PAINTING THE WOODS RED
Overall rating: (very mild) orange (see rating explanation below)
Category: slash (two male Elves in love).
Pairing: Thranduil/Lórindol (called "Nonfindel")
Status: complete
Warnings: none
Beta: Eveiya the Ever Efficient
Summary: The artwork is presented - the opinions are split.
CHAPTER 5
As per the artist's instructions, Thranduil and all members of the clan and the council assembled after dinner in the Black Cave. Oropher's heroic battle was hidden behind a dark red curtain, and Nonfindel was running nervously from left to right, talking here, laughing there, quite obviously excited to reveal his artwork.
When finally everybody had arrived, Nonfindel clapped his hands, and all talks ceased, the eyes of those present fixed in curiosity on the artist.
"King Thranduil, my lords, dear friends: I would like to thank you all once more for your hospitality and for trusting me with this artwork. I hope that it will find your approval. I did my best to portray the greatness of this realm, of its king and those who live here."
With that, he pulled a cord, and the curtain fell to the ground, revealing the picture.
For a moment, there was silence. Everybody stared at the painting, some, like Legolas, with their mouths hanging open. The expression on Thranduil's face was blank.
Nonfindel had not restored the painting. Gone were heroic Oropher and the battlefield. Instead, a peaceful scene was covering the wall. Thranduil was shown stretched out lazily in the grass, reading a book, his head propped up on his hand. There was a smile on his face, as if he was reading an amusing tale. On his head, there was a crown of cornflowers, and next to him sat Legolas, stringing a bow. They were surrounded by the clan, council members, guards - even a stable boy could be seen! They all sat in the grass or among the trees, it looked like a family pick-nick. While it was a beautiful picture, it was definitely not the one Nonfindel had been ordered to paint.
Legolas was the first to speak.
"You know, I really like that one," he said, scratching his head, "we are all looking so happy. But why are the trees red?"
"I tried to symbolize that the Elves of Mirkwood have a fiery temper, despite their good nature. You are strong and courageous, but yet, you are also a people able of great love," Nonfindel explained.
"I do not understand art," Legolas said, "but yes, I like it. Ada looks great. Lionel is a bit on the podgy side, though."
Nonfindel let out a sigh of relief. In contradiction to his positive air he had not been certain how his work would be received. He had tried to restore the original painting, but could not bring himself to finishing it. The thing was too ugly.
He looked anxiously at Thranduil, who had not showed any reaction so far. Now the king walked closer to the painting, and stared at his portrait. For a long time, he studied his counterfeit, then he turned around and looked at Nonfindel. The artist could not tell whether this look was approving or not, but there was something in Thranduil's eyes which touched him deeply and made him tremble.
"What do you say, my king?" Lionel asked, not daring to comment one way or the other until his king had made his opinion clear. Thranduil did not look at him, or at any of the others who were present. He crossed the room and left without a word.
Nonfindel stared after him. His shoulders drooped, and he felt like crying. Quite obviously, he had just royally ruined the last chance of ever getting close to Thranduil.
* * *
TBC