In the aftermath of the Battle of the Five Armies, Thranduil finds the world within his Halls empty. He struggles to come to terms with the absence of his only child and the loss of the one he raised as if she were his own daughter. He begins to r...
Conspiracies abound within the Woodland Realm. Some for power, others for love. The choice is made and stage is now set, for Thranduil and Tauriel there is no turning back. But what of Legolas?
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The hour had grown late, many of the married couples and most of the older elves had long since departed the festivities, leaving the merriment to the younger ones. Perched comfortably at the end of the long table on the dais, Gilaiwë enjoyed the perfect view of the grand ballroom. A sly smile touched her lips as she caught sight of the young prince standing in the far corner near the minstrels. Although his expression was similar to the guarded indifference often worn by his father, it was obvious at least to her that he had not yet mastered the art of concealing his heart.
Glancing in the direction of his intense gaze, her smile grew as she watched Lord Elvändéruil bow low before the beautiful young fiery haired former captain of the forest patrol. Always the gentleman, she watched as he guided her out onto the floor, maintaining the respectable distance between them as she smiled up at him. She definitely seemed more relaxed, the deep folds of her forest green gown flowing around her as they moved with the music.
Sipping her wine sparingly she also felt the change in the atmosphere since Thranduil had retired for the evening. Part of her longed for the quiet serenity of her beloved Lórinand as she sensed an undercurrent and she was not quite sure yet if it threatened the Woodland Realm or Thranduil himself. The feeling heightened as she watched the young courtiers as they moved about like chess pieces, each one unaware that they were merely pawns in a much larger scheme contrived by power hungry older nobles.
"What wickedness are you plotting in that beautiful head of yours?" Tóriôn chuckled, slipping into the seat next to her as he continued to watch the small group of ellyn (male elf) nobles near the prince.
"What have you heard?" She asked as she continued to watch the dancers, ignoring his teasing.
"Galion confirmed the rumors." Tóriôn said quietly, schooling his expression as he turned his attention toward the prince. "Thranduil fully intends to abandon the hereditary oath, much to the dismay of certain nobles."
"So." Gilaiwë sighed softly, her slender fingers toying with the stem of her wine glass. "He has finally admitted to himself that he is in love with her."
A playful smile touching her lips as she remembered how adamantly he denied it when he came to Lórinand to retrieve her. Part of her was a bit jealous yet she had no desire to bind herself to the throne of the Woodland Realm. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, the fates had once again dealt him a cruel choice between his love for his son and for the one he had loved as daughter yet now desired.
"I am sure he did not come to this decision lightly." Tóriôn commented quietly as he reached for the carafe to refill her glass. "I can see that it pains him greatly."
"No." She agreed, frowning slightly as she turned toward him. "Unfortunately it was a decision made with his heart not his mind."
"You do not give him enough credit Gilaiwë." He stated, his silver eyes silencing her as she met his gaze evenly. "Though he hides it well, Thranduil has always listened to the voice in his heart. In many ways, especially with his son's willingness to abandon him, Legolas has left him no choice in this matter. He has already sacrificed much in the name of the throne, he deserves the right to be selfish once."
