The IRE of Winter

Chapter 15: THE BLACK RIDER Part 1

The Hobbit Qoute

"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West. Some courage and some wisdom, blended in measure. If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world." -Thorin to Bilbo" 😢

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'Lle anta amin tu, mellonamin?' Armien asked as I lift the tray off the table. I will serve the King today, I voluntered. It was the easiest way to talk to the King without Legolas getting any suspicion.

'Diola lle, Armien, but I don't need help, this isn't heavy at all,' I smiled. Armien noticed the accessories in my wrist as I hefted my sleeve, she gave me a wink and all the girls giggled. 'It's not what you all think, it was given to me by a friend.'

'Is it a he?' Lluilen teased.

'A he, yes. A friend,' I clarified.

'A boy friend...' Armien laughed. I blushed. Everyone thinks I have an admirer. 'How does he looks like? Tell us...'

'Please...please Safirah. Tell us something about this friend of yours,' Nuneth sounded like a pleading little girl.

'Later girls, I have a King to serve,' I giggled.

Armien followed me out of the kitchen then we hurried down the hallway and to the palace. I was thankful she didn't insist to know more about the owner of the bracelet, one more push and I might have shouted it out. The little thing gave me back my courage, and my hope for the day I will win his heart.

Armien led the way to the East wing up to the King's chamber. She announced our presence and the King let us in. Inside, King Thranduil was still on his evening robes, his mantle glimmered gold in the bright yellow candlelight, he stood overlooking the halls from the open window of his palace, waiting for his early breakfast. Armien arranged the food on the table and I poured wine into a glass. The King did not speak but his eyes were on me. When we were done, he sent Armien away while I stood at a corner, waiting for his words.

'Where were you last night, child?' he asked, his voice was hoarse. 'A guest of mine hoped to see you and I had to make an alibi. Tell me, was sightseeing fun?'

'Forgive me, my Lord.' I bowed. 'I was just trying to...'

'Aur vaer, Adar!' Legolas let the door shut behind him, 'Mankoi naa re sinome?'

He was surprised to see me, just as surprised as I am to see him. He was still on his sleeping robes, his silver mantle covered the mint-colored long-sleeved clothes. Legolas glanced then walked on to meet his father.

'Indeed, the morning is good, my son. Come, join me,' the King offered him a seat.

Legolas joined his father, his silver hair undone. The King gestured for me to serve his son some wine, and I darted to his side and filled his glass.

'She is quite a lousy servant, I had to tell her what to do next all the time. Although, her undeniable perseverance is slightly moving, I am beginning to think of keeping this girl as one of our servants, what do you think?'

Legolas stared at me, then his thin lips curved up. Embarassed, I dropped my eyes to the marble floor. They spoke in elvish, and for a moment, I stood hearing a conversation I didn't understand. Finally, the King stood and motioned to his wardrobe. 'Child,' he said, 'you are excused. Send another girl to clean the table.' I nodded and quickly left his chamber.