Crowned

Chapter Three

Crowned

Erelos stood in the dark cover of the forest, after being left alone by Marculus. The wind blew gently sending a chill down her spine. She got on her horse and went back.

Thranduil was walking down the hall when she came in. "Erelos." She bowed lightly and quickly walked past him. "I meant to tell you something." He called out. She sighed and turned back around. "We are going to have guests from Rivendell, and during that time, we will have a feast. A masked ball." Erelos groaned. "Must I come?" 

"Lord Elrond wishes to speak to you, as yes, it would be polite to stay after." 

"Fine. I'll come, but only if I don't have to entertain anyone else." Thranduil nodded and gave her a kiss on the head. "I will see you in the hall for dinner."

Erelos was sitting and reading in the hall, which was filled with the chatter of many elves. She looked up to see Thranduil casually keeping his cool under the influence of the strong Elven wine. He stood out from the drunken crowd, in a way that showed his elegance. He smiled lightly at her, and she turned to see Legolas striding towards her. "Erelos." She smiled brightly at him. "Hello."

"Did you calm yourself? Marculus told me-"

"Why is everything about Marculus?!"

Legolas held up his hands defensively. "My apologies. May I sit?" She nods. He sits beside her and glances over her shoulder at the page in her book. "Birds are an incredible animal." He remarks. Erelos smiles. "I agree. I carry a pouch of seed for when I walk under the trees." He smiled and put his hand through her hair. He gently started to braid it, and Erelos' heartbeat became faster and faster. Suddenly Marculus came and sat down in her other side, and Legolas removed his hands. Frustrated, Erelos whipped around. "What?!" Marculus look stunned. "I was going to offer my apology. For following your trail. I like your hair." Erelos stood and rolled her eyes. 

"Wait- I know the look in your eyes."

Erelos continued to walk away. "You feel for him. Legolas?" She stopped and turned. "Shhhh!! Don't speak so loud." Marculus nodded slightly. "So it's true." He walked away, almost in anger it seemed, leaving her in a daze. 

Later that evening Erelos was in her robes and left her quarters and walked right into Thranduil. "I'm sorry, sir. I keep running into you like this." He laughed lightly without smiling. "You were in the company of many males this evening." Erelos groaned. "Not my intention." 

Thranduil continued down the corridor. 

"Perhaps it's a sign."

Perhaps indeed.