Agony • Concealed Memories | | Thranduil

11 • A gift for the queen

Thranduil spurred his mount on once more. The wind rumbled in his ears, ruffling his hair over his shoulder as he galloped through the forest. He held the box to his chest, the gift for his wife. The dwarves had done a wonderful job and Thranduil had promised to reward them well for it. But the queen had to accept the necklace first. Therefore, he was now rushing to the palace to surprise his beloved.

When he reached the gates of his kingdom, he jumped out of the saddle. The moment his feet touched the ground, his heart shot into his throat. His eyes slid down to the box in his hands and suddenly he worried whether she would accept it, whether she would like it and wear it with pride.

But what else could she do? She would love it. Clasping the box in his hands, he made his way to the kitchens, where the kitchen help was already busy getting everything ready for the evening meal.

I want your help tonight,' he said as the help bowed to him. I want to surprise the queen, can you arrange it?

They didn't look at each other questioningly, didn't show any doubt and nodded resolutely. 'Of course, your majesty, what did you wish?' asked the chief, a sturdy woman who had been with him for a long time.

'Her favourite recipe, in four hours and make it special.'

The chef winked and put her hands to her sides. 'You can depend on us, sir.'

Thranduil left the kitchens with in his wake the commands the chef spit at the staff. He walked hastily down the corridors, towards the washrooms where the chambermaids were folding the freshly washed sheets. They bowed when they saw the king. 'I am looking for Maethil.'

The girls looked around, until from a corner the young elf emerged and bowed deeply to the king. 'What can I help you with, my lord.'

'I want you to take a message to the queen. Tell her to put on her finest robe and come to the dining hall tonight, when the sun disappears behind the mountains. I want to ask you to look after Legolas for a few hours, can you do that?'

The girl bowed so deeply that Thranduil was worried about her back, 'I will not disappoint you, my lord.'

'Of that I have no doubt.'

She smiled shyly and disappeared out of the room. Excitement bubbled up in Thranduil's lower abdomen. He spent his time until sunrise pacing and thinking about how he was going to handle this. While the servants ran back and forth to prepare everything in the dining room, he walked, sat and thought.

Minutes passed.

And finally she appeared. Her blue dress undulated gracefully around her legs with every step she took. The bodice hugging her waist was adorned with countless tiny flowers, which flowed down to the translucent sleeves. Her long, blonde hair hung like a waterfall over her shoulder and chest. Thranduil stared at her face, adorned with a radiant smile, and he felt as if it was the first time he had seen her. Thranduil still couldn't believe it after all this time, that this was the elfin woman who wanted to be by his side.

With slow, nervous steps he approached her and pushed back the chair in front of her.

Elithien took a seat and smiled. The sweet scent of vanilla rose from her hair and Thranduil sniffed the deliciously familiar scent. He walked back to his seat and with a snap of his fingers, the doors to his left swung open and elves came walking in with dishes. The beautifully set table was filled with steamed vegetables, freshly picked fruit and roasted pheasant and fried trout. The sweetest wine was placed in a golden carafe or the table and Thranduil poured for his wife.

'You have done your best, I see,' she said, smiling softly as she took a sip of the wine. Thranduil smiled nervously as he took his place again. For a hundred years, this was his wife, his consort, and yet she still made him as nervous as the first day he had talked to her. She had looked as radiant as she did now, but younger; her cheekbones not yet so sharp, but full of youth. He had enjoyed every moment of her aging, of their aging. She was now a wise queen, his support and companion. They knew each other through and through and still he behaved like a youngster in her presence.

Are you all right, love?" she asked softly. A slight frown indicated her concern as her hand gripped his wrist. Thranduil nodded. 'Of course,' he replied quickly, taking a sip of wine to hide his blush.

You look a bit nervous. Is something the matter?

Thranduil swallowed once and heaved a sigh. 'Darling, you are so beautiful tonight that it makes me nervous.'

Elithien smiled. Now it was her turn to blush. 'This dinner isn't casual, is it?'

Thranduil said nothing. He didn't want to give anything away, but the look in Elithien's eyes made him want to confess everything. When she tilted her head, he collapsed. He picked up the brown box he had hidden on the chair next to him and knelt down before her. She looked up at him with wide eyes, her hand resting against her chest.

I know I can be an unreasonable man," he said softly, "and I know that my father's death resulted in my fear of losing you. I never want to make you feel trapped.'

He opened the box. 'I want you to carry the stars with you so that on your travels you can always find your way home.'

Elithien's eyes became as big as saucers. The reflection of the lanterns on the jewels made her eyes sparkle. She looked at him. 'What is this?'

'A gift.' He lifted the necklace from the box, shining like the stars outside in the night.

Her fingers slid along the white jewels. 'Darling, it's beautiful.'

Thranduil stood up, brushed aside the cascade of hair with one hand and placed the necklace around her neck. When she turned to him, his heart pounded so loudly that he could be sure she heard him. Elithien bent down and kissed him. Heat rose through his head and when she looked at him again, the miss of her soft lips gnawed at him.

'My home is not where the stars lead me,' she said softly, 'my home will always be with you.'