The Golden Ones

V - A Tale from Six Centuries Prior Pt. 5

Tauriel ran her fingers over the various items that hung in the wooden wardrobe in her chambers. Emerald green, gold, and cream colored fabrics bursted outwards from the thing. She was surprised to find that most of the items were of the same (or higher) quality as her current gown. The articles were organized in an obvious pattern: by occasion. On the left side were the most formal and extravagant of the lot. They were embroidered, and encrusted with jewels. Gowns such as the ones she had her eyes upon were meant for the greatest of festivities. These transitioned to the lovely robes of less grandeur, then to common dresses, and lastly, her favorite, outdoors wear.

From the wardrobe, Tauriel had withdrawn a pair of dark boots, a pair of woolen leggings in the same shade, and a hunting dress in the color of the night sky. She itched to pull them on, because wearing them meant that she would be allowed outside of her kingdom. They were left out on a chair as a reminder for Tauriel. These items reminded her that her life would get better, that good things were on their way.

However, these elaborate cloths were not takers of her pain. Each time Tauriel thought of her parents, a heavy weight pressed upon her chest. She knew that no mere luxury could take this sorrow from her. Not the elaborate furniture, nor the new weapons, or the countless books. Initially, she felt surprise upon finding the precious texts. They lined shelves that spanned across one wall were filled with them. One was not on the shelf. It was resting on the center of her bed. Tauriel had lifted it. The title brought confusion. It was her favorite book. It could not be coincidence that this book was given to her. The elvenking must have sought this text for her. It puzzled her that he seemed to be trying so hard to please her.

Tauriel was brushing her fingertips across the spines of the books when she began to feel uneasy. She had suddenly been overcome with the feeling that eyes were watching her. Slowly, she turned. It was Legolas. He was standing beside her bed, and in his hands he held the volume that had been placed upon her covers.

Upon seeing her turn, Legolas spoke. “I see that you have begun to read this. Is it to your pleasure?” He questioned.

“Yes, my Lord Legolas,” she replied carefully with measure. “but I feel that you already knew that.” Legolas stiffened visibly. It was obvious to Tauriel that he hadn’t intended for her to find out.

“I was informed that it was your favorite.” He replied.

“Informed?” Tauriel pressed.

“I asked.” Legolas broke. Tauriel smiled softly.

“Why?” She inquired. Her head inclined to the right ever so slightly.

“I wish to please you, my lady. My father and I strive to make you happy here.” Legolas said. “Speaking of this, I have an offer.” He said. Tauriel raised an eyebrow. “I see that you have located your clothing and your bow. Would you like to put them to use?”

“Of course.” Tauriel answered immediately.

“I will be outside. Come to me once you’ve changed into the hunting garb and gathered your bow. Do not hurry yourself. We have the entire day.” Legolas said. He left her room. Tauriel waited until the door was firmly shut before she stripped her gown away. She donned her new clothing gently, to prevent any ripping. However, Tauriel did this as quickly as possible for two reasons. She did not wish to keep Legolas waiting, but also she did not want to risk his seeing her. Tauriel then grabbed her quiver of arrows and her father’s bow. She opened her door.

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Blue suited Tauriel almost as well as green, Legolas decided. It felt strange to see the lady in a guard’s attire when he had became used to the elaborate gowns his father provided to her. However, Tauriel walked in a different way when she wore these clothes and carried her bow. She carried herself with a confidence that he had not seen in her at any other time prior. “Come,” Legolas murmured, “I would like to share with you my forest.”
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One of Legolas’s first memories involved his mother. They were in the woods, and he was stroking a small fawn that had came to him. “My Legolas,” she said softly as she watched him with the animal, “I believe that you have found your forest.”