Crowned

Chapter Nine

Erelos walked through the gardens, not doing anything in particular, but just wanted to be outside. She wondered what Thranduil had meant with what he said the previous night. "Erelos." She turned to see Marculus. She sighed and rolled her eyes. "What do you wish for now?" He stood up straight and touched his high ponytail. "I was told to inform you of a large banquet that will be held here tonight. We are having special guests, Lord Elrond, Queen Arwen, and her husband; King Aragorn." Erelos knit her thin eyebrows together. "And what business do they have here?" Marculus shrugged. "I do believe your father wishes for something and is trying their soft side. Have you met them before?" Erelos shook her head. "Lord Elrond yes, but not his children."

Marculus stuck out his elbow. "May I walk you back, M'dear?" She punched his shoulder and took his arm. "Don't call me that."

They walked into the castle and Marculus left her by the throne room. He started to walk away but paused. "Erelos, give it back." She crossed her arms and smiled smugly. "What?" He walked over and backed her into the wall. "You know what." She turned her face away from his, feeling a little too close for comfort. He breathed on her cheek, and she couldn't tell if he was touching her or not because he was so close. "Make me." Erelos whispered. Marculus took a full step back and held his ring in his hand. "Already did." He walked away, with Erelos frustrated her little theft didn't work. She casually strolled into the throne room to see Thranduil and a council member talking. "Father, I-"

He put up his hand to stop her. "A moment, please Erelos." She huffed and walked past them. She looked up at Thranduil's throne and his large cape laying on it. Erelos walked over to a table and picked up a small harp and walked up the steps of Thranduil's throne. She sat across it with her legs crossed and resting on the arm of the throne. She loudly plucked at the harp, trying to get Thranduil's attention. He didn't so much as glance towards her. Then she got an idea.

"Shadows all around you as you surface from the dark," she sang. The council member briefly looked up at her. "Emerging from the gentle grip of night's unfolding arms." She continued.

"Darkness, darkness everywhere. Do you feel all alone? The subtle grace of gravity, the heavy weight of stone."

The member and Thranduil bowed lightly and the council member left.

Erelos still continued to sing.

"You don't see why you possess; a beauty, calm and clear." Thranduil walked up the steps.

"It lights the sky and blurs the darkness, like a chandelier." He stopped in front of her and she stopped singing. "Erelos," he started. She smiled innocently at him. "Although your voice is nothing less than pleasant to hear, and I mostly enjoy your company," his face turned into a scowl. "Get out." Erelos nodded and quickly stood up and ran down the steps. "But father," she looked back up at him. "What did you mean last night? What you said about not worrying about you?" Thranduil laughed lightly. "Erelos, you are aware of my very potent wine, yes?"

Erelos too laughed but still felt like he was fibbing to her. After Erelos left Thranduil he sat with his head in his hands. He was blabbing nonsense, though he had had a vision of terrible times coming straight for Mirkwood.

A young guard walked past Erelos and accidentally bumped her shoulder. "Watch where you're walking, peasant!" Erelos said as she shoved him right back. Just as she did this Legolas walked around the corner. "Erelos!" He said harshly. "Manners, dear sister, are what earns one friends and followers." He patted the guard who quickly nodded and walked off. "Have you found Qeal?" Erelos questioned. Legolas sighed and shook his head, causing his blonde hair to slip off his shoulder. "It is like Qealorīa has disappeared from our forests."

"Maybe she did.." Erelos suggested. He shook his head again. "She wouldn't leave the safety of the trees. She is tree speaker, like myself. They give her shelter, a home." He sighed. "I have not a clue of where to look for her anymore." The two walked together down the corridor. "Have you heard of the banquet?"

"Yes." Erelos answered. "I am worried, I haven't had the pleasure of seeing the beauty of Arwen yet. Nor have I seen her husband." Legolas smiled, remembering many adventures. "Aragorn and I have seen many things together. But there is something you must know." Erelos raised an eyebrow. "Aragorn is a man."

Erelos gasped. She loathed humans more than almost anything, it was a personal vendetta. After all their greedy endeavours, she had grown a hatred. "Why would the Lady Arwen marry a man? He would soon die, and take her heart with him! Men are full of greed and they are selfish and weak!"

"Aragorn is different." Legolas tried. "And Arwen gave up immortality for him."

"She did what?!" Erelos screeched. Legolas touched her arm and looked around. "Keep you voice down, the walls have ears." They both looked around and continued to walk. "It does not make sense to me why an elf such as herself would give up one of our most admirable traits, and then go and marry such a...peasant of society!"

Legolas shook his head. "You clearly know not of love. Those who love someone would do anything." Erelos looked down at her feet, and bit her lip. "No. I guess I do not know of love..." She felt like she was going to cry, but quickly took a deep breath and smiled. "I suppose I should prepare for the banquet." Legolas nodded. "Yes, I shall as well." They bowed, and walked in opposite directions. "Oh, Erelos?"

She turned around. "Would you accompany me to the banquet?"

Erelos's lips curved into a small smile. "Of course, good sir." They both giggled and turned again to walk to their own rooms. And although she knew they were to be brother and sister, she still felt a small feeling in her stomach that made her have a slight spring in her step.