Lorinand Memoirs: The Bough Breaks

Chapter - 12

Uncomfortable, Thranduil hesitated as he reached for the handle. Even though the King of the Woodland Realm was his father, entering his private chambers unannounced was unthinkable even for him. Swallowing his fears with some difficulty, he quietly turned the handle and entered. The kings' personal rooms appeared very similar to those assigned to him, only slightly larger with the most notable difference being the heavily ladened bookcases that lined the walls between the large open windows.

"Thranduil!" Amdír greeted him with a broad smile as he entered the large public sitting area. "I must apologize for last evening." He continued, noting the recognition that flashed in the young princes' eyes.

"I had intended to speak with you when I encountered you in the glade but you seemed to already have so much on your mind, I decided to leave you to your thoughts." He added as he grasped his hands in a friendly gesture. "I hope you can forgive me."

"Hîr vuin (My Lord), there is no harm." Thranduil replied, nodding a respectful bow toward him.

"I would prefer that we dispense with the formalities." Amdír said quietly as he released his hands and turned away from him. "Please, I am Amdír." He added, picking up the carafe of wine and pouring them both a goblet.

"Ben iest gîn." (As you wish) Thranduil replied, schooling his expression as he accepted the goblet from him, feeling slightly uncomfortable under the kings' gaze. In the depths of his eyes he saw the same familiarity that he had seen when Lenwë looked at him, yet there was something different.

"The wine is from the vineyards of Gianduin on the western side of the Misty Mountains and not quite as heady as the Dorwinion of Rhûn." Amdír commented as he nodded toward a long leather covered settee.

"Yes, it is also not as sweet." Thranduil ventured as he made himself comfortable, still studying the king.

"You either know your wines or you have already met my sister the Lady Gilaiwë." Amdír chuckled as he seated himself on the opposite end of the settee.

"My father has a quite a selection of wine but yes." Thranduil paused, smiling warmly. "I had the pleasure of meeting her two days ago."

"I hope you do not find me rude." Amdír began quietly, returning the princes' inquisitive gaze. "I tend to be rather blunt in comparison to most as I do not care for wasting time with excessive pleasantries." He said, his tone slightly more firm.

"Actually I would find that quite refreshing." Thranduil stated, his eyes narrowing slightly as he noted the uncomfortable shift in the kings' mood.

"I want you to know first that you are a guest here and you are welcome to stay as long as you feel comfortable." He stated, pausing to sip the wine and let his words sink in. "Unfortunately, there are sensitive matters that need to be discussed between us. You need to know that even if it were in my power to do so, I am not in favor of alliances formed on the basis of a marriage." Amdír stated as he leaned back slightly against the back of the settee.

"I see you were unaware of your fathers' intentions." He added, noting the quick flash of what appeared to be anger in the young princes' eyes.

"I cannot say that I did not expect it." Thranduil admitted, resting the foot of the goblet on the arm of the settee to hide the tremble in his hand. "My father has already brought the matter to my attention."

"How do you feel about that?" Amdír asked quietly, frowning inwardly as he watched the young princes' body language.

"I am not directly opposed to the idea of marriage itself. I would prefer to choose my own wife. However, I understand my duty." Thranduil stated, a slight smile curled his lips although it did nothing to alter the unreadable expression on his face. The king was difficult to read, he wasn't sure if he should trust him not to report everything back to his father.