A short story collection featuring Thranduil, Legolas, Halbrand, Galadriel, Túrin, Finduilas, Galion, Elrohir and Elladan. There will be a dragon duel, an arranged marriage, a Dark Queen and a Dark Lord and much more. New stories and snippets are ad...
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The Librarian and the Elvenking – Part 5 of 5: Under the Linden Tree
When Centalissë arrived at the throne room not long afterwards, she found the grand hall packed with elves. Apparently the gossip had spread far.
"My lord King." She bowed eloquently, carefully checking her features as she did so. It wouldn't do to come before the Elvenking with a silly, giddy smile plastered on one's lips.
Thranduil nodded his head in acknowledgement, keeping an absolutely deadpan face, but he couldn't hide the dancing merriment in his eyes.
"You wanted an audience with me," he stated.
"I did, my lord, and thank you for accepting me on such short notice. I have come to let you and the court know my choice regarding my judgment."
The large room went still when everyone pricked up their ears.
"And?" He cocked an eyebrow.
"I still don't think the decision to punish my involuntary trespassing was justified, but I understand that the law is rigid in this realm, with no leeway. Therefore, out of respect for you as king, and the long withstanding friendship between my family in Imladris and the fair forest of Eryn Lasgalen, I shall accept the penalty laid upon me and copy the books for your library."
Thranduil was silent at first, and Centalissë could almost see his mind working. Then a hint of a smile began to toy in the corners of his mouth, and he replied with equal politeness: "I am very pleased by your gracious cooperation, and in fact, so strengthened in my good opinion of you that I have found a minor adjustment of the Woodland Law to be required." Turning to his courtiers, he continued. "Surely refugees should be able to safely enter our realm, without fear of repercussions?"
Obviously realizing the king's mind had already been made up, his advisors gave affirmative answers with various degrees of enthusiasm. Many of them cast sly glances in Centalissë's direction, probably rightly suspecting the cause of this unusual leniency, and wondering what she was to their ruler.
Returning to her, Thranduil continued: "According to the improved law, you are no longer guilty of any charges, but you are welcome to stay here as my personal guest for as long as you wish. It is only fair, after being treated so harshly. Perhaps the reopened royal library holds a volume or two that may interest you for your own establishment?" His eyes conveyed a world of emotions.
Centalissë's throat constricted with happiness. This was almost becoming too good to be true. "I would be honored to visit your library, which according to my sources contains both interesting history books and brilliant art. But I must also insist on copying my own books for your benefit. It would be my sincere pleasure to help you expand your collection."
"That is settled then." He broke into a radiant smile, which made Centalissë's heart beat faster and the courtiers gasp with surprise.
