An arranged marriage could solve everything: Legolas' post-war melancholy, Lasriel's dream of freedom and a family, her mother's exile, King Thranduil's dark secret. But turning childhood friendship into love is not as easy as they thought - and nei...
~Thranduil has a suggestion how they can hide Thuriniel's identity, while Legolas interviews his intended to make sure she will be a suitable Gondor wife.~
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~♕~
"Ah, but remember, faint hearts never won fair lady."
– Robin Hood
~♕~
5. Plans
They were welcomed at the door by mother and daughter, the latter more properly dressed than the last time, cheeks pink and eyes shining.
"You look lovely," Thranduil complimented her and kissed her outstretched hand.
Legolas repeated the gesture without adding a compliment of his own, but Thranduil figured he was probably nervous. Who wouldn't be, under the circumstances?
"If you have the time, would you care for a walk?" Legolas asked.
Lasriel beamed at him. "It would be my pleasure."
She donned her cloak and took his offered arm, and soon they were on their way, strolling down the gravel path.
"I will make you a cup of tea while we wait," Thuriniel offered.
Thank you." He added in a subdued voice: "They are beautiful together."
"Very. But I am still not sure whether this is a good idea. I hope they only go through with it if they truly like each other."
"Your daughter seems quite smitten, and my son must be too – he was surprisingly quick to accept the suggestion."
"Was he? I am glad to hear it. And aye, I think Lasriel adored him when they were little and apparently she never forgot."
When the tea was ready, they went into the library with their cups and spent a few moments in companionable silence.
Afternoon sunlight filtered through the curtains and illuminated Thuriniel's golden hair. Her daughter had not inherited her looks; Lasriel had her father's dark hair and open, friendly face, but her mother was elegant. Beautiful, even, now that he came to think of it.
Her husband had been a lucky elf. And then ruined it all...
Thranduil wondered if he had been accepted in the Undying Lands, and if he was happy. Even after everything that had happened, Thranduil often missed his best friend. Being king was a lonely occupation.
After a while he asked: "Are you feeling better? Last time, you were rather upset about your daughter."
"Not really," she admitted. "It is like we have become strangers. But hopefully it will pass. Maybe planning a wedding together will make us grow closer?"
