Mary Goes to Mirkwood

Mary Goes to Mirkwood

Chapter 23

Authors: Mary, Malinorne and Sheraiah

Disclaimer: We are just playing with Tolkien's characters for fun, not profit, and do not claim to have created any of them. Thaladir, the king's seneschal, is our creation.

Warning: Adult sexual content/implied fem-slash/nudity

Summary: Mary, Mal and Sheraiah cope with Middle Earth winter and celebrate the holidays.


~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

~ Mal ~

We arrived back to Mirkwood from Esgaroth in the middle of the night and Thaladir carried me from the sleigh. I could have walked, of course, but I had slept most of the way and was too pleasantly drowsy to want to move. It was also nice just to be close to him, and I heartlessly ignored the kitten, which squeaked pitifully as the furs that had been covering its basket were removed. I knew that it wouldn't harm it to wait the few minutes it would take the seneschal to take me to my room.

All my drowsiness disappeared when Thaladir whispered in my ear as we approached the halls, "I do hope that you are reasonably well rested, my lady, as His Majesty will expect you to express your gratitude most actively." His voice was husky and without doubt he had no trouble imagining how the king wished to be thanked. Neither had I, and my expectations rose with each step. Only the seneschal's apparent affection for his king prevented me from feeling a pang of guilt at taking my lust from him so quickly.

Then the magic gates opened and, with a last squeeze, the seneschal handed me over to Thranduil, who was waiting right inside. I revelled in the king's musky scent. I wanted to look at him, and hug him, but was afraid to move or even open my eyes. Which was silly, of course, as the king had sensed me as soon as the sleigh crossed the river and already knew that I wasn't sleeping.

Thaladir said something like 'mission accomplished', and disappeared out again as soon as the king had answered: "Le hannon, sadron nín." [I thank you, my faithful one.]

The king then started to walk towards the palace area but said nothing, just held me close, as if it suited him to pretend that he didn't know that I was just feigning sleep. I couldn't resist touching him for a very long time, and he smirked when I opened my eyes and wrapped my arms around his neck, snuggling up closer.

"I am very grateful, my lord." I whispered into his ear and nibbled on the lobe, just a little.

Now the king chuckled and put me down, but kept an arm around my waist. He looked at me with an amused expression on his somesome face.

"I trust you enjoyed your visit then. Good. And was the inn... satisfactory?"

I nodded, a bit hesitantly.

"Excellent. Mary told me about your tradition of giving gifts this season. That was my gift to Thaladir." He looked me straight into the eyes, serious at first, and then hnkednked, suddenly grinning like mad.

I realized that I had been tricked. The king had known exactly what would happen when he made me share a room with the seneschal, and though the experience was pleasurable, I couldn't just let him get away with it. I kicked his shins. Or rather, tried to. Of course, he moved his foot in an instant, and I lost my balance. I was caught in mid air, and flung over the Elvenking's shoulder, and he continued towards his sleeping chamber in a quick stride.

I hammered at his back for a while and even shouted at him to put me down, but Thranduil soon calmed me by sneaking his free hand up under my cloak, moving it tantalizingly over my backside. It was impossible to be angry with him for long.

When he had put me down on the bnd snd sat beside me, beginning to free me of my winter clothes, I told him again how much I had enjoyed my trip to Esgaroth. He insisted I tell him everything about it, and I was almost naked by the time I had finished my tale. His hands omy bmy bare skin made me remember the seneschal's words, and I asked: "How can I express my gratitude?"

The king continued to let his hands glide up and down my body and his eyes gleamed in a very familiar way when he finally spoke. "I am sure you can come up with a way. And then I will show you some more."

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

~ Sheraiah ~

Gimli did a wonderful job with the hoops and beads, and Glorfindel clued me in on where to acquire the feathers I needed. I was very pleased with how the dreamcatchers turned out. On the ones for the twins, I had used dark blue leather, silver thread, blue and silver beads, and black feathers. Duiniel's was red and white, and Gimli's was copper, brown, and white.

For Lord Elrond, I had decided to do a very special story. Legolas and the twins had told me a great deal about their childhoods, and I had in mind to commit to the page a particular incident involving all three of them, plus Arwen and Aragorn. It was a sweet little story I called 'Past, Present, and Future' and I was rather proud of it.

I had asked Erestor for pen and paper, hoping that I'd be able for once to write legibly, but he had surprised me by offering to transcribe anything I wished. In return, I'd written lyrics to a tune I'd heard several times in Rivendell for him even though he had asked for no compensation for his assistance. He was surprised and delighted, making me even gladder that I'd done it. I was even more so when I realized that hd nod not only transcribed the stories I had requested, but all of the ones on my hard drive. He was so going to get a story of his choice out of me before I left Rivendell. After all of that, it was the least he deserved.

I wrote a rather humorous story about Legolas, Gimli, and Aragorn for Gimli. As Legolas definitely came out the worse for wear in that one, I figured Gimli would get a kick out of it. Erestor had certainly been amused.

For Legolas I wrote another set of lyrics set to yet another tune I had heard since my arrival. I had thought long and hard about it, and had come up with something that spoke of our friendship, without being overly mushy. Erestor had done that one as sheet music, which was fortunate because although I can write lyrics, I don't read music. I just hoped he wouldn't ask me to sing it. I never could carry a tune to save my life.

I was more than a little nervous as to how my gifts would go over. I knew that everyone would receive them courteously, but I really was hoping they'd actually like them as well.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

~ Mary ~

For a few frantic days, after Mal returned from her shopping trip, we locked ourselves away from the king and his seneschal and busied ourselves with our winter holiday preparations. We both required yarn for the gifts we were making for Thranduil. Neither of us told the other what we had planned. I had her pick out some red and gold colors for me during her shopping trip and we visited the Mirkwood seamstress-elves for the other items we needed. We were both stumped when it came to Thaladir.

"Maybe," I suggested, "I could use some of my left over yarn and knit him up a little beanie cap? If you have any left, maybe you could make him some socks or, mittens? Maybe if he is warmer, he will be nicer?" I pondered the thought of Thaladir in a striped red and gold beanie cap. Then I asked Mal, "Do elves even wear mittens?"

The kitchen elves had grown accustomed to us and our candy and cookie making experiments. Limited to ingredients such as honey, raisins, apples, and nuts, our early attempts were mostly just burnt, until we found our way around the wood-burning ovens. After Mal brought back sugar, and other ingredients, we improved dramatically. The night before the Solstice Holiday, I shooed Mal out while I struggled with an apple pie with Miriel's assistance. Mal then shooed me out while she made preparation to bake her own surprise for the next day.

"Do you think the king will like my pie, Mal?" I asked before I left. It was not a pretty sight, but I was sure it would taste better than it looked. She examined it with a critical eye and told me she thought she could fix it. Maybe by making some caramel sauce out of the brown sugar and pouring it over the top of the whole mess, she could make it as least edible looking.

It was my night alone with the king so I bade her and Ithilwen a good night. As I left, they were chattering happily away to each other in the Mirkwood kitchen.


~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

~ Mal ~

The preparations for the festivities taught me more about the Mirkwood inhabitants than I'd learnt in the halls so far. Ithilwen was an angel and accompanied me everywhere; to the kitchen to inspect the supplies of ingredients for the buns and cookies I wanted to bake, to the seamstresses to find our if knitting pins were available, and, most important of all, to the smithy, where the dark-haired elf, hammering at a small piece of metal in the steam and heat, made me think of Celebrimbor in Eregion. But no rings were made here, only practical things for everyday use; pots and pans and hooks and door handles.

I had brought a piece of parchment, where I had drawn the items I wanted the smith to make for me, some small things that were important for my Christmas traditions. The elf looked a little confused when I showed him the first thing, a kind of crown, or circlet, of metal, with five candleholders attached to it, but he promised to make one for me. After that, the cookie cutters were easy, and the apprentices were told to start with them right away.

Early in the morning, hours before breakfast would be served in the great hall, now decorated with garlands of greenery, Ithilwen woke me, and helped me transform from sleepy mortal to Queen of Light. She had found a nightgown that was perfect for my purpose; floor-long with long wide sleeves and a little lace at the cuffs. The slit at the front was quite deep, but the gown was nicely held together at the neck with a ribbon, and would hopefully stay that way as long as I didn't make any sudden movements.

I tied a wide red ribbon around my waist, a nice bow with long ends almost down to the floor, and arranged my freshly baked saffron buns and ginger snaps on a silver tray. Ithilwen had brought them from the kitchen and I could see that she liked the shapes of the cookies. I smiled at her and let her pick one of each; a heart, a star and a fir tree. She liked the taste too.

She had also brought a pot of hot tea and some cups that were already on the tray.

I put on the metal crown that I had bound with evergreen lingonberry twigs from the forest that was tied in place with red ribbon in such a way that the top of the candleholders were all the metal that was showing. The candles were left unlit until we stood in the corridor leading to the king's bedchamber, where I knew Mary was sleeping. At least I hoped that they would be asleep by now. I wasn't even jealous when she went to the king the evening before, because it was perfect for this.

Ithilwen lighted the candles and my appearance was now complete - I was a Lucia, in accordance with the customs of my homeland. I started to sing the traditional Lucia hymn, a sweet Italian tune that echoed pleasantly in the rock-hewn halls, and walked slowly towards the familiar door, that the elf-maid opened for me.

The room was dark, lit only by the candles in my hair, just like it should be. It looked like Mary was just beginning to stir, but the king was wide awake and rewarded me with the most appreciative glance I've so far received from him when so completely dressed. I could tell he liked the green wreath and the song, and his gaze made me feel like a Christmas gift with that red bow around my waist, a delicious feeling, even at this hour. I wanted to just drop the tray and jump into the bed, but was distracted when Mary sat up and looked at me.

I had hoped she would be pleasantly surprised to see me like this, so much that she would forgive this violation of our schedule, but I hadn't thought she would be this delighted. She even made me blush with her compliments and I quickly busied myself with serving tea to her and the king. I watched them eat the pastries and was satisfied to see that they enjoyed them.

Then the king rose from the bed, took my tray and proceeded to remove my crown. I wasn't sure what he had in mind until he suddenly tugged at the ribbon at my neck, which made the nightgown fall open and drop to my waist, where it was stopped by the wide silk ribbon. I normally did not mind being undressed by the king, but I was a bit startled at his doing it right in front of Mary, and I made futile attempt to cover myself. Thranduil stopped me with a burning glance and I just stood there, still, while he reached out a hand to tug at my sash, all the time holding my gaze locked to his. I was breathing faster now, and couldn't care less when the gown fell all the way to the floor. The king looked marvellous in the candle light and I wanted him so badly.

"Ú-dellil annad mast erui, harthon" [I hope bread was not all you came to offer], he said hoarsely, slowly running his fingers over my skin, making me shiver with anticipation. I shook my head wordlessly and snuggled up to him when he put an arm around my waist. Then he spoke again, and I remembered that Mary was there, too. I felt my cheeks heat again when Thranduil led me towards the bed, and she smiled so warmly that I immediately complied when she invited me to join her between the sheets. The king's grin went from ear to ear now, and my last coherent thought was regretting that I hadn't eaten a saffron bun myself, as we would likely all miss breakfast.


~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

~ Mary ~

"Mal is coming," the king was saying, "wake up." It was full dark in the royal bedchamber, which meant it was still night outside. Or early, early morning, before the sun came up early. Too early for visitors.

"Well, tell her to go away, it's my turn," I am sorry to say I whined a little. I tried to snuggle closer to him but he was sitting up. His hand was in my hair, then at my neck, as he gently urged me to awaken fully. "Maybe it's that Helca," I said. "Get your sword."

"Shhhh," went the king. I heard the door open but I remained lying down as I waited to see what mystery person was about to enter the royal bedchamber. One never knows what to expect in Mirkwood. I heard the singing, and I thought, for a moment, that an angel had entered the room. I slid over so I could rest my head on Thranduil's thigh as Mal approached the bed bearing a silver tray, with a wreath around her head studded with white candles. I was too stunned, at first, to even move as she drew near.

She looked like an angel wearing a long, flowing gown with her beautiful golden hair illuminated by the glowing crown of light she wore. She finished singing and stood at the bedside smiling at the king and me and I sat up and told her she was the most magical present that I ever awoke to see. Even in the dim candlelight I could see her cheeks grow pinker. I could tell the king was happy with the way she looked, too.

The silver tray contained marvelous treats, such as crisp iced gingerbread cookies in different festive shapes, glossy looking golden buns, and a teapot. Mal served the king and me and refused to sit until we had each finished our tea.

When we were done, Thranduil got up from the bed and took the tray from her hands and put it aside. Then he took the crown from her and placed it on the table, balancing it so that the candles stood straight and remained lit with nary a flicker. I could tell by the way his eyes shone hungrily as he looked at her that he was quite taken with her appearance. I cannot say I blamed him. She did look good enough to eat.

The king gently tugged at the ribbon around Mal's neck and her gown dropped to her waist. She gasped slightly and tried to retrieve it, but Thranduil stopped her and, after he untied the red sash around her middle, it fell in a milky puddle around her ankles.

He looked over at me, reading my thoughts at the sight of her smooth peaches and cream skin in the candlelight. Then he turned to Mal and said something to her in Elvish as he stroked her breasts before encircling her with his arms. It must have been nice, whatever he said, because she blushed even harder.

I could not be jealous of her; it was impossible. It would have been like feeling jealous of a work of fine art, or a glittering jewel, or a sunset. Then Thranduil turned back to look at me again. His smile was positively wicked, and beautiful.

"I think Malinorne deserves a gesture of gratitude for her performance," he said as his hands traveled over her smooth skin. "From both of us, do you not agree?" He drew her closer to the bed.

"Why, yes," I answered quickly. "I do agree." I scooted over to make room for her and held the covers aside. "Hop in, Mal!"

The king's obviously eager concubine needed no further guidance from either of us and soon we all were making merry in the royal bedchamber to welcome the dawning of the day that the sun was celebrated for making its return. Outside the Mirkwood gates there might be a frosty morning covered in snow and ice, but beneath the sumptious coverings in Thranduil's bed we three were warm and cozy as we fully indulged in pleasures of a more fleshly nature.


~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

~ Sheraiah ~

The day of Midwinter dawned clear and cold. It had snowed during the night, a rarity for Rivendell, and the guys had sweet-talked me into going out and playing in the snow right after breakfast. Duiniel made certain that I was bundled up properly, prompting me to make a face at her, much to her amusement. Gimli announced that he was coming along also, to keep Legolas and the twins from playing to rough with me, he said. I made a face at him, too, but it didn't faze him in the least.

"Keep it up, Gimli, and you'll get a lump of coal in your stocking," I groused, a bit miffed at the overprotective elleth and dwarf. I then had to explain the whole concept of Santa Claus to Gimli, Legolas, and the twins, who chortled at the thought of toy-making, hobbit-sized elves. They didn't think it was quite so funny once Gimli got started, though. He got mileage out of it for days afterward.

The twins' enthusiasm for the snow was infectious, and I soon found myself making snow angels, after explaining the concept to my companions. Legolas tried to talk Gimli into making a snow dwarf, and got a snowball in the face for his pains. That started the mother of all snowball fights, and to my surprise, even Erestor and Glorfindel joined in. The Balrog-slayer got nailed in the back of the head by a huge snowball from the direction of a very innocent looking Elrond, who just happened to be observing the fun.

Gimli and I teamed up against our three friends. From the beginning, it was a losing battle and Glorfindel finally took pity on us and joined in on our side. That evened things up considerably, even if Legolas seemed to be taking a perverse delight in sending as many snowballs into my chest as he could. For the life of me, I couldn't draw a bead on him long enough to return the favor. Elladan caught my eye behind Legolas' back and grinned evilly. I quickly looked away, so as not to give my co-conspirator away. Moving fast, I gathered a snowball and stood again. Elladan stumbled into Legolas and I used the prince's momentary distraction to launch my snowball at his head. It impacted right on his ear.

"Got you, you sneak!" I shouted across the distance, doing the happy dance and giving Gimli a high five.

"Good shot, lass!" the dwarf shouted over the laughter from the twins, Glorfindel, Erestor, and Elrond. The look on Legolas' face was absolutely priceless, but I only had a couple of seconds to appreciate it. He was over the snowdrift he and the twins had been using for cover and halfway across the distance between us before I could blink. I tried to dodge behind Gimli, but the elf was far too quick. Next thing I knew, I was on my back in the snow witm onm on top of me, his hands working their way under my thick outer garments toward my ticklish spots.

"No! Legolas, no! Ahhh, your hands are COLD! Stop it, you pervy elf!" I was screaming and laughing at the same time. He wasn't even close to hurting me; he was just playing and I was playing along with a vengeance.

"Pervy, am I?" he retorted, his long, nimble fingers finding my ribs and tickling me mercilessly. "I think you just might wish to take that back, my lady."

"Never," I gasped, grabbing his hand and trying to pull it out of my clothes. He was too strong, so I tried to tickle him in return. He wasn't ticklish. In desperation, I decided to try to call in reinforcements. "Elladan! Elrohir! Help!"

Two dark haired missiles hit Legolas and rolled him off me, and over and over in the snow. Gimli helped me sit up to see a wonderful sight: the twins sitting on Legolas and rubbing his face in the snow. The prince shifted suddenly, catching Elrohir off guard and knocking him off headfirst into the snowdrift. The younger twin momentarily dealt with, Legolas turned his attention on Elladan, wrestling with him and trying to get the upper hand. Elrohir waded back into the fray and the three of them rolled in the snow like puppies, laughing and tossing insults at each other. Gimli and I just leaned on each other and watched, taking bets as to who would eventually be the victor. A massive downdraft swept snow oall all of us and made us stop immediately and look up.

An eagle was back winging to land gracefully in the courtyard. Elves had been arriving from all over to celebrate the first real Midwinter since the destruction of the ring, some of great importance and most whom I was unfamiliar with. The passenger of this eagle did not fall into the latter category. I leapt up out of the snow and flung myself at him as soon as he set his feet on the snow.

"Haldir!" He laughed and swung me around in a circle before setting me on my feet. "I haven't seen you since Dorothy's party!" I cried, wrapping my arms around his waist.

"I know. It is good to see you, Rai. Have you been keeping these three miscreants busy?" He eyed Legolas and the twins, who were still in a tangled heap in the snow with an amused expression on his face. His eyes flickered over Gimli, but he nodded civilly to the dwarf who replied in kind. I gathered that there were still issues there, but didn't dwell on it.

"Reverse that and you'll have it just about right," I replied, grinning. "Oh, and the corset fits perfectly, thanks." He smiled, his eyebrow lifting at the expression on Legolas' face in response to my comment.

"'Twas the least I could do, my lady, as I ruined the one you had." His eyes were dancing with laughter. I shot him a shocked look; he was as bad as the twins! Another look at a frowning Legolas and the snickering twins confirmed that I had better explain.

"Oh, get your minds out of the gutter! He threw me in the pool at Dorothy's. You guys are filthier minded than I am, and that's going some!" I shivered, my clothes having become a bit damp during the snowball fight and subsequent snow wrestling match. Haldir looked at me sharply.

"You are cold and should not be outdoors any longer. Come, let me get you inside." He made to lead me away, but I held my free hand out to Legolas, asking him to walk on my other side into the house. He stood, shook the snow off himself and tucked my hand into the crook of his arm. Haldir did the same on the opposite side and we headed into the house, the twins and Gimli falling in behind us.


~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

~ Mal~

Mary and I had our festive meal with all the palace elves in the main hall and it was delicious, as always. The major differences from the other parties and official dinners we had attended, was that the meat served mainmainly the result of the king's recent hunting expeditions; wild boar, fallow-deer and wood grouse. And the wine, of course, which was served hot and spicy.

Everyone was happy, and even Helca didn't disapprove when I asked her to follow us to the king's dining room. She smiled a little when I presented her with the white kitten, which looked extra adorable with the red ribbon I had tied around its little neck, and even thanked me before she withdrew to a corner of the room, burying her nose in the soft fur of her small companion.

Thaladir didn't look too impressed with the mittens I gave to him, but then I hadn't expected the stern elf to admit to being affected by cold. His expression lighted a little when I helped him to put them on, but he took them off again as soon as I wasn't looking.

The king's present was the one that I had spent the most time on, and I was very proud with the result; a green knitted scarf with embroidered silver leaves at the ends. He appeared happy with it, especially the silver decorations, and I sighed with relief. Come to think of it, I hadn't so far seen any of the elves wear a scarf.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

~ Mary ~

After dinner that early evening, we passed out our gifts in the king's dining room. I knew Thranduil liked my scarf but he ho teo tell Mal he liked the one she had made for him, too, so as not to hurt her feelings. We toasted the return of the sun and the destruction of the Dark Tower and a few things in Elvish that I never did understand. I was feeling so good I decided I was going to make friends with Helca. That was going to be my chief gift to the king.

She stood next to the fireplace holding her new kitten. She already bore a much more pleasant expression now that she had such a cute little creature to cuddle. I tickled the little ball of fluffy white fur under its darling chin and informed Helca that the wandering gypsy tribe that Mal had purchased the kitten from had told her it was a descendant of one of the famous cats owned by Queen Beruthiel.

I had read about her in the history book I had borrowed from Glorfindel in Rivendell. She was a wicked Queen in the bygone years who owned ten magical cats that she had used to spy on everyone for her, during the reign of her husband Tarannon Falastur, the twelfth King of Gondor. There was a picture of the chubby Beruthiel in that book, but none of her cats.

Helca swiftly held the kitten up to look at it again closely, as if seeing it for the first time. Mal overheard me and hurried over to us.

"Mary is lying," she told the icy elleth, "don't listen to her, and I did not purchase that cat from any wandering gypsies." Helca was not listening to her, however, as she had already made up her mind that only a descendant of Queen Beruthiel's cats would have eyes of such a lovely shade of blue, and fur of such marvellous and refined texture. I had to be telling the truth. Why would I lie?

"Mal is so modest, sometimes," I explained, "she just didn't want you to know how expensive this kitten was." Helca smirked, too pleased with her little magical spy kitty to pay any further attention to Mal's protests over my story-telling. "Did you notice," I added," how the tips of her fur look silvery in the candlelight?"

"I shall call her," said Helca as she held the kitten close to her face, "Celebreniel, my little silver maiden, and she will dine only on the freshest fish from the river, and the freshest cream, and be fed only the daintiest bits of venison, yes she will." It was amazing how alike they were. Two can thn the halls of Mirkwood. I just knew they would be very happy together.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

~ Sheraiah ~

Everyone but Haldir begged off of seeing me to my door, fearing Duiniel's reaction to my damp clothing despite their excuses. Haldir merely raised an eyebrow, knowing full well that he was being left to the position of sacrificial lamb even without knowing the reason why.

"What a bunch of wusses! They're perfectly willing to dance, but disappear when it's time to pay the piper," I groused, wavering between disgust and apprehension. Duiniel was likely to have a few choice words for me as well.

"Leave things to me, my lady," came Haldir's soft reply. I glanced up, caught the hint of a grin on his face, and began to grin myself. It seemed to me that the guys had made a rather grave tactical error.

We entered my room to find Duiniel waiting, arms folded and foot tapping. Haldir never even blinked. "You have charge of this lady?" he asked as he divested me of my cloak and coat. Duiniel nodded, momentarily taken aback enough not to reply verbally. "Good. She is in need of warming and dry clothing. It seems that a certain prince and twins are overly enthusiastic when playing in the snow. That the eagle I was riding on sent a large gust of wind and even more snow onto her after they ceased rolling her in the drifts did not help matters. I brought her here as quickly as I could, but she is thoroughly chille

How I kept a straight face through that, I'll never know but I managed, even throwing in a few shivers for good measure. My assistant sprang into action then, ushering me into the bathing room and out of my cold and damp clothing. Dry and warm clothing was draped over a screen in front of the fire and I sighed appreciatively as I slipped into it. A quick brushing of my hair, and I was as good as new. Haldir waited patiently in my room throughout the procedure, playing his role of rescuer to the hilt.

I had caught a hint of a blush on Duiniel's cheeks as she had looked at the Lorien elf and I carefully hid a smile. My assistant wasn't quite the ice-maiden she pretended to be and had definitely taken notice of the March Warden. Of course, it was my contention that any hetero female would have to be dead not to notice Haldir the Hot. My plans to gain a small bit of payback on Legolas aside, I sincerely hoped that Haldir had noticed my assistant. I couldn't think of a better reward for her care of me than a night with His Hotness.

Duiniel and I both thanked Haldir prettily and he took his leave after being properly assured of my good health. He also requested the privilege of escorting me to the start of the celebration, which coincided with the noon meal. I accepted, deciding to use that to twit Legolas for his abandonment of me to Duiniel's tender mercies. Of course, I'd have to clue Haldir in on that when he arrived to escort me. Fair was fair, after all and I knew him well enough to know that he'd play along just to get under Legolas' skin a bit. Besides which, I wanted to put a bug in his ear about Duiniel's many charms.

My assistant looked disappointed when Haldir asked to escort me, but I quickly disabused her of any misconceptions about my intentions toward His Hotness. I didn't say anything about my plans to talk to him about her, though, knowing her pride would interfere.

"Duiniel, before we leave for the celebration, I have something for you." I grinned at the startled look she gave me and retrieved the small bundle wrapped in bright fabric from my wardrobe. "It is tradition where I come from to give gifts to your friends and family at Midwinter," I explained, handing her the bundle. Her eyes widened as she unwrapped the dreamcatcher. With it was a piece of parchment detailing the dreamcatcher legend written in Erestor's flawless script. I had bartered for that when he had requested copies of my stories for Rivendell's library. She read quickly and turned a bright smile on me.

"This is a lovely thing, Sheraiah! Thank you so very much." Impulsively, she gave me a quick hug, which I returned with a grin.

"You're very welcome, Duiniel, and I wish I had more to give you, especially since you've been so good to me." She shook her head emphatically.

"No, truly it has been a pleasure. I wish most of my charges were as cooperative as you are. Now, let us see what we can do to make certain that the eyes of every male are upon you." She grinned mischievously at me.

"All but one," I amended, grinning right back at her.


~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

~ Mary ~

I was still feeling so good I decided I was going to go chat with Thaladir and maybe give him something more fun to occupy his time with besides constantly noticing my behavior. Like a gift. To go with his beanie cap. And, I had a plan. After I was sure that the seneschal had downed a few more stiff cups of the mulled wine, I sidled up next to him. I stood quiet for a moment and looked at the fire.

"So, Thaladir, Your most excellent Excellency," I began. I even dropped a perfect dainty curtsy just to get on his good side, "Have you seen Miriel's younger sister, Mirime? She just arrived here recently to reside within the halls?"

I saw the tiniest register of his actually having heard me, just the slightest twitch in the eyebrow area. Encouraged, I continued, "Well, did you notice the way Canath could not keep his eyes off of her during the feast today?" The king's gentle treasurer had really only peeked at her once. But if I was going to be successful I had to make Thaladir feel a sense of urgency about his beloved public areas and the welfare of his king's loyal subjects.

Actually, I had noticed how the seneschal himself had peeked at her more than a few times. Which was an unusual sight. Because ever since Mal had arrived I did not notice him looking at anyone else, let alone anything else, if she was in the same room.

"Miriel told me she is looking for a job," I continued. "Her sister, I mean...and she thought, well, it really was her idea, that Mirime would be just fantastic at tidying up the study, and the throne room. Oh, and also your seneschal, um, well, area, I guess. Whatever you call that place that you do your," I paused, waved my hand around, and then said, "seneschal stuff." I would have called it an office, but it did not seem quite royal enough. "The king," I concluded, "has already given his permission."

I was pretty sure he would, anyway. As soon as I asked him.

Thaladir's frown receded a little. He seemed interested enough for me to continue: "But, there is a problem, just the tiniest thing, really." His ears perked up, I swear they did, this elf just loves problems. I looked around to see if the king was paying attention before proceeding, "She is just the wildest little thing, a really woodsy wild wood-elf, and she needs lots and lots of instructions on how to behave." I peeked at him. "Especially if she is going to be squired around by that gentle elf, Canath. He won't have any idea about how to correct her."

I believe that the seneschal actually nodded in agreement, but it could have just been another twitch. But I thought I might be actually getting somewhere so I forged ahead.

"I know she does not look very wild," I continued. "Such a sweet looking little thing, so quiet and demure-seeming, very clever at hiding her true nature." A wrinkle left his forehead, I swear it did. "But," I continued with my index finger pointing to the sky, "That's just the thing! She is so unobtrusive in appearance that one is lulled into a false sense of security. You get so taken by surprise when she hauls off and just does something unseemly without warning."

Miriel's sister had never done an unseemly thing in her life as far as I knew. But, I could tell I had Thaladir's complete attention. I went in for the coup de grace.

"She would need," I whispered and leaned in closer to him, as if we were conspirators, "someone to pay really close attention to her, while she learns how to behave herself around here. So, I understand if you think we might need to put our Elvish lessons off for a little bit longer. That's all." I turned to leave but he stopped me with his trademark throat-clearing signal. I turned and smiled at him.

"My lady," he intoned. "While I am for the moment willing not to look further into the highly unusual matter of His Majesty engaging a servant unbeknownst to me, or a visitor wishing to take upon herself mundane labor, I assure you that overseeing the elleth in question will to no degree diminish my ability to perform my duties. I insist that our lessons of the noble tongue, Sindarin, commence without further delay. Tomorrow after lunch will be a suitable time, I presume."

"Tomorrow!" I cried before collecting myself. "I mean, of course, yes, tomorrow sounds perfect, Your Excellency," I replied. "After lunch will be very suitable." It was a gamble, the part about the lessons being delayed. But at least I was going to have someone else around to share his frowns with from now on. I hurried off to first find Miriel, to share the news about her sister, and then the king to ask for this one more gift, a job for Mirime, before the day was through.


~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

~Sheraiah ~

I hid in the bathing chamber as Duiniel brusquely sent Legolas on his way when he came to collect me for the celebration, snickering as she blessed him out for playing too rough with me in the snow and getting my clothes wet in the process. I couldn't see his face, but she told me it had been priceless. Evidently, being blessed out by an elleth was not something that happened often to him. Haldir arrived a few moments later and as soon as I had gathered up my gifts, we left for the celebration. I apprised him of my plans for Legolas on the way, and as I'd thought, he was quite amused and more than willing to assist.

We entered the dining hall arm in arm, heads inclined towards each other and deep in conversation. Regardless of what it looked like, I was telling him all about Duiniel. From his expression, I thought it likely that he would seek her out at the celebration. I was feeling rather smug about that when Legolas came into view. He was not a happy camper judging by his expression, but he greeted Haldir properly, if a bit coolly. Haldir and I looked at each other and promptly dissolved into laughter, deepening the frown on the prince's face.

"Princeling, your face would curdle milk at the moment. Rest assured, I have no designs on this particular lady tonight," Haldir stated without rancor, his eyes crinkling with humor. He turned to me lifting my hand to his lips. "My lady, it has been a distinct pleasure to escort you here. The conversation was most informative." He bowed gracefully and bid us both a pleasant afternoon. I grinned, sobering when I caught Legolas' eye.

"Oh, come on, you deserved that for leaving both Haldir and me to deal with Duiniel. Lighten up, already." I reached up and flicked one of his braids playfully.

"That one already paid me back for my transgression. My ears are still burning," he returned sourly, smoothing his braid back into place.

"Well, don't blame Haldir. This was all my idea so if you're going to be pissy, you can be pissy to me alone," I shot back, my tone far milder than my words. He gave me a sharp look and then sighed deeply.

"No, I am not going to be the ruin of the day. Forgive me, I should not have run out on you." He faced me then, cocking his head to the side like a chastened elfling.

"No, you shouldn't have, but I think you may have done Duiniel a favor in a roundabout way. And you're totally forgiven, by the way," I grinned cheekily at him. He grinned in return, like the sun coming from behind a cloud.

"So, I take it that Duiniel rather liked what she saw in Haldir?" He grinned even wider at my nod of confirmation. "And should I take his comments to you to mean that he is, in turn, interested in her?" I nodded again and he chuckled. "I wish them both well. If they do not kill each other, they will have the night of all nights."

"I vote for the latter," I stated firmly, sliding my hand into the crook of his elbow.

"As do I," he replied, still chuckling as we walked toward the long table.

After the sumptuous meal, all of the guests splintered off into smaller groups to sing, dance, chat, and generally make merry until evening when the true celebration would begin. I found myself with Legolas, Gimli, the twins, Haldir, and Duiniel (which had both Legolas and me grinning madly). Gimli looked at me expectantly.

"Now, lass?" he asked, a slight smile on his face.

"Works for me. Do you want to go first?" I could see that he did, even without asking. In short order he had passed presents to all of us, Haldir and Duiniel included. The twins put their armbands on immediately, expressing their delight in the gift. Legolas made much of the circlet, bringing a very pleased expression to Gimli's face. For Duiniel, Gimli had crafted a lovely set of decorative combs. She was rendered speechless, but then bestowed a kiss to the dwarf's cheek, rendering him speechless. For all their issues with each other, Gimli's gift to Haldir gave no indication of such. A fine quiver buckle, probably originally intended for Legolas, now graced his quiver.

My gift was the loveliest silver and sapphire necklace I had ever seen. The necklace itself was crafted to look like vines, the sapphires set to look like leaves. I flung my arms around his neck, kissing him soundly on his cheek. He looked about as pleased as I had ever seen him.

The gifts I then passed out met with an equally warm reception. The twins proudly showed off their dreamcatchers. Gimli laughed aloud at the story I wrote for him, twitting Legolas unmercifully about it. I had taken one of the stories that Erestor had transcribed for me, one in which Haldir was a central figure, and gave it to Haldir, who was pleased and amused by my take on him.

I was by far the most nervous about giving Legolas the song I'd written for him. I watched his eyes scan the pages, biting my lip and trying not to fidget. When he had read the last of it, he looked at me and the smile he gave me warmed me down to the tips of my toes. I could feel myself blushing with pleasure.

"Would you mind if I sang it?" he asked softly. I flushed even harder.

"Yes, but go ahead if you want to," I answered finally. He read through it again quickly and began to sing, his pure, clear voice filling the cozy room we sat in. I forced myself to listen as dispassionately as I could and had to admit that it was a rather good song. Evidently the others felt so as well, for they applauded and praised both Legolas for his singing and me for my writing.


~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

~ Mal ~

It was getting late, but none of us protested too much when the king declared that stargazing was a traditional winter solstice pastime he would not allow us to go without. Miriel and Ithilwen brought the thick cloaks and fur-lined boots and Mary and I dressed. It was difficult to do that without taking our eyes from the king, who had proudly tied both our scarves around his royal neck. The mismatched items would have looked funny on anyone but him. The red and gold of Mary's scarf contrasted his emerald eyes, while the green and silver of mine was a beautiful accent against his black cloak.

Thaladir looked adorable in the knitted beanie cap and mittens, which the king had made him wear, and the combination of the silly little hat and his expression of wounded pride made him irresistible. On the way out, I quickly stood on my toes and gave him a chaste peck on his cheek when Mary wasn't looking. Despite how close we had become these last weeks, I didn't think her ready for this particular confidence. It was better if she could learn to accept, and hopefully eventually appreciate, the seneschal for whom he was, without the added complication of my less than seemly involvement with "that grouch".

The sight that met us when we came out into the courtyard can only be described as magical. The snow glittered in the moonlight and the stars were shining gems against the velvet of the dark sky. The four of us found ourselves in the midst of hundreds of elves who were standing in little groups, some talking softly, but most just gazing silently at the sky, smiling.

Varda's jewels glittered for us, and I admired the scenery until I felt Thranduil's arm sneak around my waist and looked up into his eyes, which now burned with a fire much hotter than the lights of the night sky. I leant closer to him and hoped that we could go inside soon, but didn't want to say anything that might disturb the elves around us.

It was Thaladir who finally brohe she silence. "I bid you goodnight," he said with a small bow, "as the festivities interrupted my study of a highly remarkable scroll, to the perusal of which I shall devote the remainder of this night." It made me happy to see how his whole stature lightened up at the mention of the scroll, and he was smiling when he left us.

"And I," began the king, but was interrupted by Mary and me, continuing in unison; "want to show us something." The expression on the king's face was priceless; he looked like a big, satisfied cat who had just been offered a second plate of cream. "Exactly, my dears" he said with a drawl, dragging the syllables out and wrapping them around us, much like his arms. "Let us not linger."

Thranduil took us back into the halls, steering toward his bedchamber, and I'm sure that Mary's happy and expectant face was an exact mirror of my own expression. This had been the best Christmas ever, and it wasn't over yet!


~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

~ Sheraiah~

The rest of the evening was spent singing, dancing, eating, drinking and having a wonderful time. It was getting rather late when Legolas stole me away from the festivities and led me to his room. He was smiling the same smile that he had when I gave him his present, and it had the same effect on me that it had before.

"I have a gift for you as well, my lady," he said as he lightly stroked my cheek. I couldn't resist grinning.

"Is it more than a mouthful?" I asked.

"Considerably," He returned with a chuckle. "All jests aside, Rai. I really do have a gift for you." He stepped to his wardrobe and drew out a long box. "Happy Midwinter, Rai."

I lifted the lid off the box and gasped. Inside was a gorgeous velvet dress the same color as the stones in the necklace that Gimli had made for me. The low neck, hem, and sleeves were trimmed in fur of soft silver. It was by far the loveliest garment I had ever been given and I felt my eyes tear up.

"Here, what is this? Do you not like it?" Legolas' arm was around me and his face wore an expression of confused concern. I swallowed hard and shook my head.

"No, I love it, I really, really love it," I managed. I wiped my eyes and hugged him hard. "Thank you so much! It's the most beautiful dress I've ever seen."

"I am glad. When Gimli showed me the necklace, I wanted you to have something special to wear it with. Rai, I have a request to make of you." He tipped my chin up so that he could look me in the eye. "Come to my home with me, please. I want to show it to you and see it through your eyes." I regarded him for several minutes before giving him the briefest of nods.

"Yes," I said softly. "I will." That sunburst smile of his once again took my breath away, just before his lips descended onto mine.

t b c

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