Encounters with the Elven King

New Horizons

New Horizons Pt. 13

Isilmë was currently walking around the anti chamber she had previously found herself in. How she had managed to disentangle herself from the King was beyond her. There was a lightness to her eyes now that was not there before as Thranduil watched her from his seated perch. Her hand gently ran across the various books or intricate details carved onto the wall as she stopped before the small table used for tea. He watched her as she closed her eyes and inhaled the different aromas. One in particular caught her attention.

"I was not aware you were fond of this tea."

"I am not."

Isilmë repeated his words questioningly as her gaze flitted toward Thranduil. "Why, then, do you have it? It is not a commonly liked one."

"Yet you do." He answered simply. An amused smile spread thinly on his lips as he regarded her.

The elleth's eyes narrowed, a strange twinkle to them as she became suspicious of the King. However, she wouldn't lie and say she wasn't pleased, just curious. "How do you know this?"

Thranduil chuckled as he neared the elleth, running his strong and slender fingers through her raven black tresses. His gaze followed the sheen that seemed to reflect off each strand of hair with a serene smile before looking at her coyly. "I am King, Isilmë. Is it not obvious I take into respect the likes and dislikes of my people?" His smile seemed to widen as confusion and bewilderment was read upon her features. Surely he didn't take the time to learn the likes and dislikes of all his people...

"You jest."

He scoffed and looked away for but a moment before smiling at her again. "Of course. It was your sister whom I inquired about you... On the night of the Fall Solstice."

Isilmë reaction was immediate as it was gauged by the King. She looked startled for a moment. He knew where her thoughts had been without being reproachful or bringing it up in a way that would make her feel inferior. Her gaze lowered as her cheeks became a rosy color, the skin on her chest dusting a pink hue as well.

"None of that, melamin," Thranduil whispered, placing his hand under her chin as he bestowed a chaste kiss upon her heated cheeks. Through his actions the King conveyed that she had no reason to be embarrassed.

Regardless of his encouragement, Isilmë found herself pouting. "How long have you know?"

"Long enough."

Isilmë scoffed at his answer, in mimic to his previous action. "I should not be surprised," she sighed.

"You should not."

"Yet I am."

"You are."

Isilmë paused, her eyes narrowing as she looked into Thranduil's stormy blue eyes. "Are you mocking me?"

Another smile graced his lips as he shook his head. "Of course not."

"You are mocking me!" She pulled back accusingly, tapping her hand against his shoulder. "Best get that smirk off your face before I beat you at sparring again," the elleth smiled rather smugly as another twinkle seemed to shine in his eyes then.

"Is that a challenge? I do not recall you 'beating' me last we sparred. If I recall, I had to carry you back inside."

"Only because you made me heal you," Isilmë retorted. "Besides, you have to admit... my skill is far quicker than yours."

The elleth remained quiet, struggling to not smile as they stared each other down. She didn't last long before she broke out in a soft chuckle.

Thranduil smiled once more as he brought the elleth closer to him, encircling his arms around her as he shook his head.

A knock at the door the King was not expecting interrupted the pair's moment. Any and all traces of the once jesting King disappeared as his face transformed into his normal stoic expression.

The elleth recalled her duties rather quickly as second nature took over, and though she was on leave because of Thranduil, she stood at her rightful place behind him. He spared a side glance at her before gently taking Isilmë by the forearm an pulling her to his side. It was not lost upon her what the significance of this status meant as the Guard was allowed in.

With reverence, a tall and fair elf dressed in ranger gear neared them and bowed. The male, Isilmë recognized as one from her squadron, respectfully avoided looking at them both directly as he waited for Thranduil's permission to speak.

With a gesture of the King's hand, the elf began explaining the breech in the southern border. Giant Spiders, apparent spawns of Ungoliant, were amounting together and attacking their scouts. So far, five elves were severely wounded and there was one death casualty.

Isilmë internally bristled at the news as the elf left. The prospect of having a war with these immortal spiders gave her an edge she normally felt in the heat of battle. She had not been able to do her duty for quite some time since she fell ill, per say... Though she wasn't sure what her new title would entail or if the King would even allow her to leave now.

Isilmë looked at her King once the doors closed and they were left in private once more. The serious gleam that entered her eyes was enough for Thranduil to know what her next words were going to be. Admittedly, he didn't want to hear them.

"You must let me go with my Captain and the rest of the Guard." Thranduil sighed as she spoke and looked away. "Thranduil," gently, Isilmë reached out and placed a hand on his forearm. "Melamin," she slowly reached up and brought his face to hers as she neared him. "This, what we have, this can wait until it is brought up with the council... But not our people. I am still a Knight underneath all of this. This is who you chose and I never change. The safety of the kingdom, of my King and home, come first."

Isilmë searched Thranduil's eyes as the steeled gleam began to melt away. He closed his eyes then, pressing his forehead to hers. "I would not have you any other way."

Isilmë smiled as she closed the distance between them one last time before she hurriedly left to her quarters to prepare.

This infestation of arachnids will learn to rue the day they enter his Kingdom, and interfere with his personal life, for the last time.