Echoes Beyond

Lothlorien's flower

A garden to walk in and immensity to dream in--what more could he ask? A few flowers at his feet and above him the star

                                                                                                          Victor Hugo, Les Miserables 

Legolas awoke with a start, his mind foggy with the remnants of sleep. He blinked against the morning light filtering through the window, slowly realizing that he had overslept. Panic surged through him as he remembered the dinner he was supposed to attend. With a groan, he threw off the covers and quickly dressed in his finest clothes, donning a tunic of rich green and silver, embroidered with intricate designs that marked his royal lineage.

He hurried out of his chambers, making his way down the winding corridors of Lothlorien. The scent of blooming flowers and the soft hum of elven music filled the air, but Legolas barely noticed, his mind focused on the dinner he was about to be late for. He descended a grand staircase, taking two steps at a time, his heart pounding with a mix of anxiety and anticipation.

As he approached the dining hall, he saw Celeborn standing at the entrance, his serene presence commanding respect. Beside him was Neerin, her eyes downcast and her posture tense. She wore a delicate dress of pale pink, adorned with floral patterns that made her look like a blossom in the moonlight. Legolas's heart tightened as he remembered their encounter from earlier, her vulnerability, and the tears in her eyes.

     "Prince Legolas," Celeborn greeted, his voice warm and welcoming. "We were beginning to worry."

     "My apologies, Lord Celeborn," Legolas replied, bowing his head respectfully. "I did not mean to keep you waiting."

Celeborn nodded, gesturing for Legolas to enter. 

     "Join us. The evening meal awaits."

Legolas took a deep breath and stepped into the dining hall. The room was grand, with tall, arched windows that let in the soft glow of the setting sun. A long table was set with an array of exquisite dishes, each plate a masterpiece of elven cuisine. The scent of roasted meats, fresh bread, and ripe fruits filled the air, making Legolas's stomach rumble.

Neerin followed Celeborn to the table, her steps hesitant. She took a seat beside Celeborn, still avoiding Legolas's gaze. Legolas sat opposite her, his eyes briefly meeting hers before she looked away, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. The memory of her undressing, the fear in her eyes, and the way he had covered her with her own veil flashed through his mind, making him feel a pang of guilt.

     "Let us begin," Celeborn said, his voice breaking the silence. He raised a goblet, and the others followed suit. "To new beginnings and the bonds that will strengthen our realms."

They all drank, and the meal began. Servants moved gracefully around the table, filling goblets with wine and serving platters of food. The conversation was polite, revolving around the state of the kingdoms, the latest news from Mirkwood, and the ongoing efforts to maintain peace in Middle-earth. Legolas tried to focus on the discussion, but his thoughts kept drifting back to Neerin, her fragile form, and the sadness in her eyes.

At one point, Celeborn turned to Neerin, asking her about her thoughts on the upcoming union between Mirkwood and Lothlorien. She hesitated, her hands trembling slightly as she picked at her food.

     "It is an honor to be part of such a significant alliance," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I will do my best to uphold the expectations placed upon me."

Legolas's heart ached at her words. He could sense the weight of duty and obligation that hung over her, the same burden he felt pressing down on his shoulders. He wanted to reach out to her, to offer some form of comfort, but he knew that now was not the time.