26. Kidnapping, Wine, & Elf Rituals!

The weeks have just slipped by to the rhythm of joyful expectation. For the most part, everything ticks by quite uneventfully, and I don't have to fret too much or fuss over any detail of the upcoming nuptials. Ollie has everything flowing like clockwork; her meticulous professionalism means that if I even try to have an opinion, she silences me with a patronizing look. This is usually followed by a statement that pokes fun at my young age and complete inexperience in life. I know she is my best friend, but sometimes I hate her.

There was an extremely funny incident a few weeks ago, when Ollie had mistakenly miscounted the ledgers and thought we would not have enough food for the guests. This just happened to be a very cruel, but nonetheless amusing joke by Thranduil and Tinuben. Thranduil got his hands on the ledgers, Tinuben fiddled the numbers, and poor Ollie was left with an extreme headache and several farm owners nearly losing their contracts. Thankfully, everyone can look back and laugh now. At the time, Oropher looked as if he was going to throttle his son, if Ollie didn't stab him first, at one point I feared for his life! Silly, impulsive, elf that he is. Honestly, if he isn't caught up in his duties or off patrolling, he is causing havoc. Well, I should revise that, we are causing havoc, because I have to admit, I love to be his accomplice.

Just last weekend, fueled by dutch courage and a more than willing elfling, we rigged out Raffyn's study, filling his desk drawers with compost and replacing the ink in his ink wells with berry juice. Legolas was very pleased with his handy work and delighted with his Adar's assistance in the whole matter, I was merely the lookout and I felt I fulfilled my duty very well indeed. Of course, Raffyn was horrified and we didn't mean to cause him the anxiety attack... Legolas didn't know the papers in the bottom drawer were actually personal reports for the King. Thankfully, Oropher found the whole incident hilarious and poor Raffyn's pleas for justice were laughed off.

In all fairness though, most of our pranks are pulled on each other, and any family time is spent just lounging around in our home or in the gardens and recently in the woods. My return to the woods since the orc attack was a nervous occasion, but it didn't take me long to settle myself. Thranduil also quite forcefully reminded me that these were his father's lands; no evil could enter without the border patrol or the highly skilled guard knowing about it. So all and all, things are just trundling along nicely, in fact things have been so laid back that the date of wedding feast has snuck up on me.

The actual celebration will be tomorrow evening, almost a year since our betrothal. Autumn is teetering on the edge of finality, but the forest is still ablaze with color, the perfect setting. I love this time of year, with all the wonderful sights and smells, and the woods are an artist's dream. If I had time, I would be out there painting it, but I do have a day job which I must attend to. So, I busy myself in the healing halls, drying out the rest of the harvest's yield of herbs and documenting my learning. Calanon even gave me my own study, filled with all my trinkets, potted plants, and books bursting with my images and scrawlings of the healing properties of the plants I know of.

Truthfully, this place has become my hideout in recent days. The visiting nobility have been arriving and I'm more than happy to stay out of the way until needs must. Also, nothing ever came of these pre-wedding festivities, but I am not convinced I have escaped unscathed... So, for my own safety, I remain hidden. Presently, I have my nose stuck in a journal of Calanon's, copying his findings into one of my own. Every time I hear raised voices or footsteps approaching my door, I practically melt into my chair and pray they pass by. Most of the time it is just Calanon, dropping by to alert me to the goings on of the outside world, on last word he told me the Imladris elves had arrived with a small representation from Lindon. Earlier in the week King Amdir and his son Amroth had arrived from the Lorien realm, apparently Lord Celeborn was in attendance, along with his wife the Lady Galadriel. I haven't met them just yet and I think I can wait. The thought of meeting the Lady Galadriel is enough to send me into shock. Mercifully, they all keep very much to themselves and I have avoided communal feasting with the excuse that I am undergoing dress fittings, and other such wedding related tasks, which isn't a lie, per say. So far, my absence has been forgiven and Oropher is quite happy to play along with the secrecy thing. He enjoys keeping his Noldorian neighbours in the dark about his son's chosen spouse, and the elleth he has deemed fit to give the title of princess.

My stomach gurgles in protest to being starved from breakfast, and I groan aloud when I realize that it must be at least mid-afternoon. Setting Calanon's book down, I decide to brave the outside world in search of food. Timidly, I poke my head around the door ensuring the coast is clear then begin to tiptoe along the eerily quiet corridors. I make it all the way to the intricate set of archways that lead out of the halls, when a blur of movement catches my eye. I stop dead and skitter back a few steps. Oh no! They have found me, I am going to get tarred and feathered and tied to the King's throne! When something pulls at the hems of my sleeve, I let out a strangled gasp and spin to face the intruder.

"Glorfindel!" I let out a shrill cry as the friendly face of the familiar elf pops out from behind a pillar.

"Sshhh," he warns and presses a finger to his lips, "You are being hunted."

"What?" I yelp and anxiously start scanning my surroundings.

"They have already captured the bridegroom," he answers in an ominous voice. "The poor soul, may he rest in peace."

"What? Where is Thran-" I squeak out as my voice reaches record levels of shrillness. Glorfindel scurries up to me and clamps his hands around my mouth and drags me behind a pillar. Oh no, it is happening; oh, thank the Valar for this golden haired knight. If I wasn't so terrified, I would hug him for his impeccable timing. Although this all a tad dramatic, I mean is there any need for the wide eyed panicked look he is giving me?

"We do not have much time, so you must listen closely," he orders and I nod vigorously in agreement. "Are you aware of the ancient rituals of marriage among the Silvan people?"

I shake my head to imply my obvious lack of knowledge on the subject.

"It is utterly barbaric and the worst kind of torture I have ever witnessed," he continues seriously, oh what if he is serious? What if I am in trouble? My heart starts to accelerate and I feel my eyes about to pop out of my head as I start to imagine all sorts of crazy endings. I will kill Oliel if she bruises Thranduil's face; I am not standing beside an elf that looks like he has taken ten rounds with a cave troll on our wedding day. Oh this is a nightmare!

"Glorfindel?" I whine as I peek around the hallway, "What are they planning on doing to me?"

"To you?" He gives me a grave look and shakes his head, "Oh my dear sweet Clara, you are the bait, the treasure so to speak."

My look of complete bafflement prompts him to continue.

"In the days of old the feral race of woodland elves would not give up their daughters easily. Ellyn wishing to claim their bride would have to earn his right to have her. They would need to prove to the elleth's family that they were worthy ellyn, based purely on the physical challenges the family would demand."

"But I don't have a family..." I say in a sort of bemused voice that earns me a sigh of exasperation.

"It would seem that as of tonight the elf, Olben, and his children have claimed you as one of their own," Glorfindel replies and I scowl angrily at a point in the distance. Ollie is dead! "It would seem that Olben will have you hidden in the woods, and if Thranduil can track you down he will then have to fight for your hand."

"Well this should be over in a few minutes then," I add haughtily and raise my chin, "Thranduil could track me in a minute, he knows every last inch of that forest."

"Maybe so but he will be hindered."

"Hindered? Oh, tell me no more and just help me escape my fate for as long as you can," I plead as I hide behind him, glancing warily at my environment, half expecting Ollie to jump out and pull a bag over my head. Glorfindel nods and the two of us dart back into the healing halls, looking for another means of escape. When suddenly, I hear voices. I freeze and it takes all of Glorfindel's strength to pull me along the interconnected corridors. We reach a dead end and I cry out in panic, but just in the nick of time the door of an empty room opens and Calanon steps out.

"Quickly hide in here!" he tells us through fits of amused titters, and before I can think Glorfindel is shoving me through the door, whilst Calanon bangs it shut behind us.

"Surprise!"

Four sets of feminine voices shriek at me and in response I scream blue murder and run for the door, which is helpfully blocked by a delighted looking Calanon. Glorfindel wraps his arms around my waist and pries me away from the wall that I am now backed up against and throws me kicking and squealing to the lionesses. I instantly recognize Ferel's red hair and Ollie's obnoxiously loud laughing, as for the other two ellith I have not a notion, and I don't care. They are going to get kicked in the teeth anyway.

"You betrayed me!" I howl at Glorfindel as I try to scramble away from the clutches of these shrieking banshees.

"Yes I did," he agrees between delighted peals of laughter.

"I trusted you and you took advantage...you...you...sneaky son of a bi-"

Hands clamp over my mouth restricting my murderous ranting, and I am pinned down on a bed.

"It is okay My Lord we will look after her from here," Ollie giggles and curtsies to the not so noble elf. "You are most welcome to join us for the festivities."

"Yes, I believe I shall join your brothers in tormenting the Prince, at last I heard they had robbed him of most of clothes and tossed him in the mud," Glorfindel continues to roar with delight and I let out a muffled protest to this treatment.

"Yes, that sounds like them," Ferel giggles and produces a bowl. "Speaking of clay, ladies keep her restrained."

"It is better if you do not struggle Clara," I hear Glorfindel's voice as it drifts out the door along with that treacherous teacher of mine.

"He is right, Clara, there is no need to act like this, just enjoy the festivities," Ollie grins as she starts stripping me and redressing me. Ferel starts painting clay patterns on my exposed skin, whilst the other two ellith start pawing over my hair.

"What are you doing to me?" I groan as they sit me up and continue their work.

"It is tradition," the mousy haired elleth tells me with a giggle. "You are the lady his highness desires, but you do not have to go willingly to him, he must impress you and your family."

"Ollie," I call in a hushed tone and she ducks down to allow me to whisper to her. "They do know I did go willingly don't they?" Ollie practically chokes on her laugher and rolls her eyes.

"Yes, but don't spoil the illusion," she replies and winks at me, "Besides this is just a bit of fun, the Silvan people don't hold to these traditions anymore."

"Ha! Tell that to the Prince," the other fairer haired elleth sniggers and I gape at them.

"Well, I mean, just because the traditions are no longer law, we still like to keep the memories alive," Ollie adds with a shrug and I suddenly feel very ill.

xXx

It takes just over an hour for my transformation to be completed and truthfully I am actually kind of enjoying myself. I am dressed not in dresses or gaudy materials but simplistic woodsy garments. Tight leathery suede like leggings cover my legs and my feet are bare. My tunic is sleeveless but like the leggings is made of a rich green, animal hide like material, curving around my body like a camouflage. I understand this would be traditional wood elf apparel; it is practical but sort of scary looking. It doesn't help that on top of this Ferel has painted swirling patterns onto my arms, face, and chest using the silvery grey clay, whilst my hair has been pinned back in an exaggerated way. The loose strands that fall down my back are littered with tiny braids, twined with ivy and other small leaves. The look is finished off with a pair of leather and suede wrist bracers that curve around my fingers, and Ollie decorates the clay patterns with tiny marquise type stones that glitter dimly in the light. It is a feral look, and when I catch myself in the mirror I look utterly terrifying and very dangerous. I actually feel a little brave and daring, why shouldn't I make Thranduil work for this? Looking like this tonight, I don't think I am the same placid elleth, I am jittery and I am certainly not myself. Well, this is exciting!

My captors dress in similar clothes and then we are running again. The exhilaration I feel at being dragged through the woods by these almost Amazonian type females is intoxicating. I can hear others in the distance their voices growing closer as we whip and vault along the trees and landscape with ease. They howl and whistle to each other like animals, it is crazy and not what I am used to, but I sort of love it. All the charming social etiquette of elven democracy is gone, and it is like I am transported to a time when these elves lived very much to the beat of the forest.

We eventually halt in a clearing with a free flowing river and smaller waterfalls. I am sure we have not travelled that far but all the same it feels isolated and not easy to get to. The trees overhanging the clearing are laden with spectators who cheer and hoot loudly on my arrival. I sense the presence of other elves lurking in the shadows, circling and watching intently. On the elevated rocks, I spy Olben and a mixture of ellith and ellyn that I don't recognize, but they all seem welcoming as they clap and welcome me warmly, with cheerful song. I reckon most are already very drunk, but if I don't eat something soon... then one thimble of wine, and I will be passed out on the ground. Ollie hauls me up onto the rocks and I am embraced and kissed by so many different elves, that by the time I reach Olben I am a little delirious.

"Look at you child!" he laughs heartily and places a firm kiss to my cheek. I can already smell the strength of the wine on him; I guess these guys have been partying long before I got here.

"Not what you are used to, huh?" I giggle and pirouette for him. "You can blame your daughter."

"You could have fooled me easily my dear," he grins in that same playful aura as Ollie. "You are like an apparition of the fierce daughters of the woods of old."

"I do feel a little fierce," I add and give my best dangerous look, which admittedly is not that scary at all.

"She is incredible!" Ollie interrupts and plants a piece of cloth in my hands, that holds my dinner; slices of bread and smoked meats. Well it will do and will certainly slow down the alcohol poisoning which will undoubtedly happen. It will be a miracle if I actually see my wedding feast.

"Aw, thanks!" I laugh and quickly begin to devour my hasty meal, because I am ravenous!

"So," I begin mid mouthful, "What is this all about? What am I expected to do and how drunk will I need to be to be able to do it?"

"Oh tis not you, my darling," Olben chuckles and shares a knowing look with his daughter, "You are the guest of honor, this is for you!"

"Um...elaborate?" I muffle through my full gob, and swallow the last lump of my food quite dramatically.

"Oh, Clara, just because you are not with nobility tonight does not mean you get to skip on manners, chew your food and don't talk with your mouth full!" Ollie chastises, but sniggers and gestures for her father to continue.

"This is a test of strength, or of character," Olben begins and smirks, he is clearly enjoying himself. "In ancient times we Silvan folk had no lords or guardians, we survived on skill and instinct alone. Therefore it was in the best interest of a family to ensure the potential mate of their daughter could protect and defend her, and their potential offspring, from the harsh and unforgiving wild woods."

"Thranduil is being tested?" I ask and literally cannot keep the glee from my face, "So what exactly have you got in store for him?"

"Well, my brothers already stripped him of most of his belongings, blindfolded him, and abandoned him somewhere in the woods." Oliel replies with a wicked grin and I cock a disbelieving eyebrow.

"And the Prince of the Greenwood, famed warrior of his generation, allowed a lieutenant from the guard and a librarian to kidnap him so willingly?"

"Well they had help!" Ollie defends and raises her chin haughtily. "Aradan assisted and I believe the fabled Lord Glorfindel, was most interested in joining in, so much so in fact, that he enlisted some of his Imladris friends to help."

"Ah... well, that changes things," I admit and cringe. Oh, I almost feel bad for my beloved, but I can't help feeling a little smug. Besides, I am sure he loves this, all this showing off and displays of testosterone will be right up his alley. Only, I will kill them if he ends up with a black eye, and I'll give him a matching one if it turns out he brought it on himself!

"Indeed," Olben cheers and replaces my food bundle with a large wooden cup of very strong wine, "First his highness must find you, then he must face my sons in combat, and if he succeeds then he has the opportunity to earn your consent."

"My consent?" I stifle a giggle and eye Ollie, who rolls her eyes at my silent dig.

"Yes, Clara!" she squawks and throws her arm around my neck, knocking back a fair amount of her own drink, "For a change, Thranduil has to impress us, enjoy it while it lasts, I know I certainly will!"

"Well, this night just keeps getting better and better!" I grin wickedly then scan my surroundings, observing the faces of my fellow riotous and rebellious bunch of elves.

I feel it bubbling up within me, the need to cut loose and forget the restrictions of life. For the next several hours, I don't have to be the good little elleth that tries so hard to impress her superiors, the one that holds it together and remains stable. Tonight, I am just as wild and unpredictable as my home; I can almost feel the trees goad me on, encouraging me to enjoy my hidden nature. So, without another thought I rip the wine bottle from Olben's hand and scale the elevated rocks so I am standing before the crowd. They cheer automatically when they sense my presence and I raise the bottle above my head gaining their attention;

"Greeting my friends," I say with the loudest voice I can muster, and then laugh when they practically bellow their greetings back to me. "I do not deserve your hospitality but know that tonight I am honoured to be considered one of your kin." There is yet more appreciative cheering and delighted mumblings. "But you know there will be noble lords among us this evening and I suppose it would seem polite to be considerate of their delicate positions." This statement is met with a confused rumbling and shared odd looks. I try to stifle my laughter as I begin to pace the rock and hold the bottle to my lip in a thoughtful gesture. Eventually, I stop and regard these incredible elves with a haughty look. "However, I am neither polite, nor thoughtful and I have no intention of playing tame for a bunch of well-bred stallions. So, why don't we show them what a real party sounds like, after all what is a party without some friendly brawling?" With that said I knock back the bottle, consume what is left of the contents and toss it into the shrieking crowd. My little speech has gone down a treat and I am practically deafened with their exuberant cheering. I am after all Irish, we love a good party, the more inappropriate and riotous, the better, in my opinion!

I am dragged off the rock and passed along the lines of gathered elves as they cheer and embrace me. I accept yet more drinks from them and by the time I am picked up by Ollie again, I am practically vibrating with excitement. She clinks her cup with mine and we guzzle down the remains before shrieking with delight and hugging each other like excited youth. Music has already begun in the background, drums and flutes, music I remember from the night I danced around the fire pit. I feel so free and alive that I completely forget that Thranduil is meant to show up, and I barely notice the subtle change until the drums cease and the crowds grow silent.

"You've been found," Ollie whispers giddily and hauls me towards her father. I notice how the other elves shrink back behind the rocks, leap into the trees, or just generally pull away from the clearing. Those in view pull tense and threatening poses, it is all in play but even I feel a little intimidated.

When I reach Olben and his view over the clearing from the rocks, I spy the silhouettes slinking out of the overgrowth towards us. In a few moments, Tinuben and two darker haired ellyn, who I assume are from Imladris skitter into view, all shouting and making rude comments. I also catch a quieter more graceful form slip through the trees and perch themselves on a low branch to observe the unfolding events with vested curiosity. Ah, Glorfindel did join in the festivities then, and oh dear me... he did so with company, for a very familiar figure of the lord Elrond sidles onto the branch beside him. Whoa, I was not expecting this; well maybe they have just come to gloat at Thranduil's very public humiliation. Speaking of whom, it takes several minutes and much goading from the crowd before Aradan and Torphen successfully chase a much hassled Prince to the fringes of the wood. Others cannot see him yet, but I can sense his fae, and it is most disgruntled at being manhandled through the woods. I can't help my smug smile, so I guess I got off lightly then.

"If you wish to claim your mate you will need to show yourself, great warrior," Olben calls with a voice dripping with sarcasm. "Teetering in the shadows avoiding your fate does not impress us, nor does it win you the fair lady's affections. A worthy ellon would show no fear faced with such a challenge."

There is a beat of silence, and the tension is almost tangible, he is planning something I just know it! A whistle of movement, too loud and dull to be an arrow, catches my attention and something crashes at the exact spot above Olben's head. A deliberate shot, so as not to harm anyone, but enough to make a very pointed threat, what a show off! Olben startles and jerks down to lift the shattered remains of a hastily constructed wooden spear. With a grunt of recognition, he turns his head to narrow his eyes at the figure that literally prowls out of the shadows.

"Does that impress you?" Thranduil asks with such an over confident and utterly patronizing voice that even I scowl at his arrogance. I peer around Olben and suddenly my scowl is replaced with a proud and captivated look. I can't help it, I really can't refuse Thranduil completely shirtless and what would appear to be a slightly disheveled post abduction and series of trying obstacles appearance. He may be caked in clay, travel worn, and a little peeved but he still manages to make me weak at the knees.

"I believe I am here to claim my wife, so please if there are no more demands, hand her over."

This statement is met with a lot of roaring and hissing, most of which comes from me! Nope, I am not going that easy, and I share this mutual look of disapproval with Olben. With a knowing grin he steps aside and allows me to present myself. I quite enjoy how Thranduil's eyes practically pop out of their sockets when I slink into view. I keep my expression blank and attempt to appear disinterested and unimpressed by his presence. It is all in play and I mean none of it, but I will keep up the pretense for as long as I am able.

"You think you can impress me with a few threatening gestures my lord?" I ask in a cool voice, which makes Thranduil waver a little. He is not used to me being in any way unreasonable to his requests, so I like that this is a shock to him. I blame the clothes and the drink for my new found seductive side. "Come now, my love, surely I mean more to you than that?" I practically purr as I lean forward in a suggestive manner, this outfit really does extenuate my cleavage in all the right ways.

"Clara...I.." Thranduil tries to articulate a reply, but for once I have him tongue tied. It feels great, but I know tomorrow when the wine wears off I will be totally affronted at my behaviour. He sort of swallows uncomfortably and gives a strangled sigh of exasperation, when he is eyed up by both Torphen and Aradan.

"How much does she mean to you, outsider?" Olben shouts over the din of approving jeers.

"Everything!" Thranduil replies quite earnestly, but still it earns him no favours from the crowd.

"And what would you be willing to do for her my lord?" Olben pushes and nods to his sons to prepare themselves.

"Anything!" Thranduil cries and outstretches his hands in a pleading type fashion. Oh so he is going with the sympathy vote now, very smooth. I try to remain composed, but he levels me with a very emotive and apologetic look, which ruffles my resolve a little, but not enough to make me want to stop this.

"Good, you are learning quickly!" Olben sneers and then points to his sons and Aradan, because it wouldn't be a fair fight without him. "You will face my sons in hand to hand combat, and only if you succeed will you be permitted one last attempt at earning the affections of our Clara." With a flick of his wrist Torphen lunges at a bemused Thranduil, and I instantly feel a tad bit remorseful. He looks so shocked!

It takes little time for Thranduil to regain his senses and the brawl commences with much gusto. The crowd erupts into excitable and riotous shrieking. I can hear bets being made over who will be the first to be dispatched, and who will the last elf standing. Predictably, most gambling ellyn imagine the final fight will come down to Aradan and the Prince, and within minutes it does. After a shaky start, Thranduil easily puts Tinuben on his back, and he surrenders instantly, which in fairness so would I. Torphen was a little harder to pin down, and his speed kept him in the game longer but Thranduil is taller and broader, so with one sharp head butt, he was seeing stars.

I see that my lover is clearly enjoying every minute of this brawl; his movements are graceful, but shockingly violent. I know he isn't putting his full force into the fighting because it is all in good humour, but I am alarmed at how well he handles himself. He is certainly improving and it is like he never had the life threatening injury that he did. I am pierced with a sense of deep desire and pride for this elf, not just because of his skill in battle but because of his determination to reach this point. Truly, his enemies should fear him, because combat to Thranduil is an instinct, like a survival reflex; in this frame of mind I bet he would maul you as quick as look at you. This sort of terrifies and thrills me all at once, I have to confess I am more than impressed, I am captivated.

The brawl with Aradan lasts for much longer than I was expecting, it is a close fight and on several occasions, Aradan gets a few lucky digs in. There is no contest though, and I think everyone knew that, but the spectacle was worth the watch. With one last clash, an exhausted Aradan buckles to the ground and holds up his hand to signify his surrender. A clearly haggard Thranduil stumbles back from his victory and fist pumps the air with much enthusiasm, joining in the victorious cries of the crowd. I can't help my very loud cheer of triumph and sort of forget the game I was playing. I rush to the edge of the rocks to peer down at my warrior as he presents himself much more humbly to me.

"I have completed the tasks in which you set me Olben; will you consider me worthy enough now?" Thranduil asks in almost pleading voice as he makes a show of kneeling to us. Ha! He loves the theatrics and it is clearly earning him a lot of supporters, as the crowd cry out over his injustices.

"The final say rests with the lady," Olben replies and gestures for me to give my verdict. I smirk at the pitiful display Thranduil is intent on putting on, as he holds out his hands in a remorseful gesture towards me. I laugh and roll my eyes before scanning the crowd and making a show of contemplation.

"What shall I do?" I cry to the host of elves who holler back all sorts of answers. The vast majority cry out for me to take pity on the poor ellon who has fought so bravely for me. Others insist he must face more challenges in order to earn their respect. Some rush to the foot of the rocks and plead for me to abandon my affections for the Prince and consider them instead.

I can barely control my laughter at the wild suggestions and clutch my forehead to pretend to think. This is when Thranduil clearly tires of my dithering and decides to make my mind up for me. With ease he climbs up the loose rocks until he is almost level with me, and seizes the back of my neck with his hand. I attempt to struggle away from him, but he holds me still and with a victorious smirk, leans in and captures my lips in one hell of an impatient kiss. This gesture clearly delights the audience and suddenly I am being flung from the rocks and into Thranduil's waiting arms. We are dragged into the centre of the clearing and surrounded by our over excited people. We are doused with leaves, flowers and at one point, a freezing cold bucket of water, I reckon that was Torphen or Aradan still sore from their loss I presume.

Some sneaky elves think it is funny to use cloth to tangle Thranduil and I closer together, while we are kissed and hugged by nearly every individual in the crowd. I don't think I have ever laughed so much, my face actually hurts and I can barely stand but it is so worth it. Thranduil is also delighted with this affair, even considering his rough start and makes a great display of showing me off to the onlookers. At last, unable to move very far because of the restricting material he pulls my arms around his neck and rests his forehead against mine, pulling me closer to him.

"You found me?" I chuckle breathlessly and he smiles knowingly in response.

"Oh yes, I found you," he confirms and runs a hand through my untamed hair. "Although I must admit this look is quite terrifying, I barely recognised you."

"Yes, it is a little different isn't it?" I snigger and curl myself more suggestively around him. "But I sort of like it, it makes me feel...wild I guess?"

"Yes, I like it too," Thranduil nods in agreement and traces the now smudged clay patterns that swirl from my neck to my chest. "When you say wild, what exac-" I silence him with the most inappropriate and completely uncharacteristic display of public affection I have ever committed. In fact, I am quite sure in some places this would be considered illegal and highly offensive, but not here. Tonight, it is met with much cheered approval and loud suggestive remarks.

I eventually pull away from the very shocked and completely speechless form of my beloved, and stifle a fit of giggles. It is not often I have the ability to paralyze him, and I sort of gloat in my little victory. He slowly shakes his head at me and blinks himself back to reality.

"Well," he starts breathlessly with a forced swallow, "I think we need to excuse ourselves for the evening."

"Oh no! I interject and grin wickedly, "This is the night before the wedding, and technically where I am from you shouldn't even get to see me. So, no my love, not tonight, tonight we dance and drink until I can't stand any longer."

"But?" Thranduil starts, but I place a silencing finger to his lips and laugh outwardly at his shocked expression. "Clara you cannot do this to me!" he wails as I unravel myself from the material and skip away from him. He frowns at the ground and looks very much like he is about to sulk. Personally, I am amazed I was able to hold my resolve.

"One night, Thranduil," I snigger as I back up into the dancing crowd. "Surely you have enough self-control for that?"

"I resent that," he mutters as he stalks towards me, a playful grin playing on his lips, "But this is unfair you are teasing me!"

"Mmhmm," I confirm with a nod and wink, "But you kind of like it."

"You are incorrigible," he grumbles and pulls me in close to dance. I shiver when his lips brush my ear and I feel a rush of anticipation at his husky voice, "But two can play that game."

From this point onwards, we don't keep much conversation, and spend the majority of the night working each other into a complete frenzy, achieved by a mixture of suggestive dances, pointed comments, and a lot of heavy petting. None of this is helped by the free flowing drink and the rambunctious nature of the evening. Mercifully, our behaviour is considered quite normal, and at one point quite tame, when we got an overly passionate eyeful of Aradan and Ollie. Still it is all in celebration, and honestly, I don't remember much about the night, other than it was a lot of fun and that there was a lot of wine.

xXx

"Why are the birds so loud?" I grumble into Thranduil's chest and search for a blanket to haul over my head, but I find no blanket. In fact this chest is too soft and too small to be Thranduil's. I try to sit myself up and focus my very baffled gaze on who it is below me. "Ollie?" I gasp and then groan as everything starts to spin again.

"Go to sleep Clara, it is still early," she mutters and tries to snuggle her head into her upper arm, which she is using as her pillow. I was evidently using her chest; well I must admit it was comfortable and only slightly disturbing. I straighten up some more and try to take in my surroundings.

"Oh good grief, we are still in the clearing!" I mutter out loud as I observe the few dozen hardcore elves that litter the landscape. We clearly never made it home last night and it appears to be a bright and early autumn morning. "Ollie get up...I have to...Legolas!" I mumble incoherently and yawn several times.

"What are you rabbiting on about?" She snaps and tries to push herself up, only to pale slightly when the realisation of our predicament hits us. "Clara, we never went home!" She cries and looks to me for answers that I obviously don't have.

"What gave you that impression?" I add sarcastically as I try to crawl forward in search of water, or food, or a really large rock to bang my throbbing head against.

"No! Why are you not panicking," Ollie whines and attempts to find her feet, she does so quite successfully and staggers about for a bit, looking slightly dazed.

"I am panicking! My son will be awake soon and I don't think his grandfather signed up to this much babysitting," I hiss as I haul myself into a seated position on a rock, and place my head between my knees. Oh everything is just swimming in front of me; I want to be sick, I really do. "I am such a bad parent," I sob and shake my head.

"Clara, Oropher was well informed of the planned abduction, Legolas is fine, but you are meant to be exchanging vows this afternoon and we don't know where your husband is!" Ollie shouts quite forcefully and I snap my head up in response to her statement, sobering quite significantly.

"Could you not have curtailed my excessive drinking, Ollie?" I accuse and cross my arms about my chest. "You are supposed to be the sensible one!"

"Well, I am sorry. I shall remember not to have a life in future!" She snaps back and grips a nearby tree trunk for grim death as she turns a faint green colour. "Besides, Aradan is a terrible influence on me, you should know that my judgment is questionable when I am with him."

"Okay, alright, I am sorry but Ollie, I'm poorly," I pout and clutch my head. "Don't make me think too much... it hurts."

"Tis self-inflicted. You have no sympathy from me," she smirks and attempts to stagger to my side. "Well that was a fun night; I think you made quite the impression."

"I agree it was definitely memorable...or unmemorable which is probably more telling," I chuckle pathetically as Ollie slumps down beside me and puts her arms around me. "I lost my husband, who does that?"

"No, you didn't," Ollie titters and points to a boulder a few feet up from us, "He just found a replacement for you."

There nestled against the boulder, is the most adorable and slightly creepy sight, of two grown ellyn cuddling. Clearly, this was a completely unintentional position that Aradan and Thranduil ended up in, but it is nonetheless comical to observe. Thranduil sits with his back against the boulder still gripping a bottle of wine in his left hand, whilst Aradan has slumped into his right side. At some point, Aradan's head had rolled onto Thranduil's shoulder, and somehow his arm is flopped over his stomach. The best part of the whole thing is that Thranduil has then decided to use his friend's head as a pillow, and the two of them look so happy and peaceful together. They look so comfortable, I almost feel bad for disturbing them.

"Wake up Prince it's show time!" Ollie shouts and tosses a stone at Thranduil; it bounces off his cheek and lands on Aradan's lap. Both ellyn blink groggily towards us and for a few brief moments appear completely confused.

"What time is it?" Aradan yawns and makes his head more comfortable on Thranduil's shoulder. It is Aradan's voice that alerts Thranduil that something is clearly amiss. Casually, he observes the arm loosely wrapped around his stomach, and then follows it to the head of the resting culprit. There is a sharp intake of breath and then a disgusted snarl as Aradan is quite forcefully shoved sideways.

"GET OFF ME!" Thranduil bellows, in a very masculine and commanding voice.

"Whoa! What did I do?" Aradan grumbles as he scrambles backwards and looks around him properly for the first time. Ollie and I practically explode with laughter when Thranduil staggers to his feet and takes a few shaky strides away from the scene of the crime.

"You...you uncouth little tree elf!" he shudders and he continues to stagger towards us with wild accusing eyes. "Did you just witness that?" he roars at me and clutches his head.

"Why, yes," I snigger and glance to Ollie. "We witnessed the very heart-warming sight of a very happy couple."

"Do not even!" Thranduil points an accusing finger at me, because he knows I am about five seconds away from convulsing into fits of very unladylike snort-like laughter. "Oh this is just vile!" he snaps, makes a disgusted sound at the back of his throat and then shudders in repulsion.

"I think I am going to be sick," Aradan whines and wretches before rolling onto his stomach. "No, really, I think I am dying, someone please find me a healer!"

"Oh please Aradan, you are fine," I moan in reply, because he has such a poor alcohol tolerance, and I am pretty sure I drank twice as much as he did.

"I do not mean to interrupt, but two of you are meant to be the guests of honour at a wedding in a few hours. So, can we all stagger in the general direction of our home, and practice our best sober impressions please! We have very important guests visiting; we do not want to lower the tone!" Oliel orders us in her very business-like, authoritarian way. It would seem the party is well and truly over.

"Yes, two of us may be getting married," I giggle from my comfortable and static position on the rock. Truly, I don't want to move because if I do the whole forest will start spinning again. "Most likely these two!" I howl again as I point to the two ailing culprits. Thranduil had actually relented and was picking Aradan up off the ground, but because of my comment he drops him again and scowls at me.

"Walk yourself!" he orders his closest friend, as he stalks up to me with a very unimpressed look and pushes a warning finger into my face. "You are not funny!"

"I am hilarious," I grin and shuffle to my feet, and feel a little queasy as everything starts spinning again. I try to take a few sultry steps forward, but end up staggering into Thranduil's arms.

"I do not feel like you deserve my sympathy," he mutters as I sigh and rest my head on his shoulder. I would argue with him, but I know I have him wrapped around my little finger. True enough, his arms snake around my waist and he helps me move forward a little more gracefully. "I am abducted, my clothes are stolen, I am forced to scour the forest for you, then brawl for your affections! And you thank me by withholding said affections, getting me absurdly drunk and humiliating me further in my fragile state!" Thranduil rhymes off his injustices and all I can do is laugh until my sides hurt.

"But the main thing is that I had a wonderful time!" I giggle and glance up at him with a very satisfied look. He stifles a laugh and shakes his head, then hugs me closer to place a lazy kiss on my forehead.

"Sometimes, I do not understand why I love you," he sniggers and I pout playfully in response.

"Well, if you change your mind about me, Aradan will be more than willing to take my place!"

"Clara! I swear to the Valar, would you just drop it!"

"Thranduil my darling, I am never going to let you forget this party."