The Golden Ones

VIII - A Tale from Six Centuries Prior Pt. 7

Tauriel’s days went something like this: She would eat breakfast, then care for the elk until it was time for the midday meal. After she ate, Tauriel was to report to the weaponry. She learned from the older smiths, who taught her that the most beautiful of arms could be created from the most unexceptional materials. In addition to this, she also learned that the swords and arrows that gleamed the brightest also cut the deepest. She supposed that people were something like that. The prettiest ones often could inflicted the most damage. 

She had not slept for many nights. Tauriel had been devouring her books by the light of the moon, sitting outside. When the sun rose, she gathered herself and returned inside the kingdom. One morning, after rising from her position against the wall, she noticed how radiantly the rising sun shone upon her home. Shivers trailed down her spine. For a moment, Tauriel stood, appreciating this spectacular view. She found it rather amusing how magnificent nature was without trying. Brooks, stones, trees, mountains, and seas were all part of things necessary for life, but within their mundane functions, they became wondrous. The sun did not rise so that she, Tauriel, would look upon it with a childlike delight. No, the sun rose because it was its place to do so. By performing the job assigned, the sun could become what it was.

Tauriel allowed these thoughts to roll about in her mind as she went in search of food. Tauriel was not particularly hungry, but she had a feeling that the day would be a long one. Energy would be something she needed. In her chambers, she gathered a handful of berries from a bowl that sat upon her bedside table. After eating the berries, she slipped on her clothing for the stable. Tauriel slipped out her door and into the halls. She started to walk towards the direction of the stables, but stopped. Loud voices came from the King’s chambers.

Tauriel assured herself that it was probably best if she listened in, for what if there was an intruder? While she knew very well that this was highly unlikely, she required a consolation to herself for eavesdropping. As quietly as she could, she crept up to the King’s wall, pressing her back to the walls. She immediately recognized the two voices coming from the room: Thranduil and Legolas. This is what she heard:

“-Gone! There is talk, father. Do you know what is said? Do you know why it is said that he left?” It was Legolas, his voice exasperated and pleading.

“Legolas, servants come and go. You must know this! Perhaps he has wanted to seek another life, you know naught of his wishes!” Thranduil said. There was an audible attempt for calm that was cracking with each passing moment.

“Are you suggesting you do?” Came Legolas’s harsh reply. “Father, they are saying that he left because of you. Galadir was your most faithful servant, and it is said that you sent him away. Do you deny this?”

Thranduil sighed. “I cannnot.” There was a moment of silence before words pierced the air once more.

“Father, it is said that he left after an argument with you. About Tauriel.” Legolas pressed. Thranduil gave no reply. Legolas inhaled sharply. “I cannot allow myself to believe all I have heard. Surely you did not wish to give her to the Guard.” 

Tauriel pressed the back of her hand into her mouth to prevent herself from making any noise and revealing her position. “I am not sure of my exact wishes, Legolas. I will not speak to you false things. Hear this from me, son. Do you not see her promise? If there is a growing evil and it is in her ability to prevent this evil from spreading, it is her duty to this kingdom to do so.” Thranduil said slowly. “She could be wonderful.”

Legolas snarled in disgust. “The growing evil must be in your heart, father, if you believe that the death of the spider in the forest is worth more than her life. You yourself should know as well as I do the dangers of the guard. Do you wish that fate upon her?” 

“What has occurred to me, Legolas, is that you seem to value her highly.” Thranduil commented.

“Yes, what of it?” Legolas snapped. “Of course I care for her! I have spent the past few years of my life in her company.”

“If you ever become King, I hope that you have put sentiment behind you.” Was all that Thranduil replied.

“You had sentiment in you, father. You loved mother. Do not tell me that I cannot love another.” Legolas said. 

When Tauriel heard the boots approaching the door, it was far too late to dart from his sight. Tauriel knew she could not run. She braced herself, standing a piece down the hallway. Legolas kept his eyes down as he blamed the door behind him. He looked up, and his eyes connected with hers. 

“You heard.” Legolas said simply. It was not a question.

“Yes.” Tauriel whispered, keeping her eyes down.

“How much of it?” He questioned, coming very close to her.

“Galadir is gone, mainly at my fault.” Tauriel answered.

“That is incorrect, but before I elaborate, you also heard more, I assume.” Legolas continued. “The rest, I would be willing to bet.” Tauriel nodded. He sighed, and pushed a hand through his long hair.

“I do not know what to say.” Legolas said honestly. Tauriel looked up at him and met his eyes.

“You care for me?” Tauriel asked. She searched Legolas’s eyes for an answer. He looked down at his feet and took a breath.

“I do.” Legolas said. “You are fair. You are wise. You are brave - you saved my life.” 

“Legolas,” Tauriel breathed, drawing all of her courage, “I must ask, what type of care do you carry?”

“I do not know.” He whispered. “With time, it will become clear. Perhaps you will also grow to care for me, as well.” 

Hugging was not at all a regular custom among elves, but Tauriel felt completely natural as Legolas drew her into his hard chest. She felt his cool lips brush her forehead as he held her.

-+-+-+-

Thranduil walked to his window after Legolas exited. He sighed. Thranduil felt so very tired even though he had been sleeping far more than he used to. He could not hide from his throne forever. So he lifted his crown from its resting place and slid it into position onto his head. Thranduil stepped into the hallway. Thranduil raised an eyebrow upon seeing Tauriel in the arms of his son, his lips upon her head.

“I believe you have an elk to attend to.” Thranduil said as he passed the pair. He heard them jump in surprise. Legolas attempted to say something, but Thranduil was already gone.