Rûdhchamion held the young elven girl by the arm as they walked towards the Great Hall. She had glared at him as he obeyed Tinuiel's bidding, at the same time he felt her wariness towards him. He was curious with what she had said earlier. She had blamed the Elvenking for the death of her parents. How was this so, he wondered silently. He stole another glance at her.
As they entered the Thranduil’s Great Hall, Rûdhchamion took notice of his surroundings. He then noticed a tall male elf silently discerning them. The elf looked familiar. He had been in the company of the patrol that had captured the men days before.
Nearing the throne, he saw the Elvenking crowned with a circlet of green leaves upon his brow. Thranduil was seated, speaking to another elf whom Rûdhchamion remembered as Legolas, his son. He sensed Tiniuel’s apprehension as they neared the Elvenking. She then gestured for them to kneel before the throne. As he began to do so, he shot a look at the elven girl to follow suit. Much to his relief she did.
He sighed inwardly, willing himself to push aside the apprehension he felt. Whatever fate would deal him, he had decided he would face it. He quickly glanced at Legolas who was listening to Tiniuel speak. Then for the first time he meet Thranduil’s silent gaze.
|