10. A long awaited Spark

"Clara! Oh my goodness Clara look!"

Oliel is twirling in giddy circles as she dives through my bed chamber doors, I shriek and wrap the towel tighter around my body, does she ever knock?

She brandishes a bouquet of colourful tulips and I gaze curiously at them;

"Where'd you get them from?" I ask innocently and she sighs dramatically.

"They are for you!" she practically sings and drops them into my arms; "Captain Aradan had one of the guards deliver them here just a moment ago, he wanted to let you know he will collect you at sunset. Oh is this not just so incredibly romantic!"

"Um Ollie, we are just going dancing, it is not like he is proposing or something?" I giggle and place the flowers aside, they are very pretty and I am rather touched, how very thoughtful.

"Oh hush up, you are ruining the vision in my head," she mutters and starts rummaging through the pathetic contents of my wardrobe dispensed on my bed. "Clara what are you going to wear?"

"I don't know," I sigh as I stare into a mirror and mess about with my hair; "Something from that pile anyway."

"I simply will not have it!" Oliel shouts and I jump.

"Huh?"

"You will not wear these rags, you are the guest of the Captain for the evening and I want all the elves to notice you - not him!"

"Well I don't have anything that is that daring?"

"But I do."

And with that Oliel exits the room and returns moments later with a dress. I attempt to ask her where she got it but she shakes her head and refuses to answer me. Instead she shoves me down on a chair and sets about working her magic on my hair and skin. She proclaims that in her hands I will steal the show, and I don't know whether to be excited or terrified by the prospect.

After a few hours of pampering, brushing and no small amount of bickering I am ready, and not just Clara ready, but Oliel perfectionist ready. She guides me to a floor length mirror within her own immaculate chambers, admittedly making me feel guilty for my slightly disarray bedroom, and twirls me in front of it.

I gasp at my reflection, because truly I don't think I have looked so...so...incredible before? The gown is made up of two parts; a shimmering silvery underdress that catches the light, and over the top of this is a high collared, almost peacock in colour, fitted gown. The sleeves of the outer gown come to my elbow, were the long and trailing sleeves of the silvery gown poke through and fall down my arms to the floor. It is buttoned and laced in all the right places, and daringly low cut, or at least for elves. And my goodness what a cleavage it gives me! I mean I realise I have a healthy rack but hello, where did these come from?

My hair is loose except for the upper half which is gently pinned back from my face, accentuating my long neck and making my face more visible. Oliel has also woven some small blue flowers through my hair, which just complete the look entirely.

"What do you think?" she grins triumphantly at her handiwork.

"I think you are gifted Oliel, and I think I am in love with you!" I cry and she gives me a befuddled look. "Never mind, but I do love it thank you so much."

"Anything for my Clara," she smiles and hugs my shoulders. "Now come on it is after sunset Aradan will be here soon."

xXx

I feel very nauseous and a little freaked out. I forgot how much I don't do social gatherings, I forgot how I am a bit of an idiot and socially dysfunctional. However Aradan has been nothing but a supreme gentleman or elf, is there such a term as gentleelf? I think I shall just have to invent it.

From the moment he collected me and right up until this point, he has been so thoughtful and complimenting. He was suitably blown away by my appearance and seamlessly keeps conversation flowing with ease. Aradan himself is dressed very finely in brown and golden robes, though I reckon he could wear a bin bag and still look like a Calvin Klein underwear model! Beautiful, beautiful, elven man that he is, but I am ashamed to admit that I don't feel anything. Like I should be swooning, my heart should be pounding at the idea that this god like creature is obviously interested in me, but meh I don't feel the urge to faint in his presence. Maybe I am sick? Don't get me wrong, he is stunning and so funny, caring, and thoughtful, but I just don't get it. I don't feel attracted to him - weird just weird!

The gathering of these young - in terms of elves - spirited and jovial crowd of elves is actually in the woods, in the shadow of the King's halls. For a very fun and exciting period Aradan and I stride through the wood, as if seeking out a hidden place that only those in the know can find. The small glade is brightly lit and busting to the seams with riotous and merry elves, some already completely intoxicated on the free flowing wine. There is a large fire pit in the centre, blazing with dancing flames that capture me, and the music is wild and rustic, it reminds me of the ceilidhs/Kaylees* of home. My heart is pounding and my body tingling with the excitement and nerves. I want to let go and have fun but I also don't want to make a complete eejit out of myself. Be brave Clara, be brave, you have your second chance now live it!

It is hard to hear over the din but Aradan makes gestures to me asking if I want a drink and I nod enthusiastically, he smiles and disappears, leaving me alone in the mass of crazy elves. Some speak to me and others just smile and nod, but soon I find I am making my way through the throngs, introducing myself and laughing at the easy going vibe of the evening. Aradan returns with my wine and he begins introducing me properly to his friends. I am fitting in at least, and all who I meet seem genuinely interested in me. I am also quite chuffed that I get lots of appreciative glances from the opposite sex, even enough to make Aradan stick a lot closer to me. God bless Oliel, I owe her so much!

Soon the dancing is in full swing and I have had a few twirls around the fire pit come dance floor, but I eventually insist on taking a break. Aradan tries to stay with me but he is in high demand and I want him to enjoy himself, so I encourage him to carry on, I can amuse myself for a bit.

I drain the last of my wine glass and decide to go on the hunt for some more, so I start ploughing through the crowd, and more than once bash into people but no one seems to mind much. Eventually I find the wine kegs; I fill up and spin on my heel only to collide with another, mercifully I save my dress and the elf's tunic.

"Ugh, I am so sorry!" I cry. I was close to being graceful so close, dammit. "I am the biggest clutz."

"Clara?"

The voice makes me stop, and I squint upward at the face of the stranger and then gasp;

"Thranduil?" I ask in surprise as I observe him, dressed quite finely in his silvers and emerald greens, "I mean...your highness what a surprise?"

"Is it really?" he replies stiffly and causally pushes past me to fill his own glass; "I thought I told you to call me Thranduil, are we not friends?"

"I don't know, are we?" I say rather boldly, this is not going to end well I've downed goodness knows how much wine, so I will most likely say whatever comes to mind without thinking. "I mean I have seen nothing of you since I left you at the barracks, and not even an apology for your words, I don't really consider that friendly behaviour."

"Then I am sorry!" he snaps and bangs his glass down, "There I said it, now can we abandon this ridiculous standoff."

"You could at least mean it." I hiss and attempt to storm off but he follows, seriously will I never get to exit dramatically with this elf; "What Thranduil...what do you want?"

"I did mean it!" he growls and slides in front of me, "I apologise I was just feeling a little abandoned."

"Abandoned?" I snort and raise my eyebrow. "Care to elaborate?"

"No not really," is his stupid reply, so I sigh and try and side step him. "Alright I was jealous."

"Of what?" I question and exasperatedly wave my arms about my head, sloshing the last of my wine out of my glass.

"Of Aradan and you, and losing you to the affections of someone else," he mutters and I frown at him, "I do not like to share, it is a fault I understand, but please can you forgive me?"

"Sometimes your son shows more maturity than you!" I snap and drop my gaze. If I look in those alluring eyes I will give in to the temptation, it is far too easy for me to forgive him.

"I know he does," Thranduil sighs and with a defeated shrug gazes out at the dancing crowd, but a spark of an idea lights his face and he turns those glittering eyes on me...dammit I looked! "Will you dance with me?"

"You know one dance is not going to make it better Thranduil." I say resolutely, "You were a real jerk!"

"I do not know what that means but I probably deserve it," he almost whines and I can't help the chuckle that escapes my lips at his confused expression.

"Yes you do!" I laugh and he manages a small hopeful smile, "Alright, one dance."

I am so weak, I should be ashamed of myself, but I let Thranduil lead me into the dancing crowd. It is a fast paced tune, that suddenly picks up its passion and aggression as we start to dance. I have no idea what I am doing and I am literally depending on Thranduil to not let me fall or drop me in a heap on the ground.

"I don't know this dance?" I shout over the wild drums and pipes. In honesty I know none of the dances and I doubt busting out the moves to 'all the single ladies,' is socially acceptable here.

"It is just music!" he calls back and grips me a little too close for just friends, "Dance what you feel, that is all you have to do."

"Since when are you a dancer?" I laugh as he spins me again.

"I am not a dancer," is his reply as he pulls me in close again and whispers in my ear; "I just like to cause a scene."

The thrill of the music, the sound of his deep voice in my ear sending shivers up my spine, and the giddiness of the wine just tips me over the edge. I always loved dancing and music, I loved the freedom of it and the passion, so without a second thought I let him lead me in the most daring display I have ever attempted.

I am somewhat aware the dancing crowd has dispersed for us, and that we are the only two engaged in this verging on passionate display. Elves are clapping and cheering, I hear our names and I completely forget that I even came here with another. I am completely focused on the music and Thranduil - how he touches me and how he easily lifts and twirls me. This is intoxicating, I have never felt more desirable in my whole life. The music reaches its crashing finale and Thrnaduil easily hoists my leg around his hip and drops me down low, before pulling me achingly slow to be just inches from his face.

Breathless, shaking, and I can definitely feel his heart hammer against mine, I stare into his eyes. Those strange indescribable azure eyes, and I know in that instant I am on the brink of falling. It was him, it was always him and I really don't think I have ever felt this passion for another being before; it is terrifying and amazing all at once but how could he ever feel the same way?

I think he realises we have been engrossed in each other just a tad longer than socially acceptable and he slowly pulls me upright. I divert my eyes and he takes a settling breath, we cannot pretend that this never happened, everyone saw, and I mean everyone, and - oh shit Aradan! I spy him leaving and my stomach hits the ground. I glare accusingly at Thranduil and rip across the distance between Aradan and myself, he did not deserve that.

"Aradan?" I call breathlessly as I just about catch him, he stops on the brink of a carven set of archways that lead into the caves; "Aradan wait! I am so sorry."

"Clara stop...it is alright," he turns and places a comforting hand on my shoulder, but there is sadness in his eyes that betrays his breezy tone. Oh I am a super bad person and I hate myself I really do, I swore I would never play with another's affections like others had played with mine.

"Please," I sob, "Don't say that, I was cruel, I should not have allowed that to happen."

"Well I admit I am little heartbroken," Aradan makes a show of clutching his chest in dismay and I give a strained chuckle; "But I cannot compete with that, I know when the better elf has won."

"Please believe me that I did not mean for that to happen," I beg and keep my fingers crossed that he doesn't hate me for this.

"I believe you," he laughs and swings an arm around me; "You looked more shocked than I up there! But Clara he is a prince, do you know what you are getting yourself into?"

"Yes I know," I sigh and shake my head; "Which is why nothing can happen."

"Why not?" is Aradan's shocking reply, and he laughs at my gobsmacked expression; "Thranduil is my friend and a good ellon, he deserves happiness, though I still say you are too good for him."

"But you just said he was a Prince?" I just about manage to say and cock my head goofily to the side.

"Yes so it will be difficult, Princes have demanding lifestyles, especially when they have fathers like our Good King Oropher," Aradan smirks. "Clara he likes you, I would wager even a little more than that, I knew from his reaction the other day at the barracks. I still hoped I was in for a chance, but I see now that was folly."

"You are far too gracious," I mumble and drop my gaze; "You are far too good for me."

"Nonsense," he laughs and gives me hug and a peck on the cheek; "Just remember this much mellon nin, if he makes one wrong move I will be right there to take his place, and that is a promise. But may I ask, did you have a good time tonight?"

"Yes," I reply shyly. "Thank you for introducing me to your friends, though I hope I have not offended them by my terrible behaviour?"

"No Clara I think they loved your...how would you say...energetic display?" We both chuckle but he sighs and with a serious look adds; "You can count my friends as yours Clara, you will always be welcome with us and I do hope this is not the last we see of you? Just because Thranduil may have stolen your affections does not mean I will let him steal our friendship so easily!"

"I am just glad we still have a friendship," I say with relief and he laughs loudly at my pained expression.

"You worry yourself too much mellon nin. How could I not cherish a friendship with you, I would be a terrible elf if I did not."

And with that said Aradan bows swiftly and with his easy going carefree smile leaves me to my thoughts, my crazy spinning confused thoughts. I walk over to the beautiful marble ledge that overlooks the woods, and watch the crowds dancing merrily, my eyes focused on the dancing flames from the fire pit in the distance. I lay my head on the pillar and breathe deeply - what am I going to do?

"How much trouble are you in?"

I smile fondly at his voice and let out a soft chuckle; "Heaps and heaps."

"I can hit him for you if you want, threaten him a little?"

"No it is quite alright," I reply and turn to face my very familiar prince, with his damaged face, and shimmering eyes. "I think though he might hit you."

"Yes, well I probably deserve that," he chuckles and takes a timid step towards me.

"We both do," I sigh and shake my head; "You do realise we are playing with fire here?"

"I know," is his quiet reply as he takes a step closer, so he is within touching distance of me; "But I do not see it that way."

"How do you see it?" I ask and register my voice is caught in my throat, and my heart has magically forgotten how to work.

"I see this as a gift, a second chance, and you?"

I cannot speak nor do anything, as he uses the back of his hand to brush away loose strands of my hair over my shoulder. I shudder at his touch, his feather light touch and close my eyes attempting to catch my breath and find the words to reply with. His hand rests on my cheek for a moment and then slips to the back of my neck, gently forcing my head upwards and pulling me closer to him. His thumb continuing to stroke the part of my cheek that is simply ablaze, his lips inches from mine and I am practically drunk on his sweet breath. I allow my eyes to flutter open, only to have my breath stolen away again by the strange adoring look I have seen a handful of times before;

"I should have let this happen that day in the woods," he mumbles, "but then I was not sure what you really wanted, I still cannot be certain?"

His lips graze mine like they had before, and just like before I freeze, but this time he does not accept that as my answer and playfully taps my nose with his and grins at my shocked expression. He has my attention now; he has figured out that he actually needs to force me to respond much like he has to do with all our other little adventures. So this time when his lips meet my mine I respond by forming my own around his. I can feel his victorious smile through the kiss and when we pull apart he looks like he has just hit the jackpot, and I can't help my nervous giggle.

His comical grin fades and is replaced by something else a little more serious, and a little more demanding. I like this look and without another word he captures my lips again a little more forcefully. The hand clutching my neck pulls me closer, and his other hand weaves around my waist crushing me against him. Boldly I clasp the left side of his face in my hand and use my other to grab a fistful of his platinum locks. I let my tongue explore the scarred section of his lips but I don't get to for long. Thranduil takes that as a hint to make the kiss deeper and I don't protest. He presses my back up against the marble pillar and for several unrestrained minutes we just get lost in the passion of this one kiss.

I have kissed guys before, I've had drunken fumbling's and passionate moments before, but nothing like this? I used to laugh and sneer at those silly little girls who gushed over a kiss, who claimed to see stars and fall in love in a moment. A kiss was a kiss, sure it could be good but not that good. I take it all back, because I have never been kissed like this before, I don't just see stars I see fireworks and I can't focus on anything but him and how he touches me, I don't even remember where I am? I am practically intoxicated when he stops; my head is light and my breathing irregular;

"You cannot know how long I have waited for this," he sighs breathlessly and rests his forehead against mine. "I was just too much of a coward."

"I agree with you," I gasp out and steal another kiss from him which he gladly gives. "You are a coward."

He frowns playfully at me and shakes his head; I giggle at his disapproving glare but regret it entirely when a challenging look crosses his features. He ducks his head and plants the lightest kiss on my collarbone, and then another on the vulnerable stretch of skin where the neck and shoulders meet, he pulls the collar of my dress back to expose more of my neck and continues to make his way up it with light as butterfly wings kisses. I let out the tiniest shocked gasp, when he runs his lips along the contour of my ear; my stomach flips and it is like a hundred butterflies have all decided to explode in my gut. He is barely touching me and my knees are weak and my heart is practically grinding through my chest. I feel my fingers curl tightly around the fabric of his tunic, and I really fight the urge to just let my eyes roll back in my head and give in, but oh how I want too!

"Am I a coward now?" He whispers in my ear and I shiver.

"Nope!" I yelp and his chuckle brings me back to reality, oh for goodness sake! Really that's it? Oh how he enjoys manipulating me, and oh how I love it!

Thranduil pulls away from my ear and plants his last kiss on my forehead; it is soft and sweet, the perfect way to draw this romantic embrace to a close. I sigh half with regret and half with satisfaction, I could happily just stay here like this all night but I guess others would notice. He straightens up and for a few blissful moments we just stay locked in a warm embrace, but the sky is lightening ever so slightly, though sunrise is still a few hours away, it is late and the festivities have come to an end, I have to go back. So in an understanding silence Thranduil laces his fingers through mine and leads me home, we don't speak because I am not sure if either of us knows what exactly to say? We don't know what we are doing and we certainly don't know how this is going to work? The only thing I am sure of is that I cannot go back now, I am teetering on the edge of no return and I know I am going to happily fall for this elf, and I have no want or idea of how to stop myself!

When we reach my familiar hallways, and the homely ivy covered archway that signifies my front door, I stop and sigh. I don't want this to end because if it does then I don't know what to do with myself? I had to go and make this complicated didn't I? Oh Clara you silly girl!

"Well I guess this is goodnight then?" I say with a happy sigh and go to let go of his hand to wander off.

"Clara!" Thranduil cries and tugs me back towards him so he can kiss me gently on the lips one more time. He laughs at my dazed expression almost in a teasing way; I clearly amuse him with my inability to function at present.

"You know," I mumble against his cheek as he holds on to me for a moment longer; "I've got this niggling inclination that you planned this tonight? I don't believe you just happened to be at the same venue as Aradan and I?"

He doesn't answer straight away but attempts to disguise a wry smile; "Would you be angry if I had?"

"I should but I really don't know how to be," I grumble as he places a kiss on my cheek just too completely destroy any trace of resolve I may have left.

I accept another cuddle and you know he is very good at hugs, extremely talented actually! I wager it is to do with those strong arms they are just so protective and warm, and mmm I could just stay right here but I really have to go.

"So I guess I will see you tomorrow?" I ask hopefully and he nods.

"Goodnight Clara, sleep well, I promise you I will see you tomorrow." He replies quite formally but with a humoured glint to his eye.

"You better," I jest and begin to walk away, though I still blush when he kisses my palm again and lets me go. "Until tomorrow?"

"Until then."

xXx

Oliel finds me outside her bedroom door, with my forehead resting on the lintel post as I pull faces at the wall and wave my hands in all sorts of wild gestures. I have been standing outside her bedchamber for at least forty-five minutes and I don't know why? I guess it is because there is no-one else I can go to for help, and boy do I need help;

"Clara? I thought I heard you outside my door," She squeaks as she clutches her robe around her shoulders; "What in Eru's name are you doing? Have you been crying? What happened?"

"Nooo!" I wail and slap my hands dramatically against my sides; "No! No! No!"

"No what? And why are you banging your head against the post? That is not healthy for you!"

"Kissing Princes is not healthy for me!" I cringe and flatten my nose against the wall, scrunching my eyes shut and awaiting her judgement on my soul.

When there is no reply for several minutes I open one eye and scally at her. Oliel is just staring at me with her mouth hanging open clutching her stupid candle, and stupidly not saying anything - she chooses now to not have anything to say? I blow out a very long sigh and turn my face to look at her, but still clutch the wall for support because I think at any moment I might explode;

"You kissed Thranduil?" she just about manages to stammer out, "and not Aradan? But you left here with Aradan...who invited you but returned with Thranduil...who did not invite you...but kissed you or you him?"

"I think it was a mutual decision on both our parts, but more he kissed me and I didn't say no, or stop him, or in any way attempt to articulate that it was a bad idea!" I whine and roll my eyes; "Okay I am stretching the truth a tiny bit, I kissed him back, a little...okay a lot...alright I equally put as much into the kiss as he did! And now I am here telling you because I don't know what to do because my head is swimming and my stomach is all fluttery, and I just wanna scrunch into a ball and giggle...but then I want to vomit because that was a really stupid thing to do, I mean he is a prince...Ollie he is a prince and I practically assaulted his face! Oh my god what if Oropher finds out? What if Legolas figures something out, because he knows the kid is physic! And then I'll be in trouble and Thranduil will be in trouble, and the King will probably kill me, and then I'll lose my job, my room, my food! I will be thrown into the woods and be expected to live off the land...Ollie I can't even tie my shoes without your help how will I eat? This is a disaster; I need to lie down now!"

"Clara breathe in-between sentences!" She murmurs worriedly.

"I can't breathe that is the point!" I wheeze and give her a pained expression, "I stopped breathing about an hour ago, when he kissed me, I am such an idiot! Why did you let me go out you know I am not mentally stable enough to go outside and speak with people? See this is what happens when you leave me to my own devices!"

How much wine did you consume?" Oliel cries as I slide down the wall, but before I can hit the floor she catches me under the arm and drags me into her room, unceremoniously dropping me onto her bed. "Just lie there and give me a minute until I process this!"

I do just that, I lie horizontal across her bed face down, grumbling incoherently every now and again. This only earns me impatient shushing from Oliel as she stalks backwards and forwards, I lift my head to watch here warily and await her final verdict. Eventually she stops with her hands on her hips and gives me a stern look;

"I am not impressed that you callously hurt Captain Aradan with your less than proper behaviour!" She scolds and I wince burying my face back in the bed clothes; "Furthermore I am furious that you waited this long to tell me!"

"Huh?" I frown and peek up at Oliel; "I don't get it?"

"You should have flew in that door and told me everything straight away, and I mean everything!" She cries and collapses on the bed beside me; "This is not something you debate telling you friend!"

"So you are not going to tell me I am insane and deserve punishment?" I query and roll onto my side.

"No!" she giggles and grins at me; "So tell me everything, from the beginning and miss no detail, if I am required to give my expert opinion on the matter I need all the evidence?"

"Ollie he is a prince? Why does this escape you?" I frown, a little concerned that she is missing the point here.

"Irrelevant!" She sniffs and gestures for me to continue, "besides this a much more romantic tale than a silly Captain!"

So I tell her the whole tale, from the party to the dance to the very heated kiss, and she echoes my concerns and joins in on my swooning. I guess she passes the best friend test, because if she was only a friend she would be warning me off my terrible decisions and telling me to be careful, but alas she only encourages me further! As Oliel sees it, this is a very interesting situation and something that has the potential to develop into much more. Her very wise advice is to just go with it and see what happens, after all there is no denying the affections Thranduil and I share for one another. I am in agreement and we decide that there is no point worrying about anything beyond this point, what is done is done and it's not like he declared his undying love or anything. No one is going to find out and why shouldn't I enjoy the thrill of this almost forbidden romance, we are after all adult elves and it is perfectly acceptable to have a little bit of fun with a willing party!

By the end of Oliel's counselling session I feel much better and even a bit giddy, but much worn out by all the excitement, so in true sisterly fashion we pass out surrounded by comfort food and empty wine bottles.

*********************************** ***AUTHOR NOTE***

YAY...they kissed...and Clara nearly took a stroke lol.  Whoa, thanks to everyone finding and following my story. All the new comments and being able to chat to you guys is just...*sighs*...awesome.

Oh and I love that I can add media. Okay so the song attached is "The Gael" preformed by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guard on the album Parallel Tracks, which is one of my all time favourite records. Basically I listened to it repeatedly when I was mapping up my ideas for Greenwood and Silvan Culture. It's very chaotic and wild, but in my mind it sums a lot oh how I feel about Silvan.

Until next time friends x