The Earth's Creation- A Thranduil fan fiction

Winter season Extra: Winter Festival

A/N: I don't know if elves celebrate a winter holiday, but I feel like they would.

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The winter solstice. A sacred and celebrated day which marked the end of the long nights. With it passed away the serenity of winter. To both bid winter farewell and celebrate the lively days to come, the elves of the woodland realm took the day to rejoice and come together in a large ball and party. Homes were decorated with the beauty of winter: holly sprigs, fir trees coated in snow, wreaths of red berries, and bouquets of snow drops. Gifts were exchanged to honor each others labors during the cold days. In the grand palace of King Thranduil, this exchange took place underneath the massive and decorated fir tree in the king's hall.

The elves of the palace looked forwards to this day with giddy anticipation each year. But this year, the buzz of excitement was nearly tangible in the air. The reason for this was the mysterious fire mage who had taken residence in the palace: Naur.

Since the arrival of the mystical vagabond, palace life had flown up from its dull routine into a lively and lovely place. Naur's presence brought energy to the king and by extension, all the inhabitants of the palace. Each night, she would dance and sing for the King and all his guests and servants. The performances never repeated and never dulled. They were electrifying.

Naur shared the excitement of the elves, but felt a touch of anxiety. She desperately wanted to give King Thranduil a gift to show her appreciation for his continued fellowship and kindness. But, she hadn't a clue what to give him. He was a grand and mighty king. What could a penniless wanderer like her gift a king?

Little did she know, the mighty elven king was struggling with the same question.

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"You summoned me, your majesty?" Virion, captain of the southern guard, said as he entered the king's chambers.

King Thranduil was draped elegantly over an oak and plush arm chair. A book lay open in his lap, but his eyes were focused on the small fire burning in his hearth.

"Majesty?" Virion said again.

Thranduil's trance was broken and he turned his ice blue eyes to the captain before him.

"Virion," Thranduil said. "The winter festival is rapidly approaching and it occurred to me, as a host, I should give the performer Naur a small gift," Thranduil said, resting his chin in the palm of his hand. "Just a trinket of some sort to show proper hospitality."

Virion resisted the urge to raise an eyebrow.

"A very kind and hospitable gesture, majesty," Virion said.

"I would like you to acquire this gift for me," Thranduil said, looking at his perfect fingernails.

"Pardon?" Virion said.

"Find the fire mage a gift I can present to her at the festival," Thranduil said, irritated.

"Forgive me for being bold majesty, but, solstice gifts are to come from the sender. The meaning of the gift is completely lost if it is not selected by the giver."

Thranduil grimaced. Virion was right. Thranduil knew Virion was right! He had agonized for hours over what to give his beloved Naurmir, but nothing seemed quite right. He considered clothes and jewels, but they didn't seem to fit with her. He considered fine wine and food, but this also did not seem perfect. He had started sketching a design for a crown to give her, but realized this would be interpreted as a marriage proposal. He quickly scrapped the idea. Now, he had resorted to passing the task off to an underling. But this too, felt wrong.

The king sighed deeply.

"You're dismissed. The order is rescinded. You are correct. I must find a gift for Naur on my own."