The Silversmith's Daughter

Chapter 13: A Question of Love

Miridian woke up that morning in the comfort of the King's bed. It was warm and very peaceful; a nice way to greet a new day. She heard the soft sounds of Thranduil's breathing and concluded that it must be very early, for he was still asleep. She looked at him. He was so beautiful, and he was even more perfect in slumber. His long blonde hair covered his chest as it slowly rose and fell with each breath. Miridian smiled to herself and cuddled up to him.

She could not help but feel bad about the previous night. She did not know exactly why, but she couldn't shake the feeling. Of course she loved Thranduil and wanted to give him all of her, but everything was happening so fast... Miridian had become afraid. She was inexperienced and she did not know quite what to expect. However, she was very thankful that the King was patient and forgiving, and it made her love him even more.

As Miridian laid her head on Thranduil's chest, she felt him stirring. She sat up and he inhaled deeply before opening his eyes.

"Good morning," greeted Miridian. Thranduil smiled at her.

"Good morning," he replied.

"I like your bed," Miridian said with a smile. "It is soft and you are warm. I hope I did not inhibit your sleep."

"No," Thranduil answered. "I am glad it pleases you." He sat up and looked into Miridian's eyes. "Do you always look so beautiful in the morning?"

Miridian blushed and looked away, smiling. Thranduil smirked and leaned over to kiss her. She rested her hands on his chest, his hair falling in between her fingers. When he let go, Miridian kissed him again.

"I must apologize for last night," she said, after releasing Thranduil from the kiss.

"Veleth nin, you have nothing to apologize for," he replied, leaving the bed to fetch his robes. "I will wait for you as long as I must." Miridian couldn't help but smile to herself. She hopped out of the bed as well.

"I should return to my father," she said. "I believe he has your final sword ready."

"I will be glad to receive it," Thranduil replied, giving her a smile. Miridian started to leave, but then remembered something as she felt the cold white gems bounce against her chest. She turned around.

"Thranduil...thank you for the necklace," she said. "It is beautiful."

"Fit for a beautiful lady," he replied as he pulled his robes over his shoulders. Miridian smiled and slowly snuck out the door, careful not to be seen by anyone as she left the palace.

...

Miridian stopped by the stream before entering her home, to bring water to her father as she was sure he was working very hard. She found Dragolith in the dining room, eating a large piece of bread with butter. He smiled when he saw her and wiped his mouth with a hankerchief, standing up from his chair.

"Ah, my lovely daughter," he greeted. "What have you been up to? How fares the King?" Miridian smiled at him and set the sturdy leaf pouch full of water on the table.

"He fares well," she replied. "I meant to tell you Father; I aided the dwarves in their escape a few days ago." Dragolith's eyes lit up.

"They have escaped? They are on their way to Erebor?"

"Yes!" Miridian answered with enthusiasm. "But...the hobbit—" Miridian stopped herself as she felt the ring in her pocket. Perhaps it was best not to tell her father about the ring. She did not know why, but she had a feeling that she should keep it to herself. "—He helped as well. The King does not know that it was me who released them...and I feel rather guilty, for I do not wish to lie to him."