Alrighty, sorry it took a little longer than I anticipated to get a chapter up. I have a good excuse, though you can deem if it is good enough or not. I moved for one, and then did NaNoWriMo in November and finished it! Go me! Lol. January up until yesterday I have been real busy with work but I am determined to finish this story AND I am over the writing a 50,000 word novel in a month tiredness. Haha. Anyway, here ya go!!
Oh, I do not own any of characters, settings etc etc but Laitarína and my character in the Westfold Ramania. Thanks and enjoy! XD
Previously: "Perhaps I will rest some more before this council takes place. I am still weary." She mumbled softly to herself and made for her room.
There was a soft knocking on the door that brought Laitarína from her sleep. Oh, I must have been more tired than I thought. She thought to herself as checked herself in the mirror for decency.
"One moment please!" She called to the persistent knocker. She quickly dressed into an appropriate dress for she had put on her night gown for the nap. Crossing the room swiftly, Laitarína pulled open the door. "Can I help you?" She inquired, looking over the caller and blushing lightly as she noticed Prince Legolas standing there with a small smile playing at his lips.
"My lady, I was at lunch with Lord Elrond and he asked me to escort you to the counsel this afternoon." Legolas bowed softly.
"Oh dear, I slept through lunch and almost the meeting." She smiled in return to his bow, shaking her head slightly at her carelessness. "Of course, let us be on our way."
What shocked Laitarína most about her nap was that she slept so heavily. She never slept that deep, let alone for so long. All she could think to blame it on was the dreams. Since she started having them, she slept more, but never so deep. The dream that held her during the nap was about this coming meeting. So she knew how it was possibly supposed to play. The duty she decided to give herself with her knowledge of the future, per say, was to keep things as they played in her dreams as much as possible for success to happen. Her problem was that she did not know how to do that without being in the Fellowship's presence but not join it. It was beyond her at the moment and she needed to stop pondering and pay attention to the Elf at her arm.
"A lot on your mind?" He inquired.
"I am sorry Legolas." She bowed her head to him. "My thoughts have been quite contained as of late."
"Perhaps sharing them will help settle them in your mind. Or help lessen confusion or stress."
"Perhaps it would. I am not sure if what I am thinking can be shared at the moment." She noticed his arm stiffen slightly with her arm linked in his. "But after I gather them more, perhaps sharing them with a willing ear would help." She hurried on, just in case she made offense to this handsome Elf she admired.
He smiled at her. "I would be a willing ear. Your thoughts are your own. I am sorry to sound like I am prying. I do know that when my thoughts are cluttered it helps to organize by sharing."
"I will remember your offer." Just as they finished, they closed in on where the counsel was being held.
She had already known what the area would look like but it was still breath taking nonetheless. Imladris was a beautiful sight to her and she enjoyed the sights that surrounded her. The counsel was being held in a patio area adjoining the house. There were beautiful trees and bushes growing around the patio and pillars surrounding the area. The trees and bushes seemed to glow and she felt a peacefulness in the plants by living with the Elves. If she loved something specific about being an Elf, it was how in tune they are with plants, animals and nature as a whole. It always brought her peace to know she could feel close to nature no matter what area she might live or travel.
"Lady Laitarína, please have a seat next to Strider." Lord Elrond gestured towards the chair she was to sit in. Legolas took her to the seat, nodded a brief farewell and then went to his companions from Mirkwood.
The counsel flowed just like her dream of it. Frodo brought forth the ring. There was much talking from the man from Gondor who she now knew as Boromir. The dwarf tried destroying the ring with his Axe and only made a mess of his weapon. There was more talking, and then Legolas jumping to Aragorn's defense. She couldn't help smiling at his boldness and loyalty for his friend.
The counsel was then decided. Nine companions. She realized no one really cared whether she was present or not. She didn't even know if anyone noticed. That was okay though. It gave her opportunity to focus on how she was supposed to keep things happening like her dreams, but not be apart of the fellowship. Perhaps I shall speak with Lord Elrond and Mithrandir on the matter. She thought as the counsel was dismissed.
"Lady Laitarína," Lord Elrond called to her as she started leaving.
"Yes, my Lord."
"May I speak with you in my office briefly?" He inquired.
"Of course." She nodded.
"Then I will meet you there shortly."
She curtsied to him and turned to go to meet him in the office.
"Where are you headed off to so fast?" Legolas asked quietly beside her.
"Lord Elrond asked to speak with me." She smiled to him.
"What do you think of the Fellowship? Of the quest?"
"I think it is dangerous. But now a days, what journey is not? I also think it is necessary and I hope it will be successful. With no casualties on the Fellowships part." She finished, stealing a glance at Legolas. The intent of his gaze on her startled her. She could not fathom why he was looking at her so and hanging on to each word.
"Yes, no casualties is what we all are hoping for. What was your purpose for attending the counsel?" he dropped his gaze while asking.
"To be an observer, I think." She thought quickly on what to say. Already to her it felt like she was building a wall between her and Legolas by having to keep things secret. "But that is something I need to talk with Lord Elrond and Mithrandir about."
"Ah, you don't intend to accompany us do you?" He inquired.
She laughed lightly at him. "No Legolas, I will leave the grand missions for you."
He was taken aback at her attempt at humor on something so serious. He realized then that it might be her excuse to take off some of the pressure of the situation. A smile crept up on his face and he too chuckled softly at her humor.
"If you will excuse me Legolas, I need to go meet with Lord Elrond." She was about to walk away when Legolas called to her.
"Laitarína..." She turned at her name. He realized he was not quite sure what he wanted to say. "Uh, may I escort you to dinner this evening?" he inquired. Dinner was the best way to enjoy someones company and harmless enough. He sighed softly to himself.
She smiled at him. "That would be wonderful."
"Thank you. I will see you then if not before." He smiled back at her.
"Of course." She nodded her head to him. "Now, I really should go meet with Lord Elrond."
"Of course! Sorry for delaying you."
She laughed softly. "I don't consider it a terrible delay." she smiled at him, curtsied lightly and headed out of the patio area in the direction of Lord Elrond's office.
Legolas stood there momentarily pondering what inspired him to be so bold toward Laitarína. She was a beautiful Elf, that was obvious, but this was not the time to court or pine after love when he had preparations for a dangerous mission. He needed to be focused. He also wondered why she kept to herself. Though they were not well acquainted, he figured she could speak about some things to help ease her thoughts or something. He sighed softly and stared off to wear Laitarína walked. A hand squeezed his shoulder lightly.
"Are we smitten?" Aragorn asked Legolas. Chuckling softly.
"No, we are not smitten. We are just making friends with a fellow Elf." Legolas replied.
"It is okay to fancy a she-elf you know?" Aragorn laughed as Legolas rolled his eyes.
"This isn't a time to fall in love or get involved Aragorn."
"Legolas, I have just as much of a sense of duty as you do, and I still allow love." he spoke softly but firm. "You can too."
"It matters not, I am leaving, she will probably return to Lothlorien and that will be the end of it. I am sure she has a worthy Elf in Lothlorien anyway."
"She does not." Aragorn and Arwen replied.
"Arwen," Legolas nodded his head to her. "It is good to see you."
"Indeed it is good to see you as well. Laitarína, does not have an Elf. But considering this topic is making you uncomfortable, we will not speak of it again."
"Thank you. That is what would be best." he smiled to them. "If you will excuse me, I have some things to take care of." Legolas turned and headed off towards his room.
"Do not pester him about it." Arwen softly spoke. "He needs to figure it out on his own. Besides, let them become acquainted before we play matchmakers." she wrapped her arm in his and turned him in the direction of a secluded garden.
"As you wish, my love." he replied.
In the office Laitarína, Lord Elrond and Mithrandir spoke.
"It was good of you to not join the fellowship." Elrond spoke. "It would have caused some unneeded drama as well as some confusion."
She nodded in response. "You have no idea." she smiled one that did not reach her eyes. "I wanted to ask you, Elrond, what do I tell others if they ask of my continued conversation and meeting with you?"
"Well first of all, it really is no one else's business so they should not be asking. Second of all, to speak of your dreams would cause discord I think. It would be best to keep it to yourself."
Gandalf studied Laitarína's face. She hid her emotions well but he could tell that keeping the dreams to herself were starting to be a burden. Specially since they were starting to come to pass.
"Laitarína, what is troubling you?" Gandalf asked.
"Well," she started, her hands intertwining and releasing methodically. "How exactly do you suppose I am to keep the dreams as I have them, but, not be apart of the fellowship? I mean if I hadn't spoken with you and Lady Galadriel about trying to keep the dreams on the path they happen, I was very tempted to jump up and join so I could better assist. I do not understand how to be of service and not be a part of them?" she focused on her hands as she intertwined them once more. "Does that make sense?" she asked, looking up at them both.
"Of course it does." Gandalf replied.
"I think," Elrond started, "That you can advise them, in a subtle way, that would encourage them to stick with their decisions that would keep the dreams as they happen. At the moment that is all I can think of. Perhaps later on down the road you can assist more."
"I can do that." she sighed. "Thank you for your help and patience." she smiled to them both. "I appreciate others being privy to my dreams even if you cannot know the details of them."
"It is our pleasure to be of an assistance to you. You are dear to us, Laitarína, we are always happy to help and be here for you." Gandalf smiled. "Now, word has reached me that someone with intricate weaving on his tunic is escorting you to dinner, perhaps you should rest up and then get ready for that."
Laitarína smiled at them broadly at the mention of Legolas and the little joke Gandalf started with her last night.
"Some counsel, if I may," Elrond looked at Laitarína and she nodded her head to continue. "Do not hide from happiness and love despite the trials and evil that is going on at present. Everyone deserves to find it, even you." He smiled.
A feeling of peace washed through her at Lord Elrond's counsel. He touched a spot that troubled her and replaced it with comfort.
"Whether it is Prince Legolas or any other Elf, let your heart experience love and happiness." Gandalf counseled.
"Thank you both." she smiled and excused herself out of the office.
As she walked to her room, her mind wandered to the previous conversations. Stepping back and counseling would help and took out the prospect of following them or revealing to much. Yes, this would work out well.
Before she reached her room, Laitarína decided to head to the kitchen for a snack. She missed lunch and her stomach was feeling a bit empty. To her delight, Merry and Pippin were in the kitchen as well.
"Well hello my Lady!" Pippin called to her.
"Yesh, hullo muy Wady." Merry said through a mouth full of some pastry.
She laughed at them both and entered. "Anything tasty for a nice snack before dinner?" she asked.
"I always knew you were the Elf of my heart." Pippin laughed. "Asking for snacks before dinner is a worthy trait and OF COURSE there is something delicious. These elves sure know how to cook great food!"
"Here, try this." Merry handed her a pastry covered with some berry jam.
"This looks good."
"It tastes better!" Merry laughed. "Eat it."
She took a bite and nodded appreciatively at the taste. "Very delicious." she nodded after she swallowed.
They each enjoyed the food in front of them and spoke occasionally.
"So, Laitarína, can I escort you to dinner tonight?" Pippin asked between bites.
"No, I am to escort her!" Merry stepped in.
Laitarína laughed joyfully at them both. With a mock serious face she replied solemnly. "I apologize to you both but I will be escorted by Prince Legolas this evening. Though your company would certainly match his if not top it." she winked at them.
They laughed hysterically and pointed behind her. There Legolas stood with his hands crossed over his chest frowning slightly. "So that's it, huh? You would prefer them over me?" he shook his head.
"Legolas, I, I was jesting." She stammered a response. A smile broke across his face at her obvious discomfort.
"Of course. I am jesting as well." He laughed. "Anyway, dinner is approaching and I thought I might remind you that I am escorting you but it seems you remembered." he teased once more.
"I believe I will take my leave to get ready then. I do not want to look silly in front of the Prince now do I?" she winked at the hobbits and stood. "How about next time my dear Merry and Pippin?"
"Oh, we might be able to find a place for you somewhere." Merry shrugged.
Laitarína laughed and excused herself to her room. Legolas left shortly after.
"I can see those two quite nicely together." Merry nodded in the direction they both had walked.
"Yes, me too." Pippin agreed. "Anyway, you should try these stuffed pastry's. Quite delectable."
I will have longer chapters soon. I am sorry that it took so long to get some out. I figured a shorter chapter, but a chapter nonetheless would let you know I am still writing. =P Thanks for all those who have reviewed and added the story to their alert list. That has definitely encouraged me to keep on going. Thanks mucho and enjoy!!
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