Maeve of Sylvania

After learning that Aragorn had been told of his true name and lineage, King Thranduil wished for dinner to be a private affair in order to speak freely. Thus the large hall, normally filled with many elves, seemed empty. Aragon chatted with Legolas and the king as they waited for Maeve, who had been taken to the nearby home of a noble family in order to properly prepare herself.

Maeve had wanted to wear the simple garments she was used to, but Lady Ithilwen insisted she dress as appropriate to her station as a noble and had generously given her a dress to wear. It reminded her of happy times in Sylvania when she had attended many functions at the castle. The dress was of a moss green fabric which was gathered at the shoulders and sides, draping in soft folds. Subtly embroidered leaves swirled along the edges. Her hair had been woven into an intricate braid bedecked with gold leaves, which gave way to a cascade of copper tresses that rippled down her back. A gold necklace and armband both of delicate intertwining leaves completed her attire.

The elf woman entered the hall, the soft echo of her footsteps attracting the attention of the men. They stood to greet her. Aragorn was stunned; he could barely believe this was the same woman he had been traveling with...she was radiant and seemed to float across the floor. Legolas also looked upon her with admiration. King Thranduil chuckled at the reaction of the younger men. They were seated and servants brought in delicious food and poured some of the king's best wine.

As they dined, news of Rivendell and Mirkwood was exchanged, then talk turned to Sylvania. Maeve did her best to bring the rulers of Mirkwood up-to-date; it had indeed been many years since there was contact between the two kingdoms. Her tale ended with the attack and her current search for her brother. The king regretted that he was unable to spare anyone to specifically aid her in her search, but pledged to keep watch out for Alaric on all his people's journeys. He also invited her to consider Mirkwood to be a second home and would grant her such supplies as she needed.

Maeve graciously accepted the assistance offered. It was not what she had hoped for, but would still be beneficial. She began to feel flushed and warm. The wine was stronger than what she was used to...or was it because she felt Aragorn's eyes upon her? Searching for a way to turn attention from herself, Maeve fell silent. Sensing her discomfort, Legolas encouraged Aragorn to relate how Elrond had given him the ring of Barahir. The young Ranger complied, confiding his meeting with Arwen and his admonishment by Elrond as well.

While Aragorn was finishing his account, Maeve struggled to keep her eyes open. She had definitely had too much wine. King Thranduil noticed her situation and yawned loudly. "Pardon me, but this elf is not as young as he used to be. I think we should continue this tomorrow. Lady Maeve, allow me to show you your rooms so you may retire when you wish. These two may talk until the sun rises!"

"Many thanks, King Thranduil. I believe I shall retire now, I have been traveling for quite some time and am weary." Maeve accepted the arm offered by the king and said her goodnights. Legolas promised to show her around the next day so she that would be more familiar with the castle and able to come and go as needed.

When the king and Maeve reached her rooms, they found that Lady Ithilwen had provided not only several dresses and the various required underpinnings and accessories, but a lady-in-waiting to assist her. It was the same woman, Įra, who had braided her hair earlier that evening. King Thranduil took his leave of the women and Maeve thanked him again for his kindness. Įra swiftly unbound Maeve's hair from the elaborate braids and helped her undress. Normally Maeve would have refused such assistance, it had been quite a few years since she had not dressed herself. However, this evening she was too tired to protest and was in fact grateful as the wine had relaxed her to the point that she would have simply collapsed onto the bed, jewelry and all.

As she worked, Įra explained that Lady Ithilwen had a cousin who countless years ago had gone to live in Sylvania to escape an arranged marriage. She therefore felt a bond of kinship with Maeve and wanted her to feel comfortable in Mirkwood. It was all Maeve to do to murmur thanks as Įra helped her into the bed and then retired to an adjoining room.

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Brilliant sunlight streamed into the room. Maeve rubbed her eyes sleepily as she sat up in bed. She grimaced at the ache in her head and wished she had some water to cool her parched throat. As if by magic, Įra approached with a pitcher of water. She laughed at Maeve's surprise. "It is not unusual for guests to partake of too much of the king's wine which is much stronger than most are used to. It will soon be time for the midday meal if you feel up to joining us. Or I can bring you something here."

Had she really slept so late?! She had not wanted to lose any more time in searching for her brother, but now there would not be enough time to make preparations to leave the next morning. The additional day of rest would probably do her good, she would just be sure to avoid the king's wine tonight.

She allowed Įra to dress her in a simple flowing gown of grey and arrange her hair into a loose braid down her back. The kind woman showed her the way to the hall where food would soon be served. There she joined Aragorn and Legolas, who plainly had also recently risen. Apparently they had indeed stayed up talking until the sun dawned.

After they had eaten their fill, Legolas kept his word and showed her around the castle and surrounding areas. The trio stopped to bask in the sunlight in one of the beautiful gardens. As she sat gazing at the delicate flowers, Maeve became lost in thought. She felt guilty for enjoying herself while her brother might be facing unspeakable tortures or even...no! She wouldn't think that...Alaric had to be alive! Immediately, she began to make a list of what needed to be done, what supplies needed to be gathered...would King Thranduil lend her a good horse? So intent on her plans was she that Maeve did not notice that Legolas was speaking to her, even after he had grasped her hand.

Finally, the elf prince kissed her full on the lips. A shocked Maeve came to her senses. "Dear Lady Maeve, do not take offense...it seemed the only way of getting your attention, as I would never hit a lady, unlike my friend Aragorn," Legolas explained with a mischievous gleam in his eye. "What is it that concerns you so? Are you anxious to be seeking your brother? If you wish I can order supplies to be ready by morning's light."

"I know not what to say...to...to express my gratitude at your kindness. That would be most pleasing to me. I wonder if I could presume upon your generosity to ask use of a good horse?"

"Come, let us go to the pastures so you may choose a suitable mount. You may have your pick of all but a few."

And so they went to the stables where Maeve selected a spirited blood-bay stallion with a coat of coppery red complemented by his black markings. Annūn Sūl she named him, for his color reminded her of the sunset and he ran like the wind.

This night, the grand hall would be full as usual, and so Maeve allowed Įra to once again dress her elaborately, this time in shades of blue. She was seated next to Legolas who was at the king's right, while Aragorn was on the left side of the ruler. King Thranduil signaled a servant who returned with a goblet for Maeve. Thranduil smiled kindly at her, "This herbed wine was a favorite of my wife. I thought you might find it to your liking, as it is not as strong as that which you drank last night. Indeed, none should have need of strong drink tonight with such intoxicating beauty in our presence."

Maeve blushed at his compliment and demurely nodded her thanks. The wine was quite good, and enhanced the flavor of the delicious meal. There was minted lamb, roasted potatoes, and a wonderful salad containing flower petals, among many other dishes. After dinner there was such entertainment as harpers, singers, and storytellers. Lady Ithilwen had taken a seat beside Maeve and was a source of information on who was who and any such tidbits of gossip she knew. Maeve once again thanked her for her overwhelming kindness.

As many of the guests retired or returned to their homes, Maeve noticed her friends were nowhere to be found. Suddenly Legolas appeared and escorted her through the gardens, which looked even more beautiful in the moonlight. As they meandered, Legolas related the preparations that had been made on her behalf. All would be ready for her departure in the morning. "I wish you would stay longer, I've just begun to get to know you. It is difficult to find new friends in a place isolated as Mirkwood. Yet I know you are eager to find your brother."

"Yes, and I hope that I may return soon with him, so that he may know those who have given me such kindness and generosity."

They had returned to the courtyard. Maeve expressed a wish to retire and Legolas bid her goodnight, giving her an affectionate hug and kiss on the cheek. Just then Aragorn came striding down the hall. When he saw the two together he felt a twinge of jealousy. Though they were only friends, he thought of Maeve as his...There he went, being foolish again! Taking a deep breath, he approached them.

"Why there you are, I've been looking for you," Maeve smiled at him sweetly. "M'lady, I've sharpened your weapons for you and had them sent to your rooms," Aragon announced as he bowed deeply.

"Oh, stop that! Stand up!" An embarrassed Maeve grabbed Aragorn's arm and pulled him upright. Her breath was warm on his neck as she spoke in a low tone. "Do not bow to me, it is you who should be bowed to!" Straightening, she raised her voice; "I do thank you for your service. Now if you'll pardon me, I've got a long day ahead."

Maeve reached her chambers and quietly undressed. Įra was fast asleep and she did not wish to wake her. She slid into the soft bed and savored the feel of the cool linen. It would be quite awhile before she would sleep in a bed again.

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Early the next morning Maeve dressed in her familiar moss green tunic and leather leggings. She left a note for the still slumbering Įra and carried her belongings down to the hall. Aragorn and Legolas greeted her and she ate a simple but filling breakfast. Legolas wished her a safe journey and went to attend to other business. Aragorn assisted her in tacking up Annūn Sūl. As she gave everything a final once over and filled her skins with water, she noticed Aragorn looking at her sadly. "Do not fret for me." She gently caressed his face. "Remember, you will have your Tinśviel." Maeve kissed him softly and then swung into the saddle. "Namįriė tenna enomentiėlva,(Farewell, until next we meet)" she called as she urged Annūn Sūl into a gallop. Aragorn returned her wave and stood watching until the sound of hoof beats had faded.