Disclaimer: I do not own any of the recognizable characters; I am only borrowing them for fun for a little while. They belong to J.R.R. Tolkien.
Many thanks to my Beta Readers – J. and Marsha
Author's Note: This is a short chapter, but I felt like people would like to have something now rather than wait for several more weeks to have one that was my regular length. I've been busy, but it's nice to concentrate on only one story now. Hopefully it won't take too long to update. Also, Legolas is being rather demanding so this chapter and the next he is taking me a little off course for a brief excursion. Elves!
Chapter 6 – Discussions
Thomas stood in the doorway for a moment just staring at Legolas and Gimli. They had returned at least a month earlier than he had expected, and he had not even been sure that they would make it back in time for the wedding. Gimli's gruff voice broke him out of his daze.
"Are you just going to stand in the doorway, lad?"
"What? No, of course not," he replied, grinning as he crossed to where they were sitting with Aragorn, Arwen, and Rebecca. They stood to greet him, Gimli clasping Thomas's forearm and Legolas embracing him firmly.
"Mae govannen, mellon-nín," Legolas said as he pulled away.
"Mae govannen, Legolas, Gimli," Thomas said as he looked them over. "When did you get here? How did you return so quickly? How was your journey? How are your families?"
Legolas held up his hand to stop the flow of words. "Peace, my friend," he said softly but with a twinkle in his eyes.
"Spending too much time with Rebecca, I see," Gimli said with a gruff laugh as he glanced over at her. "She's the one that usually asks so many questions." Aragorn and Arwen laughed lightly and even Rebecca joined in at Thomas's chagrined look.
"Now, to answer your questions," Legolas said as they joined the others on the chairs and couches scattered around the unlit hearth. "We arrived only a short time ago."
"I did react just the same way you did," Rebecca said to Thomas as she leaned over and whispered into his ear. He tightened his grip on her hand as he repeated an earlier question.
"Are your mother and father all right?" he asked looking at Legolas.
"Yes, they are both well; as are my brothers and sisters…"
"And his nieces and nephews," Gimli interrupted with a gruff laugh.
"Yes, they are now," Legolas continued. "Two of my nephews and one of my nieces were injured during the battle at Dol Guldur, but have recovered from their wounds."
"And is the forest showing signs of being renewed as we had hoped would happen?" Aragorn asked.
A brilliant smile lit up the elf's face. "Yes, it is. I could sense the difference as soon as Gimli and I rode beneath the boughs of the trees. The air was fresher, purer and the song of the trees spoke clearly to me. Birdsong filled the air as it has not done for many centuries. To ride freely through Eryn Lasgalen, as it is now called, brought joy to my heart. I believe even Gimli enjoyed the time we spent riding through the forest." Amusement filled his eyes.
"It was certainly better than Fangorn," the dwarf grumbled. "That was a dark and dreary forest."
"It certainly is," Rebecca agreed fervently with a visible shudder.
"It is a beautiful forest, it is simply old," Legolas protested softly. "However, I will concede that there were parts of it that are… dark and reminded me somewhat of parts of the darkest areas of Mirkwood before the enemy was driven out. Though, there was not quite the evil malice there from the Dark Lord, rather a darkness of another sort… it is not easily explained."
"Well, I'm in no rush to go there again," Rebecca said and Gimli nodded his agreement.
Thomas wanted to ask how Legolas's parents had reacted to him bringing a dwarf home but wasn't sure how to do that without embarrassing either of them if it hadn't gone well so he asked another question instead. "How was your father, Gimli? I know there were battles up there, too."
"He's fine, lad. There were fierce battles there at Erebor and in Dale and many men and dwarves died, but he remained unscathed. He's taken charge of gathering the things needed to repair the gates here. I spoke with my friends and made all of the necessary arrangements, but my father is actually gathering the tools and supplies we'll need. A group of twelve dwarves will be here by mid-summer."
"Thank you, my friend," Aragorn said with a slight inclination of his head. Gimli gave him a single, abrupt nod.
"Will your father be coming?" Rebecca asked.
"No. It's too far for him to travel."
"Oh." She turned to Legolas. "Did any elves… well, I don't know how to ask this… but did anyone sign up to move here?"
"You asked that quite well," he responded with a small smile. "While no one actually 'signed up', there are many people who have agreed to come, including my younger brother, Talagan. My sister Mírgalen and her husband are also considering moving." Legolas paused briefly as he looked out the window for a moment. "I believe they will as two of their children are coming. Another of my nephews has also said he would like to move to Ithilien."
"How many nieces and nephews do you have?" Rebecca asked curiously. She knew he had an older brother who was the heir to throne as well as another sister, but she didn't even know if they were married or not, though she assumed that they were.
"Four nephews and two nieces."
"How did your mother and father take this news?" Arwen asked.
Legolas stared down at the floor for a long moment before he lifted his gaze to meet her eyes. "They were shocked and a little hurt, I think. I had only just returned there when I told them and perhaps it was too soon," he said with an almost inaudible sigh. "To hear that I was leaving again so quickly and leaving permanently…" his voice trailed off. "It was not until I told them of the sea-longing in my heart that they began to understand. They knew then that I would be leaving them soon in any case - either to move here or to cross the Sea. At least Ithilien is a place they can visit… at least for a time," he finished with a sad little smile.
Silence reigned in the room as the others absorbed his words. Rebecca began to ask why it was so difficult since his parents would see him again in Valinor but Aragorn shot her a quelling look and she stopped, confused. While Rebecca knew she really had very little knowledge about elves, she did know that they looked at time so differently than mortals and she couldn't understand why Legolas's parents would be so upset about him leaving. Even if he went to Valinor they would still see him again very soon… at least as they measured time. She would have to speak with Aragorn or Arwen later.
"And were they upset that some of your kindred will be moving here?" Aragorn asked in a quiet voice as he studied his friend.
"No," Legolas said with a small smile. "I believe Naneth was reassured that I would be living with my brother and other elves and not with mortals." He cast a sidelong look at Gimli who shook his head and grunted while the others laughed, the tension of a moment before eased. It was eased further by the appearance of a servant.
"My lord, my lady," she said with a small bow, "supper is almost ready. Would you like to have it served up here?"
Arwen glanced at Aragorn who shook his head. "No, Nusirile, we will eat in the dining room. But there may be a short delay as some here need to refresh themselves first," she said. The servant nodded and left the room.
"I'll be quick," Thomas promised as he stood and headed for the door.
"Do not be concerned," Aragorn said as he joined him. "I have not changed either and the others will wait until we arrive."
"I know, but it's not just that… I'm hungry," he said, grinning as he ducked into his room.
Aragorn chuckled as he headed down the stairs to his own chambers.
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Aragorn met Legolas in the hallway right outside the door leading into the dining room. "Your chambers are comfortable? You do not wish to stay in the house you had before?"
Legolas shook his head. "No, my friend," he replied as they walked into the room where the others were gathering. "It would not be the same without the hobbits and I do not know how long I will stay here after the wedding."
"Will you go and seek a place for your colony soon?"
"I thought to do so within the week, perhaps a day or two after the New Year celebration. With your permission of course," he said with a small smile.
Aragorn gave a thoughtful nod. "As I said before you left you may have whatever land you need for those you will be bringing here, but we shall speak with Faramir and see if he has a place in mind for you."
"A place in mind for what, my lord?" Faramir asked as he approached. "It is good to see you again Prince Legolas," he said as he grasped the elf's forearm.
"Well met, Lord Faramir," Legolas replied.
"Legolas and I were discussing a place in Ithilien for the elves he is bringing here from Eryn Lasgalen. I told him that perhaps you already had a place in mind."
Faramir slowly shook his head, his expression thoughtful. "No, not any one particular place. I did think that someplace north of the Cross-roads might be best and was an area that might be more to the liking of elves," he said with a brief smile.
"Why is that?" Legolas inquired.
"Being north of the Cross-roads would give you a little distance from Emyn Arnen and the men and women there. I thought that might be important to your people, though that was not the only reason I chose that area."
"My kindred will not be disturbed by living near men, otherwise they would not be accompanying me to Ithilien, Lord Faramir."
"What other reason made you chose that area?" Aragorn asked his steward. He glanced at Thomas and Gimli as they joined them.
"The land itself," Faramir said without hesitation. "It is beautiful there. At least the areas that have not been ravaged by orcs," he said with a faint scowl. "But there are many areas that are untouched… with little streams and meadows full of flowers and tall, towering trees… and I thought those places might be pleasing to Prince Legolas and his people."
"It is a fair land," Legolas agreed. "As we rode north to the Black Gate I was touched by the beauty that surrounded us even as my heart ached for the wounds the land had sustained over the years." He paused and stared down at the floor for a moment. Finally he looked back up at Faramir. "Will you show me these lands that I might find a place for my people to live?"
"Yes, of course, my lord. However, I will need to seek permission from my king to miss a council meeting or two," Faramir replied with a sidelong glance at Aragorn.
Aragorn nodded even as a small grimace crossed his face. "I only wish that I could miss the meetings as well," he said with a sigh that made those around him smile. He turned his gaze on Thomas who had not said a word during the entire conversation. The young man remained silent, he just looked at Aragorn with hopeful, pleading eyes and Aragorn smiled. "Yes, you may go as well, Thomas."
"Thank you, Adar," he said grinning. "I liked Ithilien and it'll be good to see it again."
"Humph, I thought you liked our company, lad, not the trees and the… land, like the elf does," Gimli said scowling.
"Oh, I do enjoy Faramir's company quite a bit, Gimli, and certainly I look forward to spending time with Legolas again." He tried to hide the twinkle in his eyes but was unsuccessful when a small laugh escaped him. Gimli's scowl deepened briefly before his laughter joined Thomas's. Aragorn and Legolas joined them while Faramir looked uncertainly between Thomas and Gimli before he hesitantly joined in.
Gimli looked up at Aragorn. "Are we going to eat soon?"
"As soon as Halbarad and Camíriel arrive."
"Camíriel? Who is Camíriel?" asked Legolas.
"The young lady Halbarad is betrothed to," Aragorn answered with a pleased smile.
"He is betrothed?" Gimli asked, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. "Did she come down from the North with some of your Rangers?"
"No, he met her here. Her family is of the Southern Dúnedain. Her father has lands in Lebennin, though he spends much of his time here in Minas Tirith due to his poor health and her oldest brother now oversees things for the family. From things Halbarad has told me the land is quite rich and fertile. It has certainly provided her family with a very generous income for many generations."
"That area is dotted with many of the smaller holdings of our lords," Faramir commented just as the door opened and Halbarad and Camíriel walked in. A look of surprise crossed Halbarad's face as he led Camíriel over to join them. Camíriel was a tall women, though not as tall as most of the Northern Dúnedain woman as her family had intermarried with lesser men over the centuries. Her hair was a warm brown in color rather than the black of many of the Dúnedain of both the North and the South. Her eyes were blue with just the tiniest hint of grey and her smile was warm as she and Halbarad approached.
"Prince Legolas, Gimli, I wasn't aware that you had returned," he said as he clasped their arms in greeting.
"We only arrived a few hours ago," Legolas said. He glanced at Camíriel and back at Halbarad. The Ranger smiled briefly at the elf.
"Lady Camíriel, this is Prince Legolas Thranduilion of Eryn Lasgalen and this is Gimli son of Gloin of Erebor. Prince Legolas, Gimli, this is Lady Camíriel, daughter of Lord Brandir and Lady Nínael of Lebennin, my betrothed," Halbarad said.
"Lady Camíriel," Legolas said bowing slightly as he took her hand and kissed it gently. "I am honored to meet you. May Elbereth bless you and your marriage to Halbarad."
"Lady Camíriel," Gimli said bowing.
"My lords," she replied, her voice rich and smooth as she dropped into a small curtsey. "I am very pleased to meet you. I've heard so much about you."
Gimli let out a small snort. "I hope you weren't talking to Thomas here, otherwise you wouldn't have heard the truth."
Camíriel simply stared down at the dwarf for a moment while smiles and quiet laughter broke out among the people around her. "I… no," she stammered, "it was mostly Rebecca who told me of you and Prince Legolas."
"She would," Aragorn commented as he glanced over to where Rebecca and Arwen were standing near the window. They seemed to be engaged in an intent discussion and he was loath to disturb them, but their meal had been ready to be served for some time and so he excused himself from the conversation. He thought about Camíriel's comment as he crossed to the far side of the room. Camíriel had only known the truth about Rebecca and Thomas for about a month… since just after he and Arwen had returned from their short trip. Thomas had spoken with him about Rebecca's loneliness and after a long discussion with Halbarad they had told the young woman the truth about Rebecca and Thomas. Stunned by the revelation, Camíriel had not taken it well and only in the last week had she begun speaking with Rebecca again. Aragorn did not know if they would ever become close friends, although he hoped so. Mostly for Rebecca's sake, of course, but also because it would be awkward for Halbarad if his wife did not get along with Rebecca. He smiled as he reached Arwen and Rebecca.
"I do not wish to disrupt your conversation, but…" he faltered at the look of sorrow in Rebecca's eyes. "What is wrong?" he asked, his gaze shifting between the two ladies.
Rebecca sighed and shook her head, staring out the window. Arwen answered in a quiet voice. "She asked why Legolas's parents would be so upset about him leaving Middle-earth when they would see him again in Valinor. I explained that many of the Silvan elves will not sail and so they may never see him again."
A small sigh escaped Aragorn's lips as he studied Rebecca. She was staring out the window and he was surprised when she spoke. "That's the reason Lord Celeborn isn't sailing now isn't it? I think that's what you told me," she said as she turned around.
"Yes," he said, nodding. "But, Legolas heard the call of the Sea… the call to Valinor when he heard the seagulls at Pelargir. It cannot be denied now, only delayed for a time," Aragorn said with a sad smile.
"That's what Arwen said." She shook her head again. "Perhaps some of his kin… one of his brothers or sisters will join him so he won't be all alone."
"He has friends there and there will also be relatives. Some of his ancestors are there already and more may have been released from the Halls of Mandos," Arwen reminded her.
"Good." A brief smile crossed her lips. "It's a long time to be alone." She suddenly looked around the room and spotted the others who were still talking and laughing and the servants waiting patiently near the door. "Is it time to eat? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to keep everyone waiting."
"You did not, everyone was enjoying themselves. However, I do believe that is why Aragorn came to speak with us," Arwen said with a smile directed at her husband.
"I did," he replied. "Come, I do not want to keep the cook and the servants worrying about the food any longer," he said taking Arwen's arm as he led them to the table.
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As Thomas readied Baldor he thought about the conversation he'd had with Rebecca the night before. She had only just realized how long they would be in Ithilien and to say she was upset was a bit of an understatement. Depending on how quickly Legolas found a place for his colony, they could easily be gone a month which meant Thomas wouldn't be back until three weeks before the wedding. Not that Thomas saw a problem with that, he didn't really have anything to do with the planning of the wedding anyway. He shook his head and sighed as he adjusted the girth strap. Heated words had been exchanged and he thought he'd seen tears in Rebecca's eyes as she stormed out of the garden and into her room. Thomas wished he'd followed and spoken with her, but he hadn't and now it was too late.
A sudden thought occurred to him and he cursed under his breath. This had nothing to do with the wedding… or it wasn't just about that anyway. Thomas looked around, frowning when he saw that Faramir was almost ready to go. Well, it couldn't be helped. He beckoned a stable hand over and asked him to finish with Baldor before he walked over to speak with the others
"I have to go and speak with Rebecca," Thomas said without preamble when Faramir and Legolas looked at him questioningly.
"Now?" Faramir asked with a slight furrow creasing his brow.
"Yes," he replied without further explanation. "If you need to leave now, then my men and I will catch up with you, probably before you reach Osgiliath." Besides his two regular guards, Aragorn was also sending Balrant, Eradan, and Hinluin with Thomas. Twenty-five members of Faramir's White Company headed by Beregond were also part of the group heading to Ithilien. Small bands of orcs still prowled the woods of that fair land.
"We will wait for you down at the gate," Legolas said with a hint of a smile. "Gimli is down there looking at them now and we will simply wait until you are ready to leave."
"Thank you," Thomas said. He strode quickly out the door and started up the road to the Citadel, mumbling under his breath. Why he hadn't realized it after their conversation a few weeks ago he didn't know. He wondered if he should speak with Arwen or Aragorn but immediately thrust that thought aside, this was something that he and Rebecca needed to talk about even if it was something that couldn't be easily resolved. He sighed softly as he headed across the courtyard in the early morning light wondering if Rebecca was still in her chambers or if she was practicing her archery.
"My lord," Eradan called. Thomas stopped and turned to the Ranger who was following him. "Lady Rebecca," he said indicating where she was standing out on the outthrust keel. Thomas nodded his thanks and turned in that direction, slowing as he drew near. Her bow and quiver were leaning against the wall and he wondered if she had already practiced or was on her way. He shook his head against those unimportant thoughts. Stopping some five feet from her, he spoke softly.
"Rebecca?"
There was silence for a time and Thomas wondered if she had even heard him. "I thought you'd already left."
"They're waiting for me," he replied moving closer and hesitantly placing his hand on her waist. He felt her stiffen under his touch and he suppressed a groan.
"You should go then, I'm sure they want to get an early start," she said still looking out over the Pelennor.
"They'll wait," he said dismissively with a shrug of his shoulders. "Rebecca, will you please turn around so we can talk?"
There was another long pause. Thomas tried to decide what he'd do if she wouldn't turn around. He was not leaving until they discussed what had happened the night before and… perhaps he shouldn't leave. He swallowed hard as that thought suddenly ran through his mind. He desperately wanted to go with Faramir and Legolas but Rebecca needed to come first right now.
"Rebecca," he whispered as he leaned forward so he could see her face, "do you want me to stay? I will. I've been thinking about some things and…" Rebecca spun around and pushed him away from her.
"Stay here?" she asked, her eyes blazing in fury. "Now you want to stay here? You couldn't wait to leave me and now just when everyone is ready to leave you come here to ask that? I'll be blamed if you don't go, Thomas! It'll be my fault… Thomas couldn't go because Rebecca wouldn't let him," she said bitterly, turning away again her eyes brimming with tears.
Thomas stared at her, his mouth hanging open in shock at what he'd just heard. He was more than a little hurt and confused on top of it. "I-I… you thought I couldn't wait to leave you? How can you say that? I didn't even think about leaving you, I just thought about going with Legolas and Faramir." He groaned when he realized how that sounded. "I mean, Rebecca… it wasn't about leaving you at all. I didn't ever, ever think of it that way. I just wanted to spend time with them because I hadn't seen them for so long and I just…" he paused and searched for the right words that might help her understand. "Well, I just didn't think about it, I guess." Thomas watched helplessly as Rebecca wiped tears from her eyes.
"Rebecca, I'm sorry. I didn't think about how long we'd be gone and I didn't think about the wedding."
"It's not just about the wedding."
"I know. I just figured that out, though. I wish… I wish you would have said something to me."
Rebecca finally turned around but stayed leaning against the wall. "I would hope you'd remember our conversation from that night."
"I do." He hesitated for a moment. "I was hoping that Camíriel knowing about us would help with your loneliness but it hasn't, has it?"
"No, not yet," she replied shaking her head and staring at the ground. "It's too soon," she added.
"I suppose so. Rebecca, you do know that I won't always be able to be here, don't you?" he asked hesitantly, watching her closely for her response.
Her eyes flashed as she looked up at him. "Of course I know that! But," she let out a small sigh, "this is something you're doing simply for fun." Thomas gave a reluctant nod and she continued. "Thomas, this isn't so much about me being lonely because you're going. While I'll miss you terribly… maybe not today," she gave him a wan smile. "I… I think what bothers me so much is that you didn't even talk to me about going."
"I told you I was going," he protested. "I told you the night Legolas and Gimli got here."
Rebecca sighed and turned half away from him staring out over the wall. "Yes, you told me you were going but we didn't talk about it… discuss it… decide together if it was a good idea whether or not you should go."
Thomas frowned, staring first at Rebecca and then beyond her to Ithilien as he considered her words. He finally spoke in a quiet voice. "It never occurred to me to do that, Rebecca. It was just something I wanted to do and I'm not used to having to ask someone else if I can do something."
Rebecca glared at him and shook her head. "I didn't say you had to ask permission! I'm not your mother! I just wanted us to talk about it… you know I would love to go with you even though I know I can't. Don't you think that upsets me? Don't you think if we had talked about this that it would have helped me? We're going to be married and we need to talk about things like this…" her voice trailed off as Thomas slowly walked to the bench and sat down with a heavy sigh. After a moment she joined him and they sat quietly for a time before Thomas stirred, turning on the bench and taking Rebecca's hand in his own and caressing it gently.
"Rebecca, you're right, I should have spoken with you and I apologize for that. I never, ever intended to hurt you, you do know that, don't you?"
"Yes, I know," she replied.
"What I don't understand is why you didn't say anything to me. It's been four days since we decided to go to Ithilien and until last night I really didn't know you were upset, though you have been acting a little… odd. We talk about things all the time… we spend time together everyday, more than most betrothed couples do. So, I don't understand why you didn't speak to me sooner."
Scooting closer to Thomas and sliding her arm under his, Rebecca took her time answering. "Because I was… hurt, I guess… that you didn't even think of me and what I might be feeling." She sighed. "I should have, though."
Thomas nodded once. "Neither of us handled this very well," he said with a wry smile. "We'll have to do better next time."
"Next time?" He just looked at her and a smile suddenly lightened her face.
"I suppose there will be a next time, won't there?"
"And one after that."
"And another after that," she said, smiling.
Thomas pulled her into his arms. He carefully brushed the hair back off her face before leaning down and placing a brief, tender kiss on her lips fully aware of where they were sitting. He kept his arm around her but he was looking out over the Pelennor when he spoke.
"Rebecca, I meant what I said earlier. I'll stay home if you need me to be here," he turned to look at her, "or even if you just want me to be here." He put his finger on her lips to stop her protests. "Hear me out. I can go to Ithilien another time and I'll explain to Legolas and the others that some things for the wedding have come up that I need to be here for. None of them will blame you and it's our decision, not theirs anyway."
"No, I want you to go and then I want you to come back and tell me all about it. I want you to find places that we can go and visit together after we're married. I'll be all right now… I'll miss you desperately," she said turning away for a brief moment, "but Arwen and I have some things to do with the orphans and there are lots of things to do for the wedding. I'll be busy and the time will go by fast."
After studying her intently, Thomas finally nodded. "All right, then I'll go. I packed my sketch book so the pictures I'll be drawing will help me to share with you what I've seen." He stood, holding his hand out to help her up. "Will you come to the stables to see us off?"
Rebecca remained seated and she shook her head quite vigorously. "No, I'll stay and watch you ride off from up here."
Thomas glanced around before he leaned over the bench and gave her a long, lingering kiss good-bye. He wished one of his regular men was on guard duty but he thought he could trust Eradan not to speak with Aragorn about them kissing in public. Well, it was worth it in any case. "Good-bye, my Lady Rebecca. May Eru keep you safe," he said, smiling.
"And you as well, Thomas," she replied with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
With a slight bow and after one last quick kiss, Thomas turned and strode rapidly away towards the stables leaving Rebecca staring after him with an expression of love and longing.
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To be continued…