a healer, and realised he was burning too.
His stomach rolled over and he was sure he was going to be sick. His foot hurt as if it was being burned. Suddenly his every bone felt too big for its space. His back began to ache and he realised whatever had found its way inside them had come from the spiders cave. A few minutes later he started to tremble. Before the night was out he had been in and out of the privy some twenty times, his stomach rejecting all food and water.
He returned to his bed feeling hollow, achy and sick and found Olerydes holding Leesha against her side and whispering softly to her. He collapsed onto the thick furs and rolled over, content to let his daughter take care of Leesha for a while. He woke to be sick again. When at last he got to sleep it was very late and he was drained and weak.
When at last the dawn came he found Duven, the chief healer sitting beside his bed.
'Lie back, my lord,' he instructed.
'Where is Leesha?'
'She is well enough,' he said. 'Easy, my lord. It has been a rough night. Olerydes has taken her for some breakfast.'
Duven gave him water and told him to rest but Thranduil did not want to be confined to his bed like an invalid. He rose stiffly as soon as the man left the room. Still queasy he found his way out into the cool morning air. At least my foot is only aching now, not burning.
It had been weeping in the night. It was swollen and painful but he could put weight on it well enough.
He had Thandir change the sheets and fetch him fresh clothes then he went for a bath. When he had changed and eaten a little, he went to work. He had been listening to a petition for extra land for some twenty minutes when his stomach rolled over again and he found himself rushing to the privy. After a few minutes, Legolas knocked on the door and Thranduil sensed he was leaning on the frame outside, his arms folded. It happened to be true. It was a pose the boy favoured.
'You should listen to Duven,' Legolas informed him. 'Go back to bed before you make yourself sicker.'
'And who will deal with all this nonsense?' Thranduil had seated himself on the privy floor. His belly ached and he felt weak and sickly.
Legolas paused.
'I will do it. Go back to bed. I will send Duven up to see to you.'
'Spare me, I dislike doctors!' Thranduil sighed.
Legolas pushed the door and found his Father pale and sweaty. Legolas offered him his hand and pulled Thranduil to his feet. He had forgotten how heavy his Father was.
'Then Olerydes can come.'
Thranduil sighed through his nose. Then he plucked the crown off his head and handed it to his son. Legolas slipped it on.
'Now I am Regent and I can tell you what to do. Go back to bed, Ada.'
Thranduil laughed at him.
'My boy, you will never be able to command me,' Thranduil walked past him on his way to the door.
He sensed Legolas was amused but he said no more. He felt very ill and his bed was calling.
000
Olerydes waited outside her Father's chambers with Phe, who was holding the book that Thranduil had given her. Olerydes almost pitied her but she felt that this was entirely necessary.
'Come!' called the King. Olerydes gave Phe a reassuring pat before she pushed her into the room and shut the door. Olerydes listened at the keyhole. For a good minute there was silence, and then;
'Hiril vuin. I did not expect to find you in my chambers.'
'I did not expect to be here, my lord.'
Phe was very worried about what Legolas and Olerydes might do if she refused to take part in this mad plan.
'Indeed, I would not be had your children not forced my hand.'
Thranduil was propped up in bed with a book on his lap.
He seems surprised to see me and I am surprised that I let them do this to me! Still he is entertaining me gracefully enough.
'I see. That is certainly a description that I recognise. Pray tell, in what sense have they forced you?'
'Well,' Phe fidgeted. 'Actually they threatened me. They said if I did not come to make peace with you that they would wait until I bathe and then steal all my clothes and hang them in a tree. Their suggestion is that I climb to retrieve them. I do not think I would like that.'
Thranduil smiled.
'They are a meddlesome bunch. I suppose they intend for you to read to me as if I am incapable of holding my own book?'
'It was mentioned, hir vuin, yes.'
His chamber was a rich, beautiful space with a bed big enough for three and a set of very imposing wardrobes. There was a full length mirror too, which hardly surprised Phe. She fidgeted. Thranduil set down his book on the exquisite bedside table and smiled softly.
'I have grown so weary of their interference. Do you think they have gotten a wrong impression, my lady? They seem to think you want to spend time with me. I cannot imagine where that idea came from?'
'I believe, my lord, that you made it clear we have nothing to offer each other. But if it pleases you I will read to you, because you are my King.'
Thranduil folded his arms over his chest. His lips thinned in displeasure.
'Mmmm. I said there is nothing you can trade that I want. Hiril vuin. That only means that I do not wish to trade with you.'
Phe stared at the dark parquet floor and realised he was right. Suddenly it did not hurt so much. She wondered if perhaps in her anguish she had misread him.
'Well...I-' she started, then she checked his face and found him smirking. She edged toward the door and was very disappointed when he stopped her.
'You need not flee me like a frightened rabbit,' he sighed. 'I am not going to bite you.'
'Yes, my lord,' she said obediently.
Thranduil threw his hands up in despair.
'Yes, my lord. No, my lord,' he mimicked her. 'By the Valar! I cannot get through to you!'
Phe shook her head quizzically. The King gestured to her book.
'I do not-' she started.
'Understand. Yes, I know. I can see that by your face.'
Phe's lip began to tremble. She struggled to control her expression.
'Do not!' he warned her. 'My lady. Spare me yet more tears. I have seen quite enough of those. Why can you not be at ease? It is as if you expect me to order your death by beheading now, this night.'
Phe threw her hands up in despair.
'What do you want from me?' she finally whispered. 'One minute you are angry with me and the next you act as if you wish to be my friend!'
'I do not want another courtier,' he said plainly. 'Or for Caduven to send his daughter to make an alliance with me. Or to be subjected to any more games!'
Phe turned away from him.
'I am not doing that,' she breathed. 'I am just trying to survive.'
'Survive?' he laughed. Then his amusement faded and he swung his legs off the bed and approached her slowly. Phe spun to look at him. Her eyes were wide in the dim light. She gazed at his lips a little longer than was necessary. Her attention threatened to tighten his sleeping leggings and embarrass them both. 'You are trying to survive Sindaroth? Or her King?' He asked.
'Both,' Phe whispered.
'You are a sweet, dim girl,' he finally shook his head. 'I have bought you closer than all the others. We have invited you into our family and still you talk of trying to survive me as if I am your enemy! If you fear for your safety look to the women of the court. Already they have tried to sully your name with rumour. Some have even whispered in my ear that you take lovers from amonsgt the stable boys!'
Phe gazed at him aghast. Then suddenly she was weeping. 'That is not true!' she finally managed to choke venomously. 'I have done no such! I have taken noone to my bed since my husband, and nor will I! Those rotten leeches!'
The King laughed. 'Women can be cruel. Men sharpen swords and women sharpen words.'
Phe turned for the door but the King started forward and caught her hand. Phe turned to gaze into his face and found him calm and peaceful. She did not dare tug her hand free.
'I feel you favour me, my lord,' she asked bravely. 'I would ask you why?'
Thranduil did not release her hand. She was warm, soft and very small.
Now I have you where I have dreamed and it is thanks to my meddling offpsring. I have changed my mind. I thank them! You are so close to my bed. If I thought there was the smallest chance of a kiss I would do more than simply hold your hand, my lady!
'I do,' he nodded. 'You are honest and pure.'
Phe felt her tears dry and she stopped trying to worm free of his grasp and stood still and silent. Thranduil's eyes were warm and soft. She smiled without meaning to and carefully Thranduil returned that smile. His posture relaxed. He took a slow step towards her. Gently, he seized her chin in his hand. She found his skin soft and his palms a little rougher than she had expected. They were a warriors hands and how that aroused her! He drew her head up until her gaze met his.
'True innocence is so rare at court,' he murmured, as his expression lost its edge and professional veneer. It became amorous. Phe's breath came short and quick and she felt unaccountably dizzy.
'I am no innocent, hir vuin!' she protested weakly.
Phe could feel his warmth across the gap between their bodies. His touch made it impossible to reason.
'You are completely innocent,' he breathed. Then he whispered close to her lips; 'how I covet innocence as I covet starlight!'
Thranduil cupped her face and gazed hungrily at her lips as she tilted her head, helplessly distracted by the warmth of his hand and the proximity of his body. Her eyes fluttered closed in pleasure as he rubbed her neck and so he bent his head and kissed her softly. She was so soft and warm.
Such a guilty pleasure! Haliel, forgive me. I am lonely and she is warm!
She sighed softly against his cheek and leaned her body closer. He wanted so to enclose her in his arms. How close he was to claiming what he had wanted since she arrived. Phe moved her hands to his shirt and Thranduil employed a second hand on her opposite cheek. He parted her lips with his curious tongue. He found her warm and willing, shy and sweet. Phe tried to ignore the heat growing in her belly. Her heart strings sang a sad note, a tone of grief and terrible guilt for Rosdaer's memory.
She pulled away before her own desire could lead them even deeper. She could not quite bear to wrench herself from the warmth of his hands. Thranduil's eyes were full of more than mere desire but Phe closed hers quickly to avoid the telling and dropped her gaze to his chest.
'I cannot,' she whispered as she finally pulled away. 'I cannot! Goheno nin, hir vuin!'
Phe felt his gaze on her as she left. With every step she wanted to turn around and go back. Thranduil sank slowly to sit on his bed and bunched his hand in the bedspread. How his foot hurt and now his foolish heart did too.
Do not deny me, he prayed silently. I am ill equipped to deal with your rejection. Perhaps you only need patience but I feel as if I have been removed of my heart already. Where is my wife? Where is the beauty I married! Why have I been left all alone to pine for a woman who does not care for me?
000
Thranduil was gazing again into the Ungol tank, recently risen from his sickbed. It was almost dusk and he had been resting all day.
I will not sleep properly now, he grumbled to himself.
The little beast had made itself a thick web at the bottom. It was resting with its two front legs just visible in the funnel. A knock at the door surprised him.
'Come!' he called.
Tauriel pushed the door and strode in. She bowed to him.
'You have a report for me? At this hour? Go on, then.'
'Yes, my lord. We have found a tunnel.'
'What do you mean?' Thranduil turned.
'Come, my lord,' Tauriel turned. 'It is easier if you see it.'
Thranduil followed his captain of the guard. As she lead him briskly down a level and into the caverns deeper, older places. He saw that torches had been set up in a ring. Strewn about on the floor were three dead Ungol, no bigger than his prisoner.
'This is how they have been gaining access,' Tauriel gestured to the tunnel, which seemed to have happened as the result of a natural rockfall. 'There must have been a gap in the rock, perhaps it was natural gas,' she shrugged. 'If it vented the pressure may have changed. The rock has slid down to make this opening.'
Thranduil bent low to look.
'Where did you find those,' he pointed to the dead spiders.
'Inside.'
'How far does it go, Tauriel? Have you been inside?'
'I cannot get far, my lord. It is wide enough for a few hundred feet and then there is a collapse in the rockface, it narrows to the size of a child and then opens out again. I assume only the smallest Ungol have managed to access it.'
Thranduil's lips tilted into a small smile. He stood and nodded to her.
'Have the mages send a firesurge into the tunnel and then block it. I want this room sealed and barred until we are certain no more of these are going to open. A watch, around this area, Tauriel,' he said. Then he added. 'You have done well. See to it.'
She bowed. Thranduil caught her smile. He turned on his heel and left her to organise his orders.
000
Olerydes helped Phe downstairs late one afternoon, to visit the pool where they had swum together. They closed the door softly and with a smile Olerydes helped Phe to sit. She pulled off Phe's stockings and helped her out of her clothes. Phe gave a soft, happy sigh as she sank into the water. It was warmer than she remembered. She leaned against the side of the pool and put her head back. Olerydes rolled up a towel for her and put it there as a pillow, then slid in beside her.
'How long it has been since I had a proper bath!' Phe smiled happily. Olerydes looked down to where a big Carp was making its slow approach. Its back was patterned with red and gold and it was sleek and beautiful. It bumped Olerydes thigh gently, then swished its soft tail against her leg. It came to investigate her bump. Olerydes gazed at it.
'He knows,' she said softly, and she dropped her hand to touch the fishes cool, slimy skin. It diverted away. With a single glance up at her, it dove into the deep, never to be seen again. Phe smiled at her friend.
'You must teach me how to earn their friendship,' Phe said.
She was about to say more when a dark blotch caught her eye. She gazed into the foliage and there, sitting above the pool, was an Ungol the size of a hunting dog. Its silvery sting was long and sharp. It made its way on delicate feet down the bank, stepping over leaves. Phe froze, unaccountably terrified. How could she run so injured?
Olerydes had gasped at first but now she reached slowly for the blade she had taken off her leg with her clothes. She pushed the sheath off the knife and bought it close to her chest. She held an arm over Phe's collarbones.
'Not a move,' Olerydes whispered.
The spider found the grass with its front legs and went walking softly over the green. It turned suddenly. At once Phe felt its awareness, bright and hot and hungry. Her mind went right away to Olerydes' baby, which would surely not survive a sting. Her eyes traveled down to where it was just beginning to show as a little bump. It hurt so much to move, and it was hard to go far without Olerydes' help. Phe knew she would be no use defending them, and no use fleeing either. She felt helpless.
Then it surged. It came so fast that Phe could not believe its speed. She screamed involuntarily. She must have startled Olerydes because the older girl missed the first stab and with a splash she hauled Phe away from the side of the pool and into deeper water. Olerydes was taller than Phe and her feet were still in the soft ground, whereas Phe was forced to float and kick ineffectually. She found weightlessness far less painful but still, her range of movement was not enough for swimming yet.
The Ungol hissed and began to dabble its forelegs in the water tentatively. Then Phe yelled a curse as it began to sink into the lake, long legs paddling awfully. Olerydes backed away, her feet slipping, the water growing deeper.
Just when she was sure she would have to swim with Phe to escape it, the door to the cavern was thrown open and Legolas burst in with his bow in his hand. Close behind him came the King, his sword drawn. Olerydes seemed far more shameless than Phe could ever imagine being. Indeed the older girl did not even try to cover herself. When Legolas drew an arrow, Olerydes did not even flinch or consider that he might miss.
Phe covered herself as Legolas sprinted up a rock and skidded to a halt on the tip. His arrow made a soft noise as it hit the Ungol dead in the center. It seized and twitched horribly. Phe jerked away from its flailing legs but Olerydes held onto her tightly and just pushed it away fearlessly. It floated toward the opposite bank.
'When will we be free of these things!' Olerydes exclaimed, grabbing her gown angrily from the side and climbing out to put it on.
Neither Legolas nor Thranduil seemed concerned by her nudity. She reached for Phe.
'No, I cannot-' Phe whispered.
The King caught her gaze and a tiny smile appeared on his lips. The blush spread down her throat and shamed her. The King turned his back quickly and Legolas joined him. Thranduil chanced a glance at his son and found he was blushing furiously. Thranduil said;
'Get dressed. There may be more. I will send a patrol to clear this room. Legolas, stay with them,' he said, and sheathed his sword. He was gone a moment later with no backward glance.
Olerydes was quiet for a minute. Then she said; 'It is you that makes him blush dearest, he swims naked with me in the hot pools. Legolas is not so bashful really.'
Phe stared at them.
'So does our Father,' she added, as if that might be of interest to Phe.
'I am glad my Father does not do that with me!' Phe finally managed to say.
Olerydes shrugged. 'I have always though it quite normal. At least, until I met you, my blushing friend. Ada has always taught us not to be ashamed. Have you never been to a communal bath?'
'Only with women,' Phe muttered.
Olerydes smiled and nodded. 'Shy then. I bet you would like to try it when Ada is about. He has a beautiful body.'
Phe went crimson. It was so hot that she was sure her hair would catch alight. Legolas made a noise like a helpless puppy and tried not to comment. Olerydes' habit of speaking the plain and honest truth had embarrassed Phe before, but never so much as now.
'I...do not want to...do that, with your Father!' she denied it.
'Well I know he wants to do it with you,' Olerydes handed her her gown and helped her into it. 'Did you see how he flushed just now? You can really see it on his fair skin!'
'N-No!' Phe said quickly. 'I did not see!'
'He did blush,' Legolas conceded with a smile, his back still turned. 'He does not usually blush. Even with women he enjoys.'
'See?' Olerydes smiled. 'Perhaps there is romance afoot.'
'She will catch on fire if you continue,' Legolas smirked.
Phe tried to deny it to herself but still she felt the persisting memory of his kiss. So warm and passionate, so like the first time and Rosdaer had kissed. That had been exciting because it was her first kiss. With Thranduil she blushed anyway. His obvious experience made her feel so new. She wanted more than anything to return to his arms for another, but her heart was guilty and sore and she wondered if Rosdaer would be pleased for her, or if he would feel she had abandoned his memory.

A/N - Oh wow, this was fun ;) I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I liked writing it ! Please R&R :)
Translations
Forgive me/Sorry - Goheno nin
My Lady - Hiril Vuin
My lord - Hir vuin
My son = Ionneg
My daughter = Iellig
Curses! = Rhaich!
- 5
- 6
- 7
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A Frozen Sun