"How are you enjoying Greenwood so far?" Ilmare said awkwardly to the two elflings guided her along some of the walking paths. She found it ironic that they were the ones taking her for a stroll when that was the job appointed to her and Legolas earlier.
"I like it very much so far," answered the one who she thought was Elladan. Ilmare noted that they twins wore their hair different. The brother who just spoke wore his hair loose and free-flowing while Elladan kept his dark locks tightly braided. "It is very different than Rivendell,"
Ilmare raised a brow. "How so?"
Elladan sighed and looked into the distance, fondly thinking of his home. "Rivendell is full of deep valleys and roaring waterfalls. On some days, the water sounds more like a lullaby than noise. You can fall asleep almost anywhere."
Ilmare pictured the scene in her head, softly shutting her eyes as images played in the back of her head. Her large eyes flickered open, giving a small smirk to each elfling. "I would like to see it one day,"
Elrohir laughed heartily. "I would hope you would come to visit us one day!" he said, nudging the girl in the shoulder. "Hopefully before the next age!"
Ilmare chuckled lightly as the brothers clapped each other on the back. Suddenly, she heard laughter that did not belong to her or the twins. Ilmare discreetly looked over her shoulder, watching Legolas speak to Arwen. She was laughed at something that he had said, putting a dainty hand over her mouth.
Ilmare's lips pressed together tightly at the sight, her jaw clenching . She was surprised to find herself grinding her teeth. Ilmare shook herself and turned her sight back in front of her before anyone noticed her staring.
What are you stressing about? The girl hissed to herself. They are simply having a conversation. Ilmare took a deep breath and recomposed herself, almost forcing the corners of her lips to quirk up.
"What are some activities you like to do?" asked Elladan, making small talk. "You know, besides healing."
"Well," Ilmare began slowly. "When I do find time in-between training, I enjoy drawing and reading."
Elrohir's chin tucked back in question. "You do not like archery or sword play?"
Ilmare laughed loudly. "Valar, no. that is Legolas' talent, not mine."
"It is rather fun once you get the hang of it," Elrohir continued. "You do not even wish to try?"
Ilmare shook her head. "I heal the wounds weapons create; I do not want to cause them."
"You never know," he said, shrugging. "There may come a day when you will need to defend yourself. You may need to know how to handle a blade."
Ilmare scoffed. "I highly doubt it. Greenwood is very safe and I do not plan on joining the army anytime soon,"
They were walking along the Forest River, the waters softly lapping over smooth stone making a peaceful sound. The sunlight reflected off of the surface, sending beams in every direction. Ilmare watched as fat fish darted and weaved through rocks that jutted out of the river. She was sure to keep her distance from the edge. The water wasn't rough, but it was deep. She was always a bit embarrassed to admit that she could not swim. Ilmare never saw the need to learn.
Elladan suddenly stopped in his tracks, halting Ilmare and Elrohir along with him. He looked towards his brother. "I am feeling rather warm, are you as well, brother?"
Elrohir caught his eye and smirked. "I agree. The water is looking very nice. I think I would like a quick dip." He turned to the girl at his side, raising a brow. "Would you care to join, Ilmare?"
She quickly shook her head and took another step back from the water's edge. "Oh, no thank you. I would prefer to stay off to the side."
"Nothing's wrong with a bit of water," Elladan reasoned.
Ilmare firmly shook her head again. "I am not a big fan of swimming…" she said slowly, holding up her hands.
The boy huffed. "Well, you never know if you do not try."
With that, he tossed Ilmare over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. She gasped in shock, being swooped up so quickly, but the shock wore off quick replaced by annoyance.
"Let me down!" Ilmare demanded, pounding on Elrohir's back. The girl tried to wiggle out of his hold, but he kept a tight grip on her lower back. "Put me down you insufferable elf!"
He only laughed along with Elladan as they walked towards the edge of the water.
Ilmare glanced at where they were heading, her annoyance immediately changing to panic. "Stop! Drop me!"
"Did you hear that, brother?" Elrohir said in-between laughs. "I think we should listen to her!"
"Aye," Elladan agreed. He grabbed Ilmare under the arms while his brother grabbed her legs. "We will drop her on the count of three. One…"
"Stop!" Ilmare shrieked, trying to kick Elrohir away. "Please stop!" she was begging now, tears pricking her eyes.
"Two…" the twins said in unison, swinging Ilmare back and forth.
"Elladan, stop it!" she cried frantically. "Elrohir, please!"
"Three!"
They tossed Ilmare into the chilly water, her head dunking below the surface. She was enveloped, the water around her small frame putting pressure on her limbs. The girl flailed her arms, her nose and mouth just being able to break the surface and take a quick lungful of air before her dress became water logged and dragged her back under.
Ilmare opened her eyes underwater, seeing her dress flow around her as she sunk down deeper. She tried to kick her legs, but they were tangled in her skirts.
"Where is she?" Elladan asked Elrohir on the shore, trying to look through the water.
Just then, Legolas came jogging up beside the twins, Arwen in his wake. The prince saw the disturbance in the water, eyes widening in realization. "Is she in the water?" he question. The twins nodded and Legolas looked in horror at the water. "She cannot swim!"
"What?" Arwen squeaked, but Legolas was already running into the water. Before any one of the siblings could blink an eye, his golden head disappeared under the surface.
Legolas' keen eyes searched through the water, quickly locating Ilmare. She was clawing at the water, bubbles escaping her lips and floating up above. Legolas kicked his legs powerfully and cut through the water, reaching his friends side. He snaked an arm around his waist and tried to pull her to the surface. The weight of her thick dress making it a struggle. Ilmare watched Legolas' movements and attempted to mimic him, making it much easier on the prince. Her lungs were burning and screaming for air.
Her mouth opened and closed uselessly, the surface only a few feet away.
Hold on, Ilmare. She told herself. You are almost there.
They breached, flinging water droplets through the air. Ilmare gasped for breath in-between coughing and spluttering water out of her lungs. She held onto Legolas with all the strength left in her arms and struggled to tread water along with him.
Legolas blinked water from his eyes, clearing his vision. His head swiveled around, quickly locating the shore. Elladan was waist deep in the water and was wading closer to the pair. He kicked his legs, propelling them towards the shallower waters. Legolas' muscles screamed in protest, but he blocked out his discomfort and focused on getting Ilmare out of the water.
Ilmare tried to make it easier on Legolas, trying to keep her head above the water on her own. She was thankful when they reached the shallows, Elladan grabbing her from Legolas and supporting her to the shore.
Ilmare collapsed upon the rocky ground, falling to her hands and knees, her shoulders shaking violently as she coughed. She was vaguely aware of someone rubbing small circles on her back. Once Ilmare found she could not cough anymore, she took a deep breath and sat down, hugging her knees tightly to her chest. Water dripped down the ends of her hair, her dress sticking tightly to her skin.
Elrohir crouched by Ilmare's side, studying her face with concern. Her cheeks were tinged pink, the rest of her face pale as snow. He placed a hand on her shoulder, only to find that she was shaking. "We are so sorry, Ilmare."
She said nothing, not even looking at him, only staring blankly ahead.
Arwen looked back and forth between her brother and Ilmare, her bottom lip jutting out. She feared the other girls reaction if her brother continued to be that close to her.
"Come on, Ilmare." She said, grabbing her elbow and pulling her off the ground. "Let's get to back to the halls."
Ilmare nodded weakly and hugged herself tightly, the cold of the water beginning to get to her, chilling the girl down to the bone.
The twins watched as their younger sister led Ilmare back to the halls of Greenwood, guiding her with a gentle hand on the small of her back. Elladan and Elrohir casted each other a look out of the corner of their eyes, guilt present upon their faces.
Legolas stood behind them, his feet still submerged, water dripping from his tunic. He watched as his friend slowly walked away, worry eating him up from the inside. He hoped she would be okay.
…
"Come along. We are nearly there." Arwen murmured to the girl beside her.
Ilmare simply nodded, her teeth chattering loudly. She felt as though she was getting colder with every moment that passed. She was still drenched and was unable to get warm while she was still wet and was not getting any dryer.
Ilmare had not spoken the entire walk back, thinking about how trapped she had felt underwater. She remembered the burning in her lungs, the weakness in her limbs, how the air was so close, yet she couldn't reach it. Her body quivered again, from the cold or the memory, she did not know.
Tamarthon, who was stationed at the front gates, watched as the two elflings approached slowly, looking with worry. He started towards the two girls, abandoning his post.
"What happened?" he questioned, looking at Ilmare who was shivering uncontrollable.
Arwen opened her mouth to answer, but Ilmare cut her off, speaking in a small voice.
"I f-fell into the r-river,"
Arwen concealed her confusion. She did not fall in; her brothers threw her in. Why was she lying? Why was Ilmare protecting Elladan and Elrohir?
Tamarthon's eyes buldged. "You fell in? Are you okay?"
Ilmare gave a tiny nod. "I am f-fine. Just c-cold, that is all."
"Let's get you warmed up," the warrior said, nodding towards the halls. "We do not want you to get sick."
Ilmare said nothing as she followed him through the gates, wanting to change out of her damp clothes, wrap herself in a fuzzy blanket, and sit in front of a fire… or perhaps in the fire. She really didn't care at the moment, just wanting to get warm fast. Arwen stood by her side, rubbing her arms in an attempt to cause friction. She, for some reason, felt responsible for her brother's actions. Arwen knew that they were careless, and enjoyed playing jokes, but they had taken it too far this time.
Tamarthon had led them as far as the royal hall. "Go get changed. I will send for Aerin to check on you later."
Ilmare gave him a wry smile of thanks before following Arwen past the heavy wooden doors into the hall. She wasted no time stepping into her room. Arwen started a fire while Ilmare peeled off her damp dress and threw it to the ground along with her just as wet under dress. She slipped into a new one and a thick nightdress meant for the colder months. Along with that, she put a robe over her shoulders and stripped the bed from the heavy quilt and wrapped it around herself before plopping in front of the fire place, sighing in relief as the heat radiated from the flames and onto her face.
"Is that better?" asked Arwen, sitting herself beside Ilmare. "Are you warm now?"
"Yes," Ilmare breath, leaning her head back as warmth seeped back into her limbs. "This is much better,"
They were silent for a while. Arwen looked over at Ilmare, who was watching the fire. She could see the golden flames reflecting in her deep blue eyes, a yellow glow upon her pale face.
"Why did you not tell that guard that my brothers threw you into the river?" asked Arwen at a length.
Ilmare looked over at the girl, furrowing her brows. "Do you wish for them to get into trouble?"
Arwen shook her head rapidly. "No, that is not it… but still, why?"
Ilmare exhaled loudly and looked back into the flames as she spoke. "I saw no reason to do so. Why get them into trouble? I- I am sure that they did not mean it…" she spoke the last part with uncertainty.
"Are you cross with my brothers?" asked Arwen, watching Ilmare's face carefully.
"I-" she stopped, pressing her lips together tightly before groaning in defeat. "I do not want to be… but for some reason, I am."
"You have a right to be," Arwen reasoned, placing a soft hand upon Ilmare's cloth covered shoulder. "There is no reason to be angry at yourself for it."
Ilmare said nothing and looked down at her lap, twiddling her thumbs nervously. Arwen didn't pry for any more information, not wanting to stress the tired girl.
They were alone for another few minutes before there was knocking at the door. Arwen stood and went to open it, wanting Ilmare to rest and not over exert herself. She opened the door and revealed a worried looking elleth, the queen and her mother standing there as well.
"She is in here," Arwen stated before any one of them could ask.
Ilmare watched as the three elleth swept into the room, Aerin quickly reaching her side and taking her face in her hands.
"Are you alright?" Aerin asked, seeing how Ilmare's nose and the tips of her ears were tinted pink. "How did it happen? Are you warmed up yet? Can you breathe alright? Are you-?"
"I am fine," Ilmare said, cutting off her endless babbling. "I just fell in, that is all."
"Ilmare," Melian said, taking a step closer to where she was seated in front of the fire. "You cannot swim. How did you get out?"
Ilmare smiled sheepishly. "Legolas got me out. If it was not for him, I would have drowned."
Celebrian raised a brow. "What were Elladan and Elrohir doing?"
"We were just walking," Ilmare shrugged. "I stepped too close to the edge, lost my footing, and slipped in." She met Arwen's eye, hoping that she was silently saying not to mention anything about what really happened.
"You should not be so careless," Aerin scolded, looking pointedly at Ilmare.
The elfling laughed with little humor. "I suppose you are right," Ilmare sniffed and then sneezed loudly.
"It would appear you are getting a cold," Melian pointed out as Ilmare wiped her nose with the back of her hand. "You should get some sleep,"
Ilmare nodded weakly, for she was weary and would not deny that she longed for rest.
"May you have a peaceful slumber, Ilmare." Aerin said as the elfling crawled into her bed, wrapping her blanket around herself tightly, snuggling into her mattress deeply.
Arwen followed her mother and the rest of the elleth out of the other elflings room. She casted one last look over her shoulder, seeing Ilmare's blanket coated back, her head hidden from sight. Arwen sighed deeply, looking at Ilmare with sadness. She could only hope that the other girl would eventually forgive her idiot brothers.
…
The others had only been gone from Ilmare's room for about five minutes, and she found that she could not fall asleep. Her mind was racing, the scene in the river playing in her mind over and over. Ilmare couldn't believe how close to death she had been… again! She cursed herself for being so weak.
She hid her face in the blankets, as if escaping from the shame. Ilmare stayed like that for a while, breathing in the scent of herself that clung to the sheets. She sniffed again, her nose stuffy and running at the same time.
Ilmare abruptly sat up at the sound of someone entering her room, wondering who would do that without knocking first. Her answer was quickly answered when she recognized the silhouette of Legolas, quickly making his way towards the edge of her bed.
"Ilmare," he breathed, getting on his knees on her side. "Are you alright?"
"Yes," Ilmare reassured, sitting up and hanging her legs off the edge. "I am now, because of you."
Legolas sighed in relief and placed his forehead on the mattress. "Thank the Valar…"
"It is you I should be thanking, not the Valar." Ilmare said, tilting his face up so he was looking at her. "I would have drowned if you did not come when you did." She let out a light laugh. "I guess you really do save damsels in distress."
Legolas chuckled along with her for a moment before turning serious again. "You told everyone that you fell in. Why?"
Ilmare immediately turned more somber. She shrugged. "I did not want them to get in trouble. They are our guests."
"They get in trouble all the time!" Legolas countered. "This time would be no different."
Ilmare said nothing, only studying his face. She noticed he was still damp, not bothering to change out of his wet clothes. "Are you not cold?"
Legolas shook his head. "It is nothing." He fibbed, for he was rather cold.
Ilmare, of course, knew that he was not telling the truth. "Go get warm." She demanded. "Healers orders. We do not need two elflings with colds, do we?"
"You do know that you are not a full healer yet," Legolas argued, but stood anyways, a fond smirk upon his lips. "You still have to complete training."
"Healer-in-training's orders then!"
Legolas chuckled. "Alright. Get some rest, Ilmare. Feel better."
Ilmare laid her head down on a pillow, watching as Legolas walked out of the room. "Is that a Princeling's orders then?" she quipped.
"Goodnight, thinnas."
…
Ilmare was excused from training until she got over her cold. Andoiel would not allow her into the healing halls while she was Spreading Disease, as the healer liked to call it.
So, Ilmare spent most of her time in her room, drawing, reading, doing whatever she could to pass time. It was rather boring most of the time, but it never stays like that.
It was dark out, the time being well past midnight. Ilmare sat on her bed, her legs tucked up beside her. A well worn book was in her hands, bound in thick, red leather. She had read it many times before, but never grew tired of it. She rubbed her thumb over the yellowing pages, the smell of old paper and ink wafting to her nose.
She was lost within the world in the book when frantic knocking roughly dragged her into reality. Ilmare made a face, not only annoyed, but curious as to who would be knocking on her door at this time of night. She marked her page and set the book down upon a pillow, padding over to the door on her tiptoes.
Ilmare turned the knob, opening the door a crack. Irritation flooded through her as she saw one of the twins standing outside her room. Ilmare still found herself angered at the brothers, though she did not want to be. They had not spoken since the day with the river, and that had been almost a week ago.
"What do you want?" she asked coolly, not opening the door all the way.
"Please, Ilmare." He said desperation deep with his voice. "It is Legolas. He is hurt."
This got her attention. Ilmare threw open the door without hesitation, revealing the other brother supporting an unconscious Legolas.
"Bring him in!" Ilmare ordered. The twins placed the prince upon the bed as Ilmare examined him.
Legolas was in a disheveled state, his clothes ripped and muddy, hair messy and filled with twigs and leaves, and a large red mark on his temple.
"What did you two do this time?" Ilmare questioned sharply, putting her hands on her hips.
"We were having a tree climbing contest," Elrohir told her. "Legolas was in the lead, but his foot slipped and he fell and hit his head on a branch."
"Are you sure you did not throw him off the tree?" said Ilmare bitterly before she could stop herself. She shook her head and examined Legolas more thoroughly. "You two always get up to so much trouble…" she fumed. "Do you not know not to challenge a wood elf in tree climbing? There is no way you could have won…"
The twins were silent as they watched Ilmare study Legolas, waiting what she would say. After a few more painfully quiet moments, Ilmare reached a verdict.
"He needs to be woken up," she told them. "I need to go get the smelling salts. Sit him up and keep his head elevated."
Ilmare said nothing more as she left her room in a hurry. She could only hope that the other healers were out of the healing halls by now and no one would ask her what she was doing out in the middle of the night in her sleeping dress and barefoot.
Ilmare was lucky. There was no one up, so she was easily able to slip into the healing room and rummage through the supplies, picking up a couple of different salts, just in case one did not work. Ilmare shut the door behind her softly as she hurried through the halls, wanting to get to her room as quickly as possible.
Ilmare entered her lodging, seeing that Elladan and Elrohir had done what she had asked and were both sitting next to Legolas, keeping the prince up right.
The girl said nothing as she opened the first jar of salts, waving it under Legolas' nose. There was no effect. Ilmare picked up the second one, but the result was the same.
"Why is nothing working?" Elladan asked.
Ilmare gave him a hard look that silenced the boy before turning back to her work. She opened the last container of salts. If this did not work, they would have to get Andoiel. Ilmare placed the strongly smelling salts under Legolas' nose. She held it there for a heartbeat and then he gasped and his eyes flew open. Legolas made a face and swatted the salts out of Ilmare's hand, getting it all over the floor.
"Legolas!" Ilmare cried is disdain, highly annoyed because she was going to have to clean that up.
Legolas blinked a few times, his vision clearing. There was a pounding in his head as memories of the events from before played out. The race, slipping, and the last thing he remembered was falling.
"Where am I?" he mumbled, his head spinning around to see his surroundings.
"In Ilmare's room," Elladan told him.
Legolas stopped searching around and paused, seeing that he was, in fact, in Ilmare's room. He took a deep breath and lowered his aching head into his hands. "What happened?"
"You were reckless," Ilmare answered. "You were passed out when these two brought you here. You must have hit your head."
Legolas laughed, and then cringed when his head hurt again. "That would explain this pounding in my head, wouldn't it?"
Ilmare gave a small smile before turning to the twins, an un-amused expression on her face. "Why did you bring him to me?" she asked. "There are much more skilled healers in Greenwood."
Elladan threw his hands up in the air. "I do not know! We panicked I guess…"
Ilmare pressed her lips together tightly and shook her head. "You two need to be more careful sometimes! One day, something will go very wrong and you will face the consequences! If you do not-"
"Ilmare!" Elrohir cut her off, looking at her desperately. "I know you are still angry with us, and tonight didn't make it any better, but we are asking for your forgiveness."
Ilmare stood frozen, tilting her head to the side. Elladan picked up where his brother left off when she did not speak.
"What we did to you was inexcusable," he continued slowly. "We put your life on the line, and it was too close of a call. We are begging for you to forgive us… please."
The girl stood in shock for a few moments, her mouth hanging open stupidly. She was not expecting this from the twins. She did not know they felt that way.
Legolas watched the exchange out of the corner of his eye, studying Ilmare's expression carefully. Before they had begun the race, Elladan and Elrohir were telling him about the regret they felt about the episode with the river. They wanted to know the best way to apologize to her. Legolas had laughed and told them that it was nearly impossible for Ilmare to hold a grudge.
"I- I, uhm…" Ilmare stuttered.
"Please?" Elrohir said, pouting his lips slightly in hopes that it would help their cause.
Ilmare rolled her eyes and sighed in defeat. "Fine. You are forgiven."
"Good," said Elrohir, opening his arms. "A hug to close the deal?"
Ilmare couldn't help the smirk that grew on her lips. "Sounds fair enough." She gently placed her arms around the elflings middle, resting her head on his shoulder. Elrohir hugged the girl back, throwing his hands around her waist. He watched as Elladan walked up to them.
"I am forgiven as well?"
"Yes, Elladan." Ilmare laughed and hugged him back as she did to his brother.
Legolas thought that the display of affection was lasting a bit too long for his liking. The prince cleared his throat loud, efficiently breaking the pair apart. "Will I be alright? Is there anything I need to do differently?"
Ilmare walked over and studied his eyes, making sure that they were focused and clear. She placed her hand on the side of his face and smiled reassuringly. "You will be fine, my dear Princeling." She smirked and poked the red mark on his forehead, causing the prince to hiss in pain. "But you will have a nasty bruise."
"Thank you, thinnas."
"It was no problem, princeling." Ilmare paused and looking at the ceiling thoughtfully. "Perhaps I should start saving damsels in distress now."
Legolas did not find this joke funny.
Authors note:
It has taken me longer than usual to update and for that, I apologize. School has started up yet again and I do not know how much I will be able to update from now on. I go to an IB school which means there is a lot of rigorous work to do every day, but I will try to write when I can.
I would like to thank everyone who has reviewed and followed and favorited so far.
Lady Rose of the Fandoms: I am glad you are enjoying this story so far! As for my other stories, I felt as though they were going nowhere and I found that I really wasn't enjoying writing them anymore. I am happy to know that someone enjoyed them while they lasted! Sorry about that!
Don't forget to review!
