Part 9
They had not walked far (to elves that is, as they are both light and fast on their feet), when silver rope ladders were cast down from the trees, Haldir turned and said, "we shall rest on these talans this night and with the morning make our way to Caras Galadhon." Rumil motioned for Liritar and Beleger to follow him as he went up the ladder. As they reached the talan there were other elves of Lorien seated about. Rumil said, "Come let us open this flask to warm ourselves." With that he pulled a flask from his cloak and passed it to Liritar, who gratefully took a swallow.
They all sat together and shared what news that had been seen and heard. All were genuinely concerned about the safety of their forest homes and more importantly Middle Earth. Suddenly singing could be heard among the trees, Liritar became confused, as it was a song in honor of the passing of Rumil. He turned to Rumil and asked, "Are they not singing of Rumil?" "Yes," he continued," but this is in honor of Rumil II, son of Haldir, the dagger, which you delivered, had been a gift from father to son." It was then that Liritar had noticed that Haldir was not in sight. "Haldir is in mourning and will not be seen until we make ready for Caras Galadhon," Rumil stated in answer to Liritar's unspoken question. "Then the she-elf is Haldir's daughter," Liritar asked. He had found his opportunity to find out something about her. Rumil replied, "Yes, she is called Rian."
'Rian,' Liritar repeated her name in his mind. Rumil smiled, "you are taken with her, I can see it in your eyes, and you cannot hide it." "No, you are mistaken," Liritar was quick to deny. Rumil laughed, as Liritar was too quick with his answer and given himself away. Rumil stopped laughing and got up to take his leave, "Do not worry young elf, you are neither the first nor the last that will be captured by her spell." He patted Liritar on the back, "I must go relieve the watch, take some rest, tomorrow will be a long day." With that Rumil was gone, but you could hear him laugh to himself as he went. Liritar looked over at Beleger, "what are you smiling at?" Beleger tried to keep a straight face, "nothing, my lord" Liritar and Beleger finished the flask and settled in for the night.
When the morning came, Liritar and Beleger descended the rope ladder and joined Rumil at the forest floor. "Today you shall meet Celeborn and Galadriel, are you ready my young Mirkwood elves, it is said that the Lady Galadriel weaves spells as well" Rumil said with a chuckle. Liritar was growing tired of Rumil's offenses, but said nothing.
As they journeyed on, Haldir turned and invited Liritar to join him at the head of the column. "Rumil tells me that Rian has your favor," Haldir began with a smile. "I cannot say for certain," Liritar replied. He feared more jesting at his expense. Haldir continued in earnest, "have you looked into her eyes and seen your destiny?" "How did you know," Liritar asked. "It was that way when I met her mother, Merethian. Rian is of her mother's line, and has many special gifts," Haldir replied. "What line is that," he questioned. "She is of the line of Edhel (Grey-Elves), and of course my line as well," Haldir said no more. Liritar made his way back to Beleger and there he stayed for the remainder of the journey.
Later as they approached the gates of Caras Galadhon, lights could be seen in the trees. Rumil knocked on the gate door and within a few moments it opened. Liritar was amazed at the City of the Trees. It was breathtaking, and somehow it made him feel closer to Rian. In the center of the city was the home of Celeborn and Galadriel. Haldir escorted Liritar and Beleger to the ladder leading up to the talan where they would meet. It was a very long climb, and Beleger was quite glad to reach their destination. Celeborn and Galadriel were waiting as they arrived; Liritar gave a slight bow before the Lord and Lady. Celeborn spoke, "Welcome Liritar, son of Thranduil, we are glad once more to greet our kindred from the North; only do we wish that it were better times." "Thank you, for your warm welcome, I have brought greetings and messages from my father," Liritar replied. Celeborn turned to the elf servant at his right and asked that food and drink be brought forth. "Let us sit and take refreshment whilst we speak of these things," Celeborn said as he turned and sat down at a large table that was near the edge of the talan. Galadriel had yet to speak, but Liritar could feel her eyes upon him.
The council had met for many hours when it finally drew to an end. "Liritar, I will meet with you once more before you take your leave of us. Rumil, please attend to our guest, and see that he has all that he requires," said Celeborn then he turned and ascended the ladder to another talan with Haldir following. As Liritar turned to leave the Lady Galadriel was there, he had not noticed her return, as she had left during the council. She spoke to him, "Your mind is here with us in Lorien and yet your heart is far away. I know who it is that calls to you from afar, do not be anxious she waits for you still." He felt as if a great weight had been lifted from his heart. "Take rest now and be comforted as your feelings will be returned by the one who have chosen." With that Galadriel turned and left the way that Celeborn had departed.
Liritar was taken into the city and given refuge in the home of Haldir. That night he rested far easier than he had in many a night, being lulled by the song of the elves and the words that had been spoken by the Lady Galadriel. 'There is hope,' he thought to himself as he drifted away.
Part 10
There was a knock at the chamber door, it opened and Perruthien entered carrying another gown in her arms. It was a softly woven gown of green, "this should your eyes stand out," she dais to Rian. "Perruthien, it is only a meal between friends," replied Rian. "If that is all it is, then pray tell why have you been pacing for the last hour," she asked. Rian could not contain herself any longer, "yes, I am most anxious. Do you think me foolish?" Perruthien knew that she could answer truthfully without being rebuked, as she and Rian had shared much between them. "No, my lady, King Thranduil is most handsome and kind. I have seen how her cares for you when he is with you." Rian was comforted, as she had doubts that she had misread Thranduil's intentions. In truth she had many doubts of late. Her dreams were not as clear to her since leaving Lorien. Their clarity was something she had come to depend on, and the lack thereof was quite disturbing. Perruthien assisted her while she changed and this helped keep her mind of her worrisome thoughts.
Later that evening, Rian was escorted to Thranduil's personal chamber. As she entered the front room there was a table set for two with bread, cheese, meat, and a bottle of winyard. The room was very masculine in appearance, very little decoration, but comfortable seating was ample. As Rian surveyed the chamber, a servant came from a side room, "my lord will be with you shortly," he said. She nodded to the servant and continued her assessment. Thranduil suddenly entered from a door to the back of the room. Rian glimpsed past him and could see his bedchamber. "I apologize for the delay, I smelt of horses and thought it might spoil the evening meal," he said with a smile. Rian's heart melted at once, "I have not been waiting long, my lord," Thranduil crossed the room and stood directly in front of her, "do not call me that when we are speaking in private chambers. Here, I am no more than an one who is honored to be in the company of the most beautiful she-elf he has ever looked upon." Rian blushed and turned away, "you are too kind," she replied. Thranduil pulled out a chair for her, and gently pushed it in when she was seated. He then filled both their goblets with the winyard, "let us raise our glasses to this new friendship between Mirkwood and Lorien," he toasted. They both took a long drink then began their meal.
Thranduil and Rian shared many stories and much winyard. Thranduil had learned of her lineage and how she had come to Lorien, and she had made Thranduil tell what he would of the Battle of the Five Armies. Rian could feel herself becoming quite drowsy, "I believe that I have had too much of the winyard, I grow tired." "It is not just the winyard, you are still not healed from all your wounds, and still grow weary with much ease," Thranduil replied. "It is time for you to take some rest, I have sent for Perruthien to walk with you," he continued. Rian protested, "I am so enjoying my time with you, must I go?" Thranduil smiled as he stood up and walked to her, as he approached he held out his hands to her, she did not hesitate to meet his grasp. He helped her to rise, and as they stood face to face, hand in hand, Thranduil leaned down and kissed her gently on the cheek. "I have also enjoyed my time with you, but I have many preparations to make in the next two days. I fear our time is short, and you must take rest now so you may fight when you are needed." Rian looked up at him; Thranduil lost himself in the sweetness of her face and kissed her upon the lips. Their lips had barely met when there was a knock at the door; Thranduil regained his composure and answered. It was Perruthien; she had come for Rian.
Part 11
As they returned to Rian's chamber, "you are silent. Did the evening not go as expected," Perruthien asked." "I am not certain of what I expected," Rian mused. "Did he not kiss you," she asked. The question shocked Rian back into the conversation, she had been walking in a daze, "A lady does not answer such questions," Rian replied with a smile. Perruthien sighed with relief at her lady's return to her old self. They were about to enter the chamber, "Perruthien, do you suppose you can find us some winyard," she asked. "Yes, my lady. I will return shortly," with that she was gone. Rian entered the chamber and sat down. She was grateful for the peace and quiet. Had she expected Thranduil to kiss her? Had she wanted it? 'Yes' was the answer to both. But had she expected more of the evening?
Perruthien came in and interrupted Rian's thoughts, "I have two bottles of our finest, I will fetch a cup." "Perruthien, make that two cups, for you must join me," she replied. Perruthien stopped in her tracks, "my lady, I must decline the invitation. If the head mistress of servants should hear of it I will be punished." Rian replied, "They will not hear of it nor will you be punished because I insist that you join me." Perruthien did as she was instructed.
The two of them sat through the night, telling secrets and tales. As morning approached, Rian sent Perruthien home and she lay down. Rian couldn't help but think how she would miss her new friend, when she returned to Lorien. It was the first time she had a close relationship with a she-elf this close to her age. Well, any she-elf, except the Lady Galadriel, and she wouldn't exactly call that a friendship. The Lady of the Wood had always made herself available through the years as Rian tried to interpret her visions. Rian soon let herself drift away so that rest could be had.
Over the course of the next two days, Rian had been making frequent visits to Thranduil's study. The King himself had granted her permission. Many spoke among themselves at how she read for hours. Rian felt she must be better prepared than she was on her first assignment as a lieutenant. It was her opinion that she had failed miserably, and she did not look forward to facing her father. She had also spent time studying and reading to take her mind of Thranduil. He had not been to see her since they had dined together; he had sent her notes by messenger usually in the evening. But the notes did not have much in them of a personal nature, it weighed heavy on her heart.
On the morning of the third day, as Rian breakfasted there was a knock at her chamber door. Perruthien returned shortly from answering the knock, "My lord has sent you this gown and this note." The gown was of velvet and it was the color of the midnight sky. Rian was more interested in the note. As she opened it her hands trembled, excited for what it might or might not say. She began to read,
My Dearest Rian,
I know I have been absent from your side in these passing days, and I will only hope that I have not been absent from your thought, for you are constantly in mine. Please know that it has pained me not to see the beauty of your face, and hear the sweetness of your voice.
I have sent a gown for you to wear to greet the arrival of your father and his company, as well as the arrival of my son Liritar, as you will stand by my side. It is a gown worthy of the task but pales in comparison to your beauty.
I will send for you as they approach our gates. Be certain that I long for the sight of you, and look to the day when we will be together again.
Thranduil
This was the first that he mentioned his feelings for her. Rian felt like singing and dancing. When she looked up from the note, Perruthien was still in the room. "Thranduil states that my father and Liritar are arriving this day, we must make ready." "Liritar is returning," Perruthien asked. Rian noticed that Perruthien was trying to hide her excitement at the news. "You like him," Rian pushed. "I do not know of what you speak, my lady." "Perruthien, why are you secretive with me?" "I apologize; I have had to keep my feelings hidden for so long. I am but a servant and he is a prince, there is no future in my love for him," she replied. Rian walked to her and took her hand, "My friend, love knows no boundaries, is it not I who is nothing more than a guard who has taken the favor of a king." Rian stopped for a moment could this really be her voice she was hearing, 'the favor of a king'. Rian continued, "If you do not let him know how you feel, then there is no future, you must take the time now to tell him."
Perruthien smiled at her lady; "very well then we must both make ready." She continued, "But you must follow your own advice and speak to the King." At that both she-elves laughed as young ones do at the thought of being in love. At once Rian noticed the warm feeling in her heart and knew that she had found home, that one place where she belonged.
