The next Morning - The Royal Markets - SA 3427

The markets were hiving, mostly filled with elves seeking the warmth of the caves and the hot stalls selling food.

As always the lights, the sounds, and the smells of this place fill me with a kind of giddy rush. Princesses are not allowed to travel around without proper attendants, so I roped a rather delighted Ferel into coming with me. I kept a low profile, dressed plainly with a dull cloak and my old clothes from my servant days. Truthfully, I feel much more comfortable in these clothes, because at least Ferel and I match.

We meander together with our elfling's in tow, of course Tauriel is much too little to walk all the way around such busy markets so she spends her time between her mothers arms and mine...or trying to escape us! Thankfully Legolas is in an obliging mood and is always quick to stop her from running off into the masses.

As we go I entertain the children with jovial Christmas chorus, their favourite just so happening to be 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' and I completely agree, it was mine too.

"So where is Prince Thranduil?" Ferel asks pleasantly, as she carefully packs our basket with the very specific vegetables I have requested off the grocer.

"I told him he had to find me a tree for the family dining hall," I reply whilst inconspicuously sniffing a block of cheese...ick I hate blue cheese...but it has to go on the festive cheeseboard! With a grumpy sigh I motion to the seller; "I will take a full block of this too...just charge it to the palace."

"Lord Raffyn is going to choke when he sees this weeks domestic expenditures," Ferel titters, putting the block of now carefully wrapped cheese in her apron pocket, because there is no way that stuff is stinking out the sprouts...they are bad enough as it is!

"Listen, this is nothing, this is only a smidgen on what Thranduil inhales in wine...oh...the wine list!" I smack my hand over my forehead, and then shrug, "Ack Thranduil can do that...I have no taste anyway...or so he says."

"He would have more fun with that anyway," Ferel mumbles, and the two of us share a look which results in excessive giggling.

I continue on much like this, buying the things that I just simply need for the feast, and then on to much more pressing purchases...presents.

I rummage through the different artisan stalls and potter about the craft and earthenware merchants. I get so carried away that I select a pair of sheep skin lined gloves for Ferel and a wooden horse toy for Tauriel...of course I don't tell them, I just plucked them off the shelves when they weren't looking.  But when it comes to Legolas, things get a little harder though.

"So, any toys you like?" I ask in passing, when I spy Legolas staring forlornly at a little windmill, it's fabric tails all sorts of bright colours. "Do you like that...I thought you had one?" I query and pick up the little toy: "surely there must be something else that takes your fancy?"

"It is what that boy wanted," Legolas murmurs before pointing to a lad sitting by the fountain in the middle of the courtyard.

The child looks pale, his clothes a little threadbare, and his hair a little less tamed than the usual courtly children.

Legolas sighs and tugs my sleeve, coaxing me down close so he can whisper; "Can I buy him a gift...for Christmas? I think he needs it more than I do."

I stand still for a few moments, completely gobsmacked by the wisdom and the perfect innocence of this child.

He has never experienced Christmas, he has never heard of Saint Nicholas until today, and he has never sang songs about red-nosed reindeers and snowmen named frosty until this very morning, and yet he understands the meaning of the season better than I.

I am ashamed to admit it, but I think I lost the whole idea of my Christmas just by scavenging around the markets. Without another word I purchase the toy and give it to Legolas, who wastes no time racing up to the boy who he has never met before in his young life...I trail behind guilty.

"For me?" the child queries, his wild pale blue eyes widening, his accented voice giving him away as one of the forest inhabitants, probably of Avari blood.

"Yes...I saw you playing with it earlier," Legolas grins, and gives the child his impromptu gift. "I already have one you see, and my Nana," Legolas turns to point proudly to me and I blush even more, "well she says that where she is from they celebrate Christmas, and, well, I don't know why, but they give each other gifts...so here."

"Thank you," the boy gasps and clings to the toy like it is treasure.

"Revion, do not take that boy's toy! I am so very sorry my lady he is just curious, he meant no harm...he does not come to the king's Halls often."

I lift my head to observe an ellon I assume to be the boy's father, because he has the same brownish red hair and pale complexion. He looks genuinely apologetic as he holds his hands out, his gaze downcast, a worried look in those same wild eyes.

"It is a gift," I interject quickly, resting my hand on the boy's head. "My son has plenty, he just wanted to share."

"A gift?" the ellon asks in shock, "Ma'am I cannot accept the generosity, I have nothing to give in return. Please do not take it as offence, it is only our way to barter...now please, Revion, give the kind lady the toy back, come we must try and find a wagon heading out soon."

The boy glumly stretches the toy back to Legolas, who swivels his gaze to mine in panic.

I open my mouth to tell Legolas that you cannot force people to take gifts, that sometimes it makes them feel beholding to another, and the Nandor are very proud elves when it comes to such things. But, the look in my son's eyes stops me from saying anymore babbling nonsense, so instead I stride after the father and son, windmill in hand.

"Sir!" I call, and the elf slows his quick pace to eye me warily.

"I am very sorry my lady but I cannot tarry here," he tells me in an almost exasperated tone, his frown deepening. "The snow is deep and my village is the farthest from here. I have to get what provisions I can to my folk before nightfall, it has been over a week since we have been able to reach the markets for trading...I cannot delay."

"Not even for your Princess?" I ask quietly and watch as the whole frame of the elf before me goes rigid in shock.

I pull down the hood of my cloak and flash him my best smile so he knows I mean him no harm.

"Your highness...I-I-I never...I saw you once," he stammers and then falls into a deep bow. "I attended your coronation, you shook my wife's hand...s-s-she never tires of telling everyone."

"Please, get up," I mutter quickly and pull the elf to his feet, dusting him off with my hand; "I am sort of not supposed to be here...not everyone recognises me without the crowns and the gaudy dresses."

"My apologies," he squeaks and looks around nervously, fidgeting with the frayed ends of his faded jerkin.  "But I would never forget such a warm spirit...my wife says you are blessed...but she is a little superstitious like that."

"Well, your wife is very kind to think of me so, I am humbled by it," I chuckle and glance down at the boy again, "May I give your son this gift...as a favour from his Princess?"

"Y-y-yes, certainly!" The elf pushes his son forward, and I kneel down to give a much relieved Revion his toy back. "Child, what do you say to your Princess and the young Prince."

"My thanks, your graces," the boy murmurs bashfuly as he gives an awkward but awfully cute bow. 

Legolas, who is now hiding behind my skirts, peeps around to wave at his new friend, who shyly returns the gesture.

"You are most welcome little Revion," I reply cheerily and give him a peck on the cheek, making him blush an even deeper hue of red. "Now," I say as turn to his father again, giving him a very serious look; "let's be seeing you home safe, and with plenty of provisions for my people stranded in the woods."

xXx

It transpired that my new friend from the market was a fisher named Rephen, who hailed from the very north of our borders. The rivers had frozen so badly that there was no fish to be found, and with their dwindling supplies he had left with his son to face the bitterness of the now white forest, in hope of selling what meagre stock they had to bring back food and warmer blankets to see the people through the rest of our rather unseasonably cold winter.

Moved by his bravery,  and the struggle of my people, I sent Ferel back to the Palace to have one of the pages go into the woods to find Thranduil, who had taken a large sleigh to bring me back a tree. Mercifully he had already returned by the time she got back, and within the hour he had brought not just one sleigh but two, harnessed up to our best horses and a team of servants willing to help.

Meanwhile I had ordered the merchants to spare no expense in providing Rephen with everything he would need, and with a joint effort we got the sleighs ready in time to depart.

For the fun of it, and because Thranduil and I both wanted to ensure the safety of our folk at the northern border, we joined the others in the ride out to the villages.

The journey was glorious, with the silver bells tinkling against the headstalls of the horses who sprang energetically through the snow like it was nothing to their powerful strides. I taught my family, and my new found friends the words to 'Jingle Bells' in time with the musical sounds of the sleigh, and we sang it so much that it made the journey seem even shorter than it truly was...or maybe that was because we were having so much fun.

It was twilight when we reached the large fishing village, and the loud cheers and singing we received at the sight of the King's sigil coming into view made the whole adventure worth it.

I spent the next few hours making sure all the folk were accounted for and well; handing out blankets and assisting in ensuring everyone got a bowl of hot stew.

Thranduil worked with the strongest of the village to clear the deep snow drifts off their byres, so they could protect their livestock and keep their fuel warm and dry.

Legolas played with the abundance of youth in the village, handing out cakes and sweet treats to his new friends...he and the Palace baker had sneakily loaded the trays of goodies onto the sleigh when I wasn't looking.

It was late when we finally left for home, only doing so because some of the servants had insisted they would stay longer and ensure all was taken care of.

The ride home was much more subdued than the one before. Thranduil and I sat snugly in the rear of the sleigh bundled in thick blankets, with Legolas propped between us for warmth. It was not long until he had fallen asleep from sheer exhaustion. I had to admit I was rather tired myself, and a little sad too, but I would never admit that.

It was going to be after midnight by the time we would reach home, and my fabricated Christmas would be here and I had nothing prepared.  No presents to give, no feast prepared, no shortbread to leave out for Santa Claus, and a tree with no decorations. I was a little disappointed but I had to help Rephen today, for if I hadn't of then celebrating Christmas would have meant absolutely nothing to my new family.

I sigh aloud at my inner musings, and feel Thranduil's grasp tighten around my shoulders so I nuzzle into his shoulder for comfort;

"I am sorry meleth-nin," Thranduil murmurs quietly, his lips brushing my crown, "I know how much you wanted to bring us your Christmas."

"It's okay," I reply tiredly and slide my hands into the depths of his warm cloak, sighing contentedly at the heat. "The people out here were far more important than any silly party."

"You are too gracious," he tells me and I give a little laugh shaking my head in disagreement.

"No," I groan, "if it wasn't for Legolas I would have walked straight past that boy and his father...no, what happened is what was meant too...besides it was fun."

"It was," Thranduil agrees with a quiet chuckle, before cuddling me close to chase away the bitterness in the air; "Rest Clara, you need it, I will wake you when we reach home."

xXx

I feel the softness of our cushiony mattress give way under my weight, and warm furs being tucked under my chin. I sigh happily and stretch, blinking a little as I let my gaze focus on the face hovering above me.

"I tried not to disturb you," Thranduil whispers as he leans across the bed to prop another pillow under my head. "You look so innocent when you dream...I would almost believe you were."

"I am far too comfortable to reply to that," I mutter and stretch again, grunting a little in my enjoyment of having space to do so. Then I pause, sitting upright suddenly, taking Thranduil a little off guard as he jerks back from me; "What time is it?"

"A little after midnight," he tells me and gently pushes me back onto the bed, "you have plenty of time to rest."

"No it's not that," I sigh and lift my arms to wrap them around his neck drawing him close for a deep kiss that I attempt to fill with all my adoration for his beautiful soul. When we pull apart he truly looks a little misty eyed;

"Merry Christmas, my love."

***********************************

Song 'The Good King {Wenceslas}' preformed by Eric Thayne

Good King Wenceslas last looked out
On the feast of Stephen,
When the snow lay round about,
Deep and crisp and even.
Brightly shown the moon that night,
Though the frost was cruel,
When a poor man came in sight,
Gathering winter fuel.

Hither, page, and stand by me.
If thou know it telling:
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?
Sire, he lives a good league hence,
Underneath the mountain,
Right against the forest fence
By Saint Agnes fountain.

Bring me flesh, and bring me wine.
Bring me pine logs hither.
Thou and I will see him dine
When we bear the thither.
Page and monarch, forth they went,
Forth they went together
Through the rude wind's wild lament
And the bitter weather.

Sire, the night is darker now,
And the wind blows stronger.
Fails my heart, I know not how.
I can go no longer.
Ark my footsteps my good page,
Tread thou in them boldly:
Thou shalt find the winter's rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly.

In his master's step he trod,
Where the snow lay dented.
Heat was in the very sod
Which the saint had printed.
Therefore, Christian men, be sure,
Wealth or rank possessing,
Ye who now will bless the poor
Shall yourselves find blessing

OOOOhhh...one of my fave Christmas tunes...who do you think this song represents in the story?