Maidens of Arda By Manwathiel
Themed from Teitho's July 2007 contest "Maidens of Middle Earth."
Characters: Legolas, Elladan, Elrohir, Ellethana, Miriel, Arwen, Celebrian, Elrond, Thranduil, Glorfindel, Laurelin
Disclaimer: The only characters I own are Miriel, her brothers (not Legolas), Ellethana, Finna, and Ellie's parents; all the others belong to J.R.R. Tolkien.
Summery: Ellethana is visiting Mirkwood for the first time and meets Legolas and his younger sister Miriel. This is just after Legolas and Miriel's mother's death. Ellie is about eleven (human years), and she and Arwen do not get along very well.
Elvish: Ada - father
Ammë / Naneth – mother
Mellon-nin – my friend
Mellon – friend
Saluid – greetings
Mae govannen – well met
Im naer – I'm sorry
Goheno nin – forgive me
Hannon le – thank you
Ion-nin – my son
Le melon - I love you
Chapter 1: Welcome to Mirkwood
"Legolas! I'm bored. What should I do?"
Legolas rolled his eyes. Why did his sister always ask him? "I don't know what you should do. Go ask Ada!" he told her.
"Fine! I will. Or maybe I'll ask Naneth!" Her brother gasped. She stuck her tongue out at him. "And I'll tell Ada you aren't being helpful!" the Princess added as she pranced out of his room, grinning.
"Little sisters!" the Prince muttered under his breath. "Why did I have to be stuck with Miriel?"
"What did you say, mellon-nin?" Legolas turned around to find Elladan, or was it Elrohir? He still could not tell the twin sons of Elrond apart, even after many years of knowing them.
"I didn't say anything," Legolas lied. Why was he lying to his best friends? They had a younger sister, but they did not seem to mind her. "But why are you here?" he asked, conveniently changing the subject.
"You forgot, Legolas? That doesn't sound like you," Elrohir said.
"Yeah. Your Ada invited our Ada for a visit. It has been a long time since Ada has been here," Elladan added.
"Oops. I guess I did forget," Legolas said, blushing a little bit. "I've just been really busy with everything else going on. Maybe Miriel won't bother me since Arwen is here," he muttered to himself, putting his fingers up to his mouth.
"Legolas, are you nibbling your nails again?" Elrohir asked. He laughed as the blond elf quickly pulled his fingers out of his mouth and gave a sheepish smile.
"I do it sometimes when I get really nervous or stress out," Legolas replied. "Sorry," he added, once more subconsciously putting his hand up to his mouth.
"Legolas! You're doing again!" Elladan shouted. He jumped up and grabbed his friend's wrist, pulling it away from his mouth.
"Shhh!" Legolas replied, putting a finger to his lips. "Ada gets really mad if we shout inside."
"Ada does that at home too," Elladan said.
"Let's do something," Elrohir said. He wanted to get Legolas's mind off his nails. "Let's go out to the practice fields." Both the other boys nodded, and soon all three of them were on their way.
"Ada! Is there anything I can do?"
"Miriel," her father said sternly. "First, we do no shout inside. Second, I want you to greet our guests. Have you seen your brother?"
"No, Ada. I haven't seen him. The last time I did see him, he was in his room," Miriel replied as she curtsied to Lord Elrond and his family (his wife Celebrían, sons Elladan and Elrohir, daughter Arwen, Glorfindel, and Erestor). She looked around for her friend Arwen, but had no luck in her search. "Lord Elrond," she asked, "is your daughter with you?"
"Yes, she is," the wise Elven Lord replied. "I do not know where she went," he added, looking around. Just then, Arwen stepped forward.
"Saluid, mellon-nin. It has been a long time," Arwen said. Miriel nodded, anxious to get off and do something with her friend. Arwen looked at her father, who nodded.
"Ellethana," Elrond whispered. "It is fine."
Glorfindel turned around and put his hand on a young girl's shoulder. "Ellethana," he said quietly, speaking in Silvan, "it's alright. They will not hurt you."
The girl shook her head. She was not ready to do this. "Arwen, you go on. I will find you later," she said softly, gently blinking back her tears. She gave her cousin a small smiled.
Arwen nodded and practically dragged Miriel away, rolling her eyes at the same time. She did not know if Ellie would come at all, but she really did not care. They did not get along very well.
Ellie really did want to go with the other girls, but she was not ready to do it yet. She looked at Master Elrond, who nodded. Someone understood how she felt.
A little while later, the twins and Legolas came in, laughing like crazy. Elladan had just told a story about Erestor and Glorfindel, and how annoyed they got with each other.
"Legolas!" The boy stiffened and stopped laughing at the sound of his father's voice. "Where have you been?"
"I… I was out practicing my archery, Ada," he stuttered.
"Well, we have guests, and I expect you to welcome them properly," the King replied.
"Yes, Ada," Legolas said obediently. He bowed to Lord Elrond and his family. Elladan and Elrohir started laughing again but were silenced with a stern glare from their father. Legolas looked at the group from Rivendell and saw a young girl he did not recognize.
"Legolas, may I introduce my adopted daughter Ellethana? She is living with us now," Lord Elrond said, putting his hand on the girl's shoulder.
"Mae govannen, Ellethana," he said. Ellethana looked down at her feet.
"She prefers to be called Ellie," Elladan said.
"Im naer, Ellie," Legolas said. He was biting his nails again. Would he ever stop? Hopefully Ada did not see him.
"That is alright," she whispered. "Ada Elrond, may I please go now?"
"Of course, Ellie," Elrond said as the young girl left quietly.
Ellethana walked down the quiet halls of Mirkwood, wondering why she did not stay with Celeborn and Galadriel in Lothlórien. Although she did not fit in there, she knew she would be welcomed by her mother's aunt. As she went to find her cousin, she fought to hold back her tears.
'Why could I not have had a normal life like Finna?' she wondered to herself. 'She still lives with both of her parents in Lothlórien. It is not fair.'
'You know a "normal" life was not meant for you,' the voice inside her head replied. Ellie sighed. She knew this was true.
'I know. I just wish…' Her thoughts were interrupted by Arwen's voice.
"Hi, Ellie," she said. "This is Miriel. Miriel, this is Ellie, and Ellie, this is Miriel."
"Hello, Miriel," Ellethana said in Silvan, the Wood elves' Tongue.
"Ellie's my adopted sister. She lives with us. She used to live in Lothlórien with Celeborn and Galadriel after her…" Arwen would have gone on but was stopped short when Ellethana elbowed her in the side. "What was that for?" Arwen shouted.
"Please, mellon-nin," Miriel said. "Don't shout. Ada gets really mad."
"Sorry. But why did you just slap me, Ellie?" Arwen asked.
"Goheno nin, Arwen. I did not slap you; I elbowed you," Ellie said with a smile at Miriel. "I was upset, and well, I did not want you to tell anyone about it," she added, glaring at her cousin. "Anyways, we are only second cousins."
"I'm sorry, Ellie. I didn't mean to upset you like that. I know how sa…" Once more, Arwen was stopped short by a glare from her cousin.
"That is alright. You just forgot. Everyone does," Ellie replied. Arwen got annoying very easily, and the two girls did not get along very well. Her brothers also got annoying very easily. Thinking suddenly of them, she wondered where they were.
"Forgive me, Ada," Legolas said. Unfortunately, his father did see him. Then Legolas said something he should not have.
Thranduil nodded. Would Legolas ever know how much he hurt? "You are dismissed. Do not forget the feast tonight, ion-nin."
"Yes, Ada. I won't," Legolas replied, anxious to get away from his father. He knew when his father was upset with him; it happened often enough, but he did not understand why the King always took it out on him. It got annoying after a while.
He followed Elladan and Elrohir to his room, thinking about the "old" days, when his mother had been alive. Naneth had always been able to make things right, and often she had saved the young prince from his father's wrath by sending him to do other things. "I miss her so much," he whispered to himself.
"Is something wrong, Legolas?" Elrohir asked, dropping back to walk beside his friend. The younger of the twins had heard Legolas say something, but he did not want to pry. Elrond had taught him a lesson about that. If Legolas wanted to share what was wrong, then he would; Elrohir would not force him to.
"I was just thinking about my Naneth, Elrohir," Legolas said softly. Elrohir smiled understandingly. That made Legolas annoyed. How could Elrohir understand his pain? It had only been a few months since his mother had been killed by orcs, and no one else understood. He missed her very much. "I'm sorry, mellon-nin. I'm probably no fun right now."
"It's okay," Elladan said as he slowed down and walked with his brother and friend. Legolas shook his head.
"I shouldn't be talking about her. Ada doesn't permit it anymore," he muttered aloud. He could feel his face damp with tears, but why should he care? Naneth was the only one who really understood him, and she was gone.
"Something else is bothering you, mellon-nin."
"Perhaps, Ro," he responded, using Elrohir's nickname.
"What is it?"
"It's nothing. I can handle it," he snapped. Both the twins stopped because the twelve-year-old prince never snapped. "I'm sorry. I don't know what's wrong with me."
"It's okay, Legolas. We understand," Elrohir said, trying to show his sympathy towards his friend.
"How could you? Have you ever lost someone you love before?" He had forgotten the rule about not shouting inside. And he was biting his nails. Again.
"No, I haven't. I don't know what it feels like personally, but I know someone who does," Elrohir replied.
"Our adopted sister/cousin Ellie," Elladan added, answering Legolas's questioning look.
"How?" was all the blonde elf could manage.
"Her parents were…"
"Boys, what are you doing?" came a deep voice behind them. The twins turned around to find their father standing behind them with a raised eyebrow.
"Nothing, Ada," Elladan replied. Elrond raised his eyebrow a little bit higher. "Okay. We were talking about Ellie."
"What were you saying about her?"
"Just telling Legolas that she understands his pain, Ada," Elrohir answered.
"I hope she would not be upset if she heard what you boys said," Elrond replied. "You know she has delicate feelings."
"Yeah, yeah, we know, Ada. We wouldn't hurt her feelings on purposed," the older twin said.
"Alright. Just be nice and do not forget about the feast tonight, my sons," their father reminded them as he walked out of Legolas's room.
Ellethana followed Arwen and Miriel down the halls to Miriel's room. When they got there, she gasped. The room looked just like a tree! It was decorated to seem like one was in a tree.
"Miriel!" she burst out. "I love your room! It is beautiful!" Ellie exclaimed.
"Hannon le, Ellie," Miriel replied. "I do like it."
"Who helped you decorate it, Miriel?" Arwen asked. "You've changed it since I last visited a few years ago."
When Arwen asked who had helped her decorate the room, Miriel drew in a sharp breath. How could she tell her friend without opening up her wound that she had finally managed to begin closing?
"Miriel, did you hear me?" Arwen asked. "Who helped you redecorate?"
The young princess blinked. How could she answer the question without seeming rude?
Ellie looked at Miriel. 'Are those tears?' she wondered to herself. 'Arwen must not have seen them. Should I tell her?' Ellie wanted to tell her cousin about the Princess's tears but was not sure if Miriel would want her to.
"Arwen! Is it not obvious that Miriel does not want to answer that question? Can you not see that it is upsetting to her?" Ellethana asked in a loud voice. "I am sorry, Miriel," she added in Silvan. "I know your Adar does not like it when we shout inside."
"That's okay," Miriel responded, happy that the other girl came to her rescue. "Thank you," she added, speaking the Silvan dialect.
Arwen glared at them. She did not understand the Silvan dialect of Elvish very well and hated it when her cousin spoke it.
Ellie laughed when she saw Arwen's glare. She knew very well that her cousin did not understand Silvan, for they rarely spoke it in Rivendell. They spoke Common or Sindarin. Sindarin was Ellie's second language, and after living in Imladris for a couple of years, the young girl could speak it pretty fluently.
"No problem, although we should change to Common or Sindarin, before Arwen explodes!" Ellethana replied, grinning and laughing.
"Okay, although it is fun to annoy her, isn't it, mellon-nin?" Miriel said.
"Of course it is, Miriel, but I would not want her to explode!" This comment brought another round of laughter from the two girls, but it was soon ended when the Lady Celebrían walked in.
"Girls! What are you doing?" she asked as she surveyed the three, two laughing and the other sitting there just glaring at them. "Arwen, what's wrong?"
"They're being mean, Ammë!" Arwen complained. "They were talking in Silvan! And they wouldn't stop!"
Celebrían sighed. Although she knew this dialect of Elvish, Elrond had over-ruled her when she tried to insist that their children should learn it. So Elladan, Elrohir, and Arwen had not learned it.
"Arwen, it is okay. Don't worry about it. Now, I just wanted to remind you girls that there is a feast in an hour. Miriel, your father expects you to be dressed up," Arwen's mother continued. "Arwen and Ellie, your father and I expect you two to be nicely dressed also."
"Yes, Celebrían," Ellethana replied. "We will," she added, glaring at her cousin.
"Thank you. And Miriel, I'm so sorry about your mother. I wish I could have done more to help," Celebrían added as she walked out.
After she left, Arwen and Ellie looked at Miriel. "What did Ammë mean, Miriel?" Arwen asked.
"What do you mean, Arwen?" the younger girl asked, tears shining in her eyes.
"Come on, Miriel. You know what I mean," Arwen replied, not noticing the tears coming from Miriel's sky-blue eyes.
'Her eyes, Ellie,' she thought. 'The tears. The sadness. That look. You know it, do you not?' Ellie covered her face with her hands and shook her head.
'No!' she replied mentally, knowing it was a full lie. Scenes flashed though her mind. A young girl crying. The look. Tears. Loneliness. Death. Her parents. Finna. Her playing with Finna. Them laughing at a sleepover. Going home in the morning, just to find out that her father had been killed. Her mother's death. Moving to Rivendell. All the fights with Arwen. More tears.
She gasped when she saw the orcs. The orcs marching. And killing. And hurting innocent elves. Separating families. Innocent families like hers. And even though she had not been there, she saw orcs killing her father and Sidhion.
"Ellie, are you okay?" She looked up to find Arwen looking at her. She nodded, knowing once more that it was a lie.
'You know you are lying. And you know those feelings I am talking about.'
"NO!" she shouted without thinking.
"Ellie," Miriel said gently. "It's alright."
"No. No, it is not," she replied, her voice dropping to a whisper and her tears spilling out.
Arwen was not surprised to hear her cousin speaking in Silvan. Ellie usually did that when she was upset or something.
Ellie took a deep breath and stood up. "I need to get ready for tonight. Would you kindly show me to my room, Miriel?" she asked formally, still speaking in Silvan.
"Of course," Miriel replied. "Follow me," she added, changing back to Sindarin for Arwen.
"Hannon le," Ellie responded.
Meanwhile, the twins were having a grand time arguing with each other. They thought it was lovely and did not notice it was extremely annoying to Legolas.
Legolas sighed. They were at it again. "If you'll excuse me," he said, "I have some things to do before tonight." Elladan and Elrohir did not even stop arguing.
"Whatever," he muttered as he walked out of the guest room the twins were staying in. "Nobody cares. Except Naneth," he whispered. "Except her. She always understood and cared."
Legolas was still having trouble getting over the fact that his mother was dead. He just could not believe it. He wiped a tear that fell from his blue eyes. 'I will not cry,' he thought to himself. 'I must be strong! But it is so hard. How can I go to the feast tonight and act like Naneth never existed? She was always there for me. Whenever I needed her. She always had the answers. I really miss her. But I will not cry! I cannot. Ada would not approve.'
He tried to convince himself of this but had no luck. The tears kept streaming down his face. 'I'd better get to my room before Ada sees me.' He bumped into someone.
"Oh. I am sorry," came a young girl's voice.
"That's alright," Legolas replied, looking up to see whom it was. Ellie, adopted daughter of Lord Elrond. "I'm the one who should be sorry. I wasn't watching where I was going. Forgive me." Why was she dressed up?
She nodded. "Are you alright?" she asked, concern on her face. Legolas nodded.
"I'm fine," he said, giving her a weak smile. But was he really?
Ellie looked over the boy. He had been crying; anyone could see that. Why could she not comfort him? Why was he crying in the first place? Was there anything she could do to help?
"If you will excuse me, Master Legolas," she said, "I was on my way to the feast."
The feast! He had forgotten all about it! He would have to hurry to be ready in time. "I must go get ready, my lady," he said as he rushed off towards his room.
Ten minutes later, Legolas entered to dining room, dressed in his formal robes.
"Oh brother," he muttered under his breath when he saw his father. Thranduil did not look happy.
"You are late, Legolas," the King said, glaring at his son.
"I'm sorry, Ada. I forgot about tonight, and…" Legolas searched for something to say. Something. Anything. His father held up his hand, a sign for Legolas to stop.
Elladan and Elrohir looked at him and then at each other. All three of them burst out laughing. Legolas quickly placed a hand over his mouth and stopped. The twins stopped a moment later with another glare from their father.
Miriel looked at her brother. Where was his circlet of silver that their father had given him? He should be wearing it. She was wearing hers. Why was he not wearing his? Why would he disobey? Maybe he just forgot. Yes. That had to be it.
Legolas's hand went up to his head. Where was it? His face fell. He must have forgotten to put it on when he was getting ready. "Ada, may I please be excused for a moment?" he asked.
"Why?" Thranduil responded.
"I… uh… forgot something," Legolas replied.
"Alright." The King sighed. 'Be patient,' he told himself.
Legolas ran out of the room as quickly as he could. He knew he only had a minute. He grabbed his 'crown' and fit it onto his head. Then he turned and ran back out.
Ellethana watched as Legolas sat down beside his father. He had something silver on his head now. What was it? Whatever it was, it was really pretty. It looked like his sister's. She looked at Master Elrond. He was wearing his normal headpiece. Celebrían was wearing a golden circlet.
Ellie looked around. She saw Miriel sitting on the other side of the King, and Arwen was sitting next to her mother. Ellie found herself seated on the other side of Arwen, next to Lord Elrond. On the other side of Elrond sat the twins. Glorfindel sat next to them, and on his other side there was Erestor. All around the rest of the table sat other wood elves that Ellie did not know.
"Ada," Arwen said, "I don't feel good."
"Alright, Arwen," her father said. "You may be excused."
"Hannon le, Ada," she replied. Ellie watched as her cousin left the room.
"Is something wrong, Ellethana?" Elrond asked.
"No," Ellie replied quietly. "Nothing is wrong. Nothing at all," she muttered to herself.
Elrond raised an eyebrow. "Nothing?" he asked.
She nodded. "Nothing."
"Ellethana, it is alright if something is bothering you," Celebrían said. "Is it Arwen?"
Ellie nodded, tears filling her eyes once more. "Yes," was all she said. She could not say any more. Elrond understood and nodded. Sometimes his daughter could be rude.
Celebrían looked at her husband. Someone needed to tell Arwen. He nodded and shook his head at the same time.
"Elrond, are you getting one of your headaches?" Celebrían asked when he put his head in his hands. He nodded.
"Yes. I think I will retire to our room for the night," he replied.
"May I please be excused, Celebrían?" Ellie asked. "I am not hungry anymore."
"Is there something else, dear?" she asked. Ellie was not telling a lie, but she also was not telling the entire truth.
Ellethana nodded. "I am tired, and I need some time alone, if that is alright with you, Auntie."
"Of course, Ellie. I will come and visit you later," Celebrían replied.
Miriel watched as her two friends left the feast. Why did they leave? She wished she could leave. But, being the Princess, she was not allowed to go anywhere.
"Ada," she said, "I'm full. May I be excused?"
Her father sighed. Now Miriel too? Just a few moments ago, Legolas had asked if he could leave. And now Miriel wanted to also? He knew both of them were introverted, but they could usually make it through the night without having to leave. Now if Caunion was in Mirkwood, he might have an excuse to leave. His second eldest son was often out journeying, in lands far away. His oldest son Aranhil was visiting Lothlórien and would be gone for many more days. He had one other son, other than Legolas, Turin, who was patrolling the southern borders of Mirkwood. Miriel was his only daughter, and he loved her very much.
"Alright, Miriel. You may be excused," he finally replied.
"Ada! If she can leave, then why can't I?" Legolas complained.
"Legolas, you were late tonight. And you are the Prince," his father replied. Legolas rolled his eyes. He had three older brothers.
"Ada! What about my older brothers? Isn't Caunion a prince? And what about Aranhil? And Turin? Why aren't they here?" he asked, just a little bit annoyed with his father. The twins looked over at Legolas and snickered. He glared at them.
"Yes, they are princes too. But you are the one who is here right now. And you know the answer to your last question. Turin is out on patrol, and Aranhil and Caunion are out journeying. You are too young to do any of those things right now, ion-nin," Thranduil explained.
Legolas leaned on the table. "Will I always be too young?" he muttered to himself.
"What did you say?"
"Nothing Ada. May I please be excused? I'm really tired right now," Legolas said. The King nodded. He had no clue as to why he was giving in. Maybe it was because of Legolas's look or maybe his tone of voice. But whatever it was, he had let his son go.
Ellethana lay down on her bed and closed her eyes. She was lonely and wished she had stayed in Lothlórien with Galadriel.
'Maybe writing something will help,' she thought. She went over to her things and picked up her journal.
Dearest Butterfly,
We are now in Mirkwood, and I am very lonely. I am also bored. I wonder if I would be happier if I had stayed in Lothlórien. As much as I like Mirkwood, it is not the same as home. What is home anyways? Is it Lothlórien, where I have lived for most of my life? Or is it Rivendell, where I have no friends? I think I am more at home in Lothlórien, with Auntie Galadriel. I mean, Imladris is nice, but… I do not have any friends there. In Lothlórien, I had a few friends like Finna, and Tawariell. And I like the forest. And well, this forest is not the same. They do not sleep in the trees, like we did at home, and I miss Ada and Ammë! Why did they have to die?
She paused. Who could answer that question? Galadriel had done her best, and so had Elrond and Celebrían. Even Celeborn, who disliked her family, had tried to explain it. Why was she not content with their answers? The tears just came and would not stop falling.
It was hard to explain. And what had happened to Legolas and Miriel's mother? Celebrían had said something about her earlier that afternoon, but nobody else would say anymore. What had happened? Did she die? Or did something else happen?
She had way too many questions and no answers. She would ask Miriel about her mother, but it seemed that the young girl did not want to talk about it. Maybe someone else would know. But who could she ask? Not Arwen, that was for sure. Perhaps Celebrían? Maybe. Lord Elrond also knew a lot about people. Maybe he would know.
Elrond's headache had left him soon after he went to his room. He then decided to check on Arwen. He walked down the hall to his daughter's room. She was lying on her bed, asleep.
Arwen was not really asleep but had decided to pretend when she saw her father walk in. Her eyes were open, but she was extremely tired. They had traveled most of the day from Lothlórien, and any travel made her tired. She breathed deeply like she did when she was asleep.
Arwen stirred. She had hoped her father would leave when he saw her asleep.
"Ada," she moaned gently, her eyes closing slowly.
"Hush, dear. It is all right. I am here," he soothed. "I am here."
When her father excused her, Miriel went straight to her room to relax. The ten-year-old princess was tired of always having to be perfect. If it had not been so dark outside, she would have gone out to climb some trees. She did, however, change out of her nice clothes and into something more comfortable things for bed. If only Naneth were alive. She would not have made Miriel attend the feast, and she would make sure Legolas was nicer to his sister. Naneth had always made things right between the two youngest siblings. And sometimes, that could be very difficult.
"Stop it, Legolas!" A little girl's voice could be heard throughout the Halls of Mirkwood.
"But why, Miriel? This is so much fun!" The six-year-old girl growled.
'Of all the older brothers in the world, why Legolas?' she thought. She had four older brothers, and all of them loved to tease her. Especially Legolas. He was only two years older than she was, while the next oldest one was six years older than she was. Caunion, the second oldest, was fifteen, and Aranhil, the oldest, was nineteen. Aranhil was almost never around.
"Na na!" Legolas said, a wicked grin on his face. He was being especially mean today. Even at eight years of age, the youngest prince was a pain.
"Help!" Miriel muttered quietly, hoping her brother would not hear.
"What did you just say?" he asked.
"Nothing! Now leave me alone!" she shouted. "You smell like an orc," she whispered as quietly as she could, really hoping this time he did not hear. How annoying could he be? "I hate having you as my older brother," she added.
"I can hear everything you're saying, Miriel! And I'm going to tell Ada!" Legolas yelled. Legolas ran off in the direction of the throne room. Miriel knew she was in trouble. She ran off to her room, trying to hide from the anger she knew was coming.
'Oh no,' she thought when she heard footsteps outside. The door slowly opened, and in walked her mother, Laurelin. She did not look very happy.
"Miriel," she asked, "would you care to explain what was going on with Legolas?"
The princess shook her head, hoping her mother would not make her. "Not really," she said.
"Alright then," Laurelin replied. "If you are sure."
*****
A little while later, Legolas and Miriel were arguing and fighting once more.
"Naneth! Miriel slapped me!"
"Naneth! Legolas hit me!"
"Alright. I want to hear what happened from both of you. And no interrupting each other, okay?" Both the siblings nodded. "Miriel?"
Miriel then gave an account of what had happened. This fight was a continuation of the argument earlier that morning. "But he hit me first!" she finished.
"That's so not true, Naneth! She hit me first!" Legolas exclaimed.
"Now you tell me what happened, Legolas," their mother replied.
Legolas's story was pretty much the same as his sister's, except for one thing. He blamed her, as he usually did. This was no surprise for the Queen, who had taken care of things like this many times before. She knew exactly what to do.
"Legolas, go to your room, and Miriel, come with me," she said.
"Why do I have to go my room, Naneth?" Legolas complained. "It's not fair!"
"I know. But that is the way it has to be," Laurelin replied. Miriel laughed. "I would not be doing that if I were you, young lady. Do not think you will get off so easily. In fact, both of you may go to your rooms. I will talk with you later."
Miriel stopped laughing immediately. Her mother did not talk like that very often, but when she did, Miriel knew to behave. That usually meant the problem would go to their father.
"I also would not be laughing if I were you either, Legolas," their mother warned. "Now you may both go to your rooms."
*****
The King solved the problem very soon. They were both grounded for a week and had to sit next to each other at meals without arguing. If they failed, Thranduil would make punishment two weeks. That threat made them behave better than ever.
"I miss Naneth," Miriel muttered as a tear slipped down her cheek. "She always made everything perfect."
"I miss her too," said a voice from behind her. She turned around to find her brother.
"What are you doing here, and how long have you have you been in my room?" she demanded to know.
"I came to apologize about this morning, Miriel. I'm sorry I was rude to you," Legolas replied. "I was upset, and when you mentioned Naneth, well…" his voice trailed off, and he blinked back tears. "I really miss her."
"I know, and I really miss her too. A lot, Legolas. And I want to talk about her with somebody, but Ada won't allow it. Who can I talk to?" Miriel asked.
"I don't know, Miriel. But I want to talk about her too," Legolas said.
"Why did she have to die? That's not fair," Miriel whispered so quietly that Legolas had to strain his elven ears to hear.
"I don't know, Miriel," her brother replied once more. He gathered her into a hug. How could he help Miriel understand if he did not understand himself?
"Why won't Ada talk about her? And why won't he let us talk about her? Naneth always said it helps to talk about it, didn't she, Legolas?" his sister asked.
"Miriel, I don't know why Ada won't let us talk about her, but she did say that a lot. I think Ada won't talk about her because… because…" Legolas's voice trailed off as he blinked back the tears that threatened to spill out of his clouded blue eyes.
"Because why?" Miriel asked again, choking on her words.
"He loved her a lot, Miriel. That I know. And her death has been hard on him; we have to give him time. Perhaps he will permit us to talk of her later," Legolas tried to explain. He could tell he was not doing a very good job. "Give him a little bit longer, Miriel," he added as he walked towards the door.
"Give who a little bit longer, Legolas?" a voice asked. Legolas looked up and Miriel turned around to find their father.
"Nothing, Ada," Legolas replied. If Thranduil found out what and who they had been talking about… then they were both in huge trouble.
"Nothing, ion-nin?" the King asked. He looked at his daughter, who had obviously been crying. Her cheeks were tear-stained, and her eyes were puffy and red. His gaze rested on his son. The young prince was trying his hardest to hold back his tears that had filled his normally clear blue eyes.
"Nothing," Legolas confirmed. His hand subconsciously went to his mouth, and his fingers sneaked inside.
"Legolas!" his father said sharply. The boy quickly pulled his fingers away and held his hands behind his back. He somehow always managed to get in trouble for that.
"Sorry, Ada," he said. Miriel giggled, and Legolas glared. "May I go to my room?" he asked, still glaring at his sister.
Thranduil paused. Then he nodded. His son needed some time alone. Anyone who looked at the prince could see that. Legolas was still trying to hold back his tears.
"Thank you, Ada," Legolas replied, relieved his father was letting him go. He walked out slowly, still holding his hands behind his back.
Legolas walked to his room, upset with himself. Why could he not refrain himself from biting his nails? Why? He had not done it for several years, but he had surprisingly picked it up a few months ago. When… that had to be it!
Why did she have to die? Why did she leave when he really needed her? And why were they not allowed to talk about her? Miriel wanted to talk too. Why did Ada not understand? Naneth always said talking about things helped, so why was Ada not permitting her name to be spoken aloud? That was probably what bothered Legolas most about his mother's death. If Ada would allow them to talk about her, it might not be so hard to accept. When it had first happened, no one had wanted to talk about it. It had been too horrible. After about a month, Legolas had started talking about her and was yelled at by his father. A few days later, Miriel wanted to talk about it. Now all of them wanted to, except Thranduil. And he would not permit it.
Anyways, no one else could know his secret. Especially not his father. For Ada would get extremely mad if he found out the real reason.
Celebrían walked silently towards Ellie's room. What was wrong with the young girl? She cared deeply about her cousin's only child and hated it when Ellie was like this. She knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" came a miserable voice.
"It's just me, Ellethana dear," Cele said. Ellie got up and opened the door. "What's wrong, Ellie?" she asked when she saw the girl's face. Her cheeks were tear-stained, her eyes were red, and they still had tears in them.
Why did Celebrían have to ask her that? Why? "Nothing is wrong, Auntie Celebrían," Ellie replied quietly.
"Are you sure, dear? You can tell me."
Ellethana sighed. Why? "I… I… I do not know what," she whispered.
"It's Arwen, isn't it?" Ellie nodded. "But there is something else. Ellie?"
"What happened to Miriel and Legolas's mother?" she asked after she nodded.
"Laurelin was killed," Celebrían said. She did not know whether she should say what her friend was killed by. It might upset Ellie even more.
"By what, Celebrían?" Ellie asked. Now she had to tell the girl.
"By orcs," she said softly. Almost immediately, Celebrían regretted telling the young girl. Ellie's eyes grew wide at the mention of those foul creatures, and tears started to fall.
'Miriel, I know your pain,' she thought to herself. The next time she saw the princess, she would tell her. "I am sorry, Celebrían," Ellethana said.
"No, no, it's alright, darling. Your parent's death has been hard on you. No wonder you feel this way."
Ellie knew her mother's death had been hard on Celebrían too. She and Wilwarin had been best friends as they grew up, but then Elrond had come and married Celebrían and they went to Lord Elrond's home in Rivendell, while her own mother had stayed and gotten married later.
Celebrían pulled the girl into a hug. She could tell Ellie needed one. "Ellie, maybe you should go talk to Miriel, without Arwen around. My guess is that the princess is in her room. Now might be a good time, because Arwen is probably asleep. Travel always makes her tired," Cele explained.
"Are you sure, Auntie?" Ellie asked. She was not sure how the young princess would respond to a near stranger asking about her mother.
"Yes, I'm sure, dear. You should go and ask her. My guess is that she is experiencing some of the same things you did when your parents died."
"But I do not know how Miriel would respond, Auntie. What if she is mad?"
"There's only one way to find out!" Celebrían said with a smile. "Come on, I'll go with you."
"Okay," Ellie said quietly. She still was not sure she wanted to do this, but she could do it for Celebrían.
Miriel sat on her bed, tears streaming down her face. Why was Ada so upset with her? What had she done? She heard a knock at her door.
"Who is it?" she asked.
"It's Celebrían and Ellie, dear," came the voice of her mother's friend.
"Come in," Miriel replied. Celebrían walked in and looked at the young girl. Why did one so small have to go through so much? It was not fair.
"Miriel dear," Celebrían started, but then she stopped. What should she say? What could she say to ease the princess's grief? "Ellie would like to talk to you," she finally said.
Miriel looked up at the dark-haired elf. She, too, had tears on her cheeks. "What is it?" she asked.
"I… I… understand your pain," Ellethana said quietly. She was not sure why she had just said that, especially to someone she barely knew. Then she looked at Miriel. She knew. The younger girl was suffering, that is why she told her. Ellie hated it when others suffered, especially from things like orcs.
"You… you… do?" Miriel asked. She looked up at Ellie, trying to figure out how the girl could understand the pain and hurt of losing someone close to her.
"Tell her, Ellie," Celebrían said gently. "She understands. I do not think she will be like Arwen when she finds out, dear."
Ellethana nodded. "My… my… my Ada was killed by orcs. And…and…" She stopped. She could not go on.
"My Naneth was killed by orcs too. She and Ada went away for some time, and when they came back, Naneth had been hurt by orcs," Miriel whispered. It was hard for her to talk about it, since her father had not allowed anyone to speak of her anymore. And if Ada did find out that she was talking about the Queen… she did not even want to think of the consequences.
"Miriel, Ellie, it's all right," Cele said quietly. "Everything will be just fine. Trust me. And Miriel, soon your father will be able to talk about it," she said as she left the two girls alone.
Ellie nodded. She was sort of over the fact that her parents were never coming back. It had been a long time, about four years since they died. "Miriel," she said, gently putting her hand on the other girl's arm. "Just like Auntie said, it will turn up all right. I know from experience."
"Ellie, why do you live with Lord Elrond and Lady Celebrían?" Miriel asked. "Have you always lived in Rivendell?"
Ellie sighed. "No, I have not always lived in Rivendell; my father was from there, but when he married my mother, he moved to Lothlórien. I lived there all of my life, moving to Rivendell when I was ten, so about a year ago. Not very many elves speak Silvan, so I only really talk to Auntie Celebrían, Master Elrond, and Glorfindel."
"How old were you when your father was killed? If you don't mind answering," Miriel said.
"I was about seven when Ada was killed by orcs," Ellethana replied softly. "And then, a few months later, Ammë died."
"I'm sorry, Ellie," Miriel said. There were tears streaming down both girls' cheeks.
'"That is okay. It was not your fault my parents died. Ada was killed, and Ammë loved him so much that she just could not live without him. She just kind of gave up on life. Auntie Galadriel said she died of grief. The pain of losing Ada was too much," Ellie said quietly.
"I know. It's been a few months since Naneth died, and Ada still won't talk about her. And she always said it helped to talk about something if it bothers you," Miriel said softly. "I don't understand."
"I know. It is hard to lose some one so close to you, is it not?" Ellie asked. Miriel nodded. Both girls understood that much. "At least you still have your Ada, Miriel. Both my parents died."
"Did you know your Ammë was going to die soon?" Miriel asked.
"I was young, so I did not fully understand. But about a month after Ada was killed, I noticed a change in Ammë. She would not eat, and she slept even less than usual. One night I had a dream that Ada was still alive and he had come back, but when I told Ammë about it, she just started to cry and hold me. She did not talk very much, and she did not work. She was a healer, trained by one of Lord Elrond's own students. The last thing she said to me was 'I love you, Ellethana.' "Ellie took a deep, shaky breath. "That was four days before she died. She was much too thin; she would not even eat when Auntie Galadriel brought her special food! It broke her aunt's heart to see her niece lying like that, so lifeless, so sad. I do not think there was one day when she did not cry after Ada's death."
"Was there anyone with your Ada when he was killed?" Miriel asked quietly.
"Yes. Ashiaro and Sidhion. Sidhion was killed too, and Ashiaro escaped with nothing but a hurt arm," Ellie said. "Ashiaro has been like an older brother to me ever since," she added in a whisper.
"When Ada came home, it was very late. They had been gone for many days, and the last thing I remember Naneth saying to me was that she loved me and they would be back in a few days. I didn't want her to go. And neither did any of my brothers," Miriel said, choking on her tears.
"Miriel, how many brothers do you have?" Ellie asked, wanting to change the subject to something happier.
"Let me see, there's Aranhil, Caunion, Turin, and Legolas. That's four older brothers. And I'm the only girl. And the youngest," Miriel replied. "How many in your family?"
"Just me," Ellethana said. "I was an only child, and so was my mother. My father has a younger brother, but they rarely talked. I do not think they liked each other very much. But then when I moved to Rivendell, Elladan, Elrohir, and Arwen became like my brothers and sister. Even if I do not like Arwen very much," she muttered to herself. "And of course, there is Ashiaro."
"Wow. I wish I could have been an only child. Do you like living in Rivendell?" Miriel asked.
"I do not know. My Sindarin still needs some work, so I mostly talk to Master Glorfindel. It is hard moving from one place to another. I like talking with Glorfindel and Auntie Celebrían, for they do not get mad at me when I speak in Silvan. Ada Elrond keeps trying to make me speak in Sindarin," she added with a grin. Miriel nodded.
"Ellie, it's getting late. Shouldn't we go to bed soon?" she asked.
"Maybe. I am not sure I want to be alone right now though," she replied quietly.
"Me neither," Miriel said. "Do you wanna stay here?"
Legolas sighed. His pain was growing with each passing day. Why could he not just get rid of it? Why was it taking so long? And when would his father finally be able to talk about his mother?
"Legolas," came a soft voice, "it has not been very long." He looked up to see one of his mother's good friends, the Lady Celebrían. She smiled.
"I know. But it hurts so much," he replied.
"I know it does, Legolas. I hurt too. Your Adar is hurting a lot. Be patient with him. Talk to him. Tell him how you feel. Trust me. Life will get better. I promise, Legolas," she said gently. He nodded.
"I still hurt. When will the pain go away?" he asked.
"I don't know, Legolas. You lost someone dear to you. I am not sure if it will ever go away," Cele said softly. She sounded just like Naneth. Tears came pouring out of his eyes. She drew him into a hug. "I'm sorry, Legolas."
"No, it's okay. You sounded just like Naneth, so I…"
"That's okay. I understand," she said. "I also lost a dear friend when she died. Ellethana knows how you feel. Have you talked to your sister?"
Legolas nodded. "I did. But then Ada came in and got mad."
Celebrían nodded. That definitely sounded like Thranduil. Why was he so insensitive to his children's pain? "Give him time. That's all he needs right now. Be patient with him. Have you tried talking to Lord Elrond about it, Legolas?" she asked.
"No. Why?"
Would Elrond mind her telling the prince? "He knows how you feel. He lost both of his parents at young age. And then he also lost his twin brother. He knows what it is like to lose someone so close, Legolas. Another person who might be able to help you is Glorfindel. I know he has helped Ellie with many of her problems. Remember, Legolas, there still are elves here who love you," Celebrían said as she walked out. But before she did, she walked over and gave Legolas a hug.
"How can I help Ada if I still hurt so much? Or Miriel. This is really hard on her too. And she's younger than I am," Legolas said to no one. "Naneth," he whispered, "how much we need you."
Legolas hated thinking about his mother, especially at night. Because that meant he was usually up for most of the night if he started thinking about her.
"Are you talking to yourself again, Legolas?" came a voice from the doorway.
"Perhaps, Dan," the prince replied, tears streaming down his face.
"What is it?" Elrohir asked gently.
"Nothing, Ro," Legolas replied quietly. He did not want to talk to the twins at that moment. He did not know who he wanted to talk to, if anybody.
"Come, Legolas. It is something, for you are crying. You would not be crying if it were nothing, mellon-nin," Elladan said.
"Well maybe I am!" the blond elf snapped. Both twins stared. "I… I… I'm sorry. I don't know what's gotten into me lately. I've been rude to Miriel, I was late for the feast, and I've been biting my nails again. What's wrong with me?" he asked to no one in particular.
"Does it have something to do with your Naneth?" Elrohir asked as gently as possible.
Legolas nodded. "Perhaps."
"Everything will be alright," Elladan replied, placing his hand on the other elf's shoulder.
"Are you sure?" Legolas asked, somewhat annoyed. Everyone who had heard about his mother had been saying things like that, and it annoyed him to no end. He hated it. Why did everyone think life would be perfect?
"No, I'm not completely sure. But I do know that bad things happen, and good things come, Legolas," Elrohir answered. "Ellie understands," he muttered.
His brother heard him. "Yes," he said louder, "she knows. She understands. And so would Ada."
Elrohir glared at his twin. Legolas had to smile. The twins were always doing something like this. It was quite amusing. Elladan glared back.
"Alright. I get the point. But it has been really hard on all of us. Aranhil, Caunion, and Turin are lucky. They don't have to stay here while Ada is mad. They can leave, go do anything they want," Legolas said, his voice holding a different tone than the twins had ever heard him use.
"Are you jealous, Legolas?"
"No!" Elrohir raised his eyebrow. Legolas let out a small laugh, for Elrohir looked just like his father when he did that. "Maybe. Yes, I am. I mean, they can go off whenever they want to get away from Ada's moods. He has been awfully moody since Naneth died. I… I wish I could do that too," Legolas replied.
"Do what?" Elladan asked.
"Leave," the prince whispered quietly. "But I can't. I'm too young. Will I always be too young?" he muttered to himself.
"Why are you too young?" Elrohir asked.
"I am only twelve, Elrohir. Ada says I cannot leave until I am at least fifteen. I wish to leave now though," he replied.
"It will be alright, Legolas. Your father will get over it eventually," Elladan said.
"When?" Legolas asked.
"Soon, I hope," Elrohir replied.
"Hey, do you want to have a sleep over in our room tonight?" Elladan asked.
"Sure, why not?" Legolas said. "What harm could that be?" Elrohir grinned. Just the thing they needed to get their younger friend's mind of his mother.