The IRE of Winter

Chapter 14: A VAURG'S UNDOING

It took me an hour to wash myself clean and be presentable enough to stand before the King. I guess I'll have to skip seeing Miraak on the morrow, Legolas still wore the same look when I last saw him.

The palace guards have been instructed to keep watch over me save my goings to the East wing. The after noon was quiet and peaceful except the murmurs of the wind that have escaped the cracks from the Southern walls and the splashing of fast-falling waters by the silver bridge (the bridge connecting the palace and common halls). The dusk approached and hurried to fix myself brushing my hair and braiding it on one side, letting tendrils hanging down on both sides. Then, I slipped on my leather boots and put on the black and green clothes - handed over by Armien's lost sister.

The king must be impatient, I imagined him sitting on his white coach in crossed legs while reading a book on his palm. Then he would flipped the pages with the tips of his nails with all grace.

Down the common room, I walked the East wing keeping a watchful eyes for Legolas. He never doubted a little. He promised he will send me off in less than a fortnight, less than a week if I misbehave, and he had no idea.

Going home is the least of my plans now, I've changed my fate the night I followed them to Bree --- a decision I have thought of regreting many times.

I went straight ahead, tip toed up the stairs and into the King's library. The temperature had changed, I knew it was getting dark outside. Inside, the King was standing near a bookshelf, flipping the pages of a book in his hand.

'My Lord, may I?' I peeped by the door.

'Come, child. I have been waiting for you,' he invited me in as he motioned away from the bookshelf . I kept my distance, lowering my eyes as I waited for his words. He motioned to the table, sweeping the floor with his silver robes that seemed gleaming in the candlelight. Finally, he spoke, 'Such a mayhem we had this morning, you deliberately disobeyed my son, is it not true?' He took a seat and closed the book he was holding, crossed his legs and leaned back to his chair.

'I did not run away, my Lord. I went --- flying,' I murmured.

The king laughed, 'flying?'

But it wasn't a lie, I was literally flying last night, of course, he would think differently.

'Oh, child, great regret would have befallen me if the rumors turned out to be true . I have never seen my son in such panic for hundreds of years, I reckon. Did you tell him where you have been --- Flying?" He straightened up on his chair casting a slow smile.

'I told him a lie, my Lord. I'm very sorry but I had to. I went to Dale just as you asked. Forgive me if I went alone. I do not wish more trouble for Mr. Briggens -- for he has not recovered well.'

'Your courage is something worthy of admiration.' He stood and slowly walked towards me. King Thranduil is more refined than his son, he moves gracefully, speaks gracefully and above all, he is a perfect picture of a noble elf, tall as a tree, slender was his shadow; and his beauty was regal, though he seemed cold and distant, he cares for his son so much. 'So, tell me. What did you see?'

'Laketown is a beautiful floating city, my Lord, like a fortress in a lake it gleamed orange and yellow amid the dark, the placid lake is surrounded by towering cliffs and high mountains, its walls are tall and thick laden with many-sized stones. I saw fishermen hoisting their nets at misty waters, small boats and the likes. Up North, is Lonely Mountain, Erebor. Dale is a huge city sitting below the Lonely Mountain, its bricked buildings tall and strong. It would have been better if I came during the day, I wish I could tell you more.'