The King's Jewel (Thranduil Fanfiction)

Chapter 23

Alina was bored. Going back to sleep had been near impossible. Her hand had still tingled where his lips had touched it and her head and heart were running relays with each other. After tossing and turning for a few hours, she had finally got up and went about her routine as per usual. She had even taken an extra long bath and still she found herself pacing the halls in sheer boredom. The anticipation for the night to come was grating on her nerves and Alina felt jittery with excitement.

As she ventured around the cavernous halls, she tried to put her energy to good use, but no one seemed in want of assistance, at least not from her. Whenever they saw her approaching, they would either scamper away or shoo her out. The morning wore on and the halls filled with more activity and excitement. Everyone gave her a wide berth and for the most part ignored her. Trying not to take it to heart, Alina put on a smile and went to find Legolas in hopes that he at least would be willing to spend time with her.

The strenuous search that ensued took her throughout most of the castle but the elf was nowhere to be found. On a slim chance, Alina took her search outside and meandered her way to the special grotto. Parting the vines to the entrance, she tried to stifle her disappointment when all she saw was an empty space. With a sigh, the vines fell back into place and she turned to leave...only to come face to face with Legolas. A small shriek escaped her lips and she jumped out of her skin in surprise and fright. Smirking, the devilish elf put a hand on her shoulder to steady her and asked in an amused voice, "Did I startle you?"

"Startle me?!," Alina spluttered in exasperation, not finding the situation quite as entertaining. "You nearly gave me a heart attack! Are you and your father trying to scare me to death? Because I must say you are doing a smashing job of it." Legolas had tucked her arm in his and was leading her to the swing near the lake. Patting her arm reassuringly, he spoke to her as one would their dear old grandmother. "Now, now, Alina. My face is not that frightful. Or at least no one's complained before. You really mustn't be so dramatic. I'm sure the whole castle heard that screech and is wondering what owl would be awake at this time of day. Even Lady Vanya would not have made such a sound. Ow! Now there's really no need for that, Alina!" he exclaimed trying to shield himself from the blows aimed towards him. "Ow! Really I mean it, I'm sorry. I was only teasing you. Ow!" The hits stopped and he chanced a glance at the disgruntled human to his right. "Are you quite finished?" he questioned.

Alina stood, hands on her hips with her lips pursed glaring a glare that would have put him six feet under. "That depends," she grated out.

"On?"

"Well, on whether you take back what you said about Lady Vanya. I mean did you honestly think it a good idea to compare me to that witch?"

The smirk was back on his lips and Alina knew she wasn't going to like what she was about to hear. With a tinkling laugh, Legolas darted to the lake, a soft "If the shoe fits!!" floating behind him.

"Oh that is it!" she exclaimed and jumped in after him. "You are so dead, Legolas!"

Dripping wet and laughing their heads off, the duo arrived back at the palace early afternoon. The chase had lasted all morning and was rekindled once again on the way home towels and dry clothes long forgotten. Like the mother hen she was, Miluiel had marched them to the dining hall all the while lecturing Legolas about the dangers of a cold and damp human. They were deposited in front of a raging fire and plates of food were shoved into their laps. The two ate as solemnly as they could, nodding to Miluiel when appropriate, and exchanging mirth-filled glances. As soon as they finished their food, Miluiel sent Legolas away and dragged Alina back to her room where she was given a steaming bath, wrapped in a fluffy towel, and sent to bed for a nap with instructions that the elleth would come get her in a few hours to prepare for the festival.