Encounters with the Elven King

Resolve

Resolve

One week has passed since Isilmë's fateful encounter with the Elven King. He has allowed her to wonder silently through his halls without restraint or questions. Without burdening her mind or soul, the King has mostly kept to himself concerning their last informal encounter. He would give her time to heal for it seemed her faë had never been weighed or pained before.

Thranduil had taken time to examine the elleth the night she was frozen and barely coherent. He continued to oversee her every night since, actually. Under normal circumstances hundreds of seasons would pass for elves to form at least half the type of bond she so easily took upon him. Though he'd never voice it aloud, it worried him. Why had she appeared to be fading?

He was not against such ideas... of finally committing to a new life. Thranduil had spent many of his days in contemplation and sorrow. It was through the stubbornness of his son, Legolas, that the King finally relented. Though to this very day, Thranduil was still quite the private male that not even his son knew. No one but Aurë, Isilmë's sister, knew of her condition; and, even then he did not voice or inform her entirely on what had occurred.

"Where is she?!" The abrupt voice that belonged to his son broke him out of the quiet revere Thranduil had found himself in.

Thranduil was secretly irked, though he continued with his facade as he slowly glanced at his son. "Oh? To what do I owe such insolence," he asked as Legolas neared his throne.

"This is no game, ada!" Legolas was furious, he would not fall victim to his father's sway this day.

"You address me arrogantly and then accuse me of games?" Thranduil's leisure drawl spoke much about the patience he had for his son as his eyebrow rose in question.

Said son took a moment to reflect before bowing his head and apologizing to his father. "Please, ada. Where is Isilmë?"

"You assume I know of her whereabouts."

The Prince's brow furrowed as he looked at the King questioningly. "Do you not?"

A long pause passed the two elves as Thranduil looked toward his kingdom with a faraway gaze. "I may... or may not. What concern is she to you...?" The King chose his words carefully, eyeing his son from the corner warily.

Hesitantly, Legolas placed a hand over his own beating heart as he took a step closer to his father. "Ada, you know of my friendship with her... As I now know what love is when I come across it."

Thranduil's clear storm blue eyes quickly fell on his son's mirrored ones that were sometimes described as gray.

Before Thranduil spoke, Legolas continued. "I mean no disrespect, father. But I am not so blind as to not see the affection she hides nor the gentleness in which you see her with. Please, all I ask is to know if she is well. For your sake as well as hers."

The King remained quiet. Whatever thoughts he may have previously had dispersed at his son's careful observations. He was, if anything, touched with how much care Legolas truly held for Isilmë and himself. Not just because he was King or bound by duty; it was sincere.

Thranduil sighed and looked away, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You assume much, Legolas... As for Isilmë, I do not know of her well being." Thranduil paused and looked at his son. "Know that she is taken care for."

Legolas remained quiet as he stared at his father before he nodded. He knew not to badger his father more than what he already had lest Thranduil get angry with him. He understood that he would also get no explanation as to her whereabouts or well being. This was a fact he'd have to agree to for now. Bowing once more, Legolas bid his father a short farewell before dispatching himself from the King's presence.

Thranduil sighed once more. Had it been anyone else...

He looked up once more with resolve in his now hardened eyes. It was time.