Author's Note:
It has been a year, but I hope I can make you guy smile like I always did.
Enjoy, with my sincere and humble apologies!
~S~
Chapter 6
Minas Tirith,
Gondor,
Minas Tirith gleamed golden in the bright sunlight, seen across the fields of Pelennor. They slowed their horses to a trot as they passed through the fields, out of respect and murmuring words of prayer to the fallen buried there. Once they crossed the fields, they went on a full gallop until they reached the gates.
Minas Tirith had lost its gates in the War, but the Dwarves sought to rebuild it. The new gates were thick, similar to the old ones but of undoubtedly better quality.
"Who goes?" One of the gate wardens called to them.
"The Prince of Eryn Lasgalen, answering the King's invitation." One of his guards called out.
"Enter! The Citadel awaits you." the black-haired guard looked up at Legolas, pressing his fist over his chest. "Greetings, Prince. We are honored for your coming." Legolas nodded at him with a smile. People milled about as they entered the Circle, guiding their horses in a walk up the slope. Legolas turned to the guard who spoke for him.
"I think I can talk for myself, Aeglos." Legolas chided him.
"King Thranduil's orders, my lord," Aeglos replied, unperturbed.
"Sometimes I do not like my Royal Guards."
"We… do not really care, Sire."
Legolas shook his head, chuckling. The Rangers he could bend to his will, but he never could win an argument with the Royal Guards.
The city had changed over the years. The wrecked buildings were torn down, the rubble removed and newer buildings built in their places. The streets seemed newer, which meant Aragorn had them renovated. The people were not as excited to see the Firstborn as they had been when Arwen was first brought to Minas Tirith for her wedding. No doubt they had grown quite used to such comings and goings.
Upon reaching the Citadel, they were welcomed inside but neither Aragorn nor Arwen waited to greet them. Faramir was obviously not there, no doubt the Ithilien Forest.
"Where is the lady Queen?" Legolas asked the servant who greeted them in the throne room. His voice echoed off the walls. The black and white tiled floor beneath them gleamed in the sunlight streaming from the long rectangular windows.
"The lady Queen is in the lower levels, overseeing a few projects she started."
Legolas frowned. He did not like the way the servant looked at him, with a mild placating expression one would wear while speaking to a child.
"And the lord King?"
"The King is not in attendance at the moment." The man said. "Your rooms have been prepared. Perhaps rest and refreshments would be better. You may speak to the King and Queen in the evening."
Legolas frowned before turning to the guards behind him.
"Go," he said. "Get some rest and take a walk around the circles. I will send for you when I need you."
The guards, dismissed, obeyed. Aeglos remained stubbornly by his side.
"What is it this time?" Legolas asked, sounding mock-weary.
"The king, your father, ordered one of the Royal Guards to accompany you at all times."
"I am going to the privy."
Aeglos' lips twitched in silent mirth but he kept his serious face.
"Even then."
"Fine," Legolas said, turning on his heel. He took the corridor he knew would lead him to Aragorn's study. They both knew that Legolas was most certainly 'not' going to the privy and it was rather a ruse to get the latter Elf away. The servant hurried up to him.
"The king is busy with the matters of the kingdom," he said. Legolas took longer strides. Aeglos matched his easily. The servant had trouble keeping up.
"Oh, he wouldn't me." Legolas answered.
"The king must not be disturbed."
"I wouldn't disturb him."
"My lord-"
"The Elves of Eryn Lasgalen are strange folk," Legolas said. He did not miss a single step. The servant's breathing was becoming labored. "We sacrifice insubordinate servants who get in our way to the stars and spill their blood on the soil to make it fertile."
The servant immediately stopped protesting. From the corner of his eye, Legolas noted how the man's skin became white. His steps faltered before Legolas and Aeglos left him, in effect, in the dust.
Aeglos chuckled behind him.
"We do not." He said.
"He was getting under my skin."
"The odd thing is you sounded very convincing."
"Who is to say I alone do not do such a practice?"
"Because you will be named kinslayer, my lord."
"Oh, I just do it for the people who are not to be missed. Like you, Aeglos."
There was soft laughter from his guard.
"What?" Legolas asked suspiciously.
"King Thranduil mentioned that if you were speaking aimless, empty threats then I would know I am doing my job properly."
Legolas emitted a low growl from his throat, very much like Fion. Aeglos pretended not to notice. Upon reaching the study, he nodded to the guard standing at attention before opening the door.
The man sitting behind the desk with a quill in hand had barely changed over the one year Legolas had not seen him. His hair was salt and pepper with a matching but trimmed beard. There were small wrinkles around the eyes more from merriment than from stress. The ragged colors of a Dúnedain were long gone, with rich black and silver shirt, tunic and trousers in its place and a silver tree and stars embroidered on the front of his tunic.
"I told you to knock before entering." Aragorn said without looking up. Legolas smiled.
"Where is that ceremonial armor you had to keep wearing throughout the day?"
Aragorn nearly jumped before looking up in surprise. Legolas' smile broadened.
"What are you doing here?" Aragorn asked, aghast.
"I sent a message that I was coming."
"I know. But I was supposed to be informed to greet you on the steps."
"Well, then, your servants decided to take the matters into their own hands." Legolas glanced over the reports resting on Aragorn's desk and then at the various maps on the nearby table.
"You are drowning yourself in paperwork, I see." Legolas said dryly.
"I rather enjoy it."
"You are just about the only person I know who doesn't mind slaving at the desk."
"Working," Aragorn corrected. He was grinning. "It's called working." He covered the distance between them in a few strides. He pulled the Elf in an embrace before slapping him good-naturedly on the back a couple of times. Legolas winced.
"Do you intend to break my back like the Rohirrim are always keen on doing?" He demanded before pulling away.
"I am just so happy to see you, friend." Aragorn pulled Legolas towards a chair set in front of his desk before going behind it.
"I am not so happy to see you." Legolas said. "There is something I would like to discuss with you, on the matter that you are supposed to talk to me first before speaking to Erestor, Glorfindel, Celeborn and my father."
Aragorn raised his brows and gave a subtle look to the Elf standing behind Legolas. Legolas turned his head and gave his guard the most withering look he could muster. Aeglos only returned it with a serene smile. Legolas sighed in irritation. His family was famous for their stubbornness but the stubbornness of their Royal Guards matched and sometimes surpassed even their own.
"Aeglos, go take a walk."
"I am afraid that is not possible, my prince."
"Aeglos-"Legolas warned.
"There is a side garden just across the hall and within shouting range." Aragorn spoke up. "It is a nice place to breathe some fresh air and straighten your legs."
Aeglos looked at one royal and then at the other before nodding his head slowly. He silently left.
"I am starting to be impressed." Aragorn remarked. "King Thranduil certainly knows how to enforce guards upon you."
"It was due to a mistake on my part, though it was a highly rewarding mistake." Legolas rose from his seat and faced Aragorn, casually dusting the back of his long tunic. "How long are we alone?"
"For another hour before I am called to a meeting. Why?"
Legolas studied him for a moment before swinging his fist at him. Aragorn staggered under the blow.
"You deserved that." He told him. Aragorn rubbed his jaw. The blow had not been strong as Legolas could throw, but it was enough for him to stumble.
"We really should stop meeting like this." Aragorn told him.
"You spoke to my father, Celeborn and Erestor of giving me a colony here and you did not tell me!"
"I knew the answer would be no."
"It IS no! It will always BE no!" Legolas replied, before falling silent. Frowning, he marched to the door and wrenched it open, nearly frightening a spying servant to death. The guard was nowhere to be found.
"Yes?" Legolas asked, his voice loud and menacing. The man muttered some incoherent words of fright before scuttling away. Legolas frowned, more out of concern before slowly closing the door.
"You have spies here." Legolas said, turning to Aragorn, previous misgivings forgotten.
"You noticed." Aragorn said, shaking his head. He had already seen the servant before Legolas closed the door and reminded himself to speak to Faramir about it.
"Why?"
"Not everyone is happy for seeing a king, Legolas," Aragorn said, sighing as he sank into the chair. He rubbed the side of his jaw where Legolas had thrown his fist. The blow had not been strong enough to leave a mark, though it had been enough to catch Aragorn off-guard. "There are many who think that the line of Kings should have ended. They say that the Stewards were ruling just fine."
"You saved their sorry behinds at the gates of Mordor." Legolas said in disbelief.
"No one mentions that," Aragorn said dryly. Then he sobered. "There are problems here in Gondor, Legolas. They are not as simple or as visible as the ones Rohan faced. Rohan only had short supplies and burned villages with men desperate enough to raid travelers in the hopes to put food on the table for their wives and children to eat. But here the problems are deeper. These nobles play games, Legolas. Some of them are conceited, the others run gangs of thieves in the far out cities. Others blatantly lie to my face when the truth is so obvious. I don't know where to begin."
"You can't possibly have thought being a king would be so simple," Legolas said. "Elrond must have warned you kingship among Men is not simply a walk in the garden."
"He warned me." Aragorn said. "I just did not think it would be this difficult. Faramir and Imrahil are full supporters and that is a relief. However, I warned them not to sound too supportive for me to the point they are nearly shouting it off the rooftops. That will ruin their own credibility if it looked like they followed me blindly. And I want the people supporting Stewardship to support them and thus let me gain their trust through them."
"And is this strategy working?"
"To a part, yes. But some are simply too stubborn." Aragorn said. He sighed and rubbed his temples slowly. "Like I said; I didn't think it would be this difficult."
"Give it time," Legolas said.
"There are so many orphans," Aragorn said with a shake of his head. "The orphanages are full. Education is not common even among the nobles. Lady Lothíriel and a few other noblewomen could claim to be fully taught, with varying knowledge in different languages and arts. Others simply know how to run a house, and have more superstitions than I could count. Arwen and her handmaidens are working in this field but I believe in time, it will be difficult for her as well."
"Let me guess, they find it demeaning that an Elf would teach them and who is a female no less." Legolas said dryly.
"They are a little set in their traditions."
"What you are saying is that they are ridiculously stubborn." Legolas corrected.
"Legolas, let me give you some genuine advice; do not use that bluntness here." Aragorn said seriously. "Nobles take it in offense. This is not Eryn Lasgalen."
"I hardly think they can do much with truths!"
"You don't understand. Truths are precisely how you make enemies here." Aragorn said.
"You are only giving me more reason of not being Lord over this new colony you are speaking of." Legolas told him. "And what will Gondor get from us being here?"
"Broader minds," Aragorn quipped. "And I need an Elf to be an advisor."
"Take Erestor."
"Someone less stiff."
"Raid my father's court then."
"Someone younger." Aragorn's eyes were twinkling now, the wrinkles around them crinkling in mirth.
"I am going to throw you out the balcony now."
"You wouldn't dare. I am king."
"You have a son. Your kingdom will be in the hands of your line."
"My people will not approve."
"You said so yourself they prefer Stewardship. They will throw flowers in my path, give me babies to kiss for blessing and bestow their wealth on me."
Aragorn burst out laughing. Legolas leaned back in his chair and smiled.
"I haven't laughed this hard in a while," Aragorn said, chuckling.
"Thank you. My humor is one of my charming features."
"Get you gone from my study." Aragorn scolded him, voice still quaking in mirth. "Before Aeglos decides to return and see what you are up to."
"I rather like this chair."
"Go! I am sure you are tired."
"Oh, I am wide awake, thank you. The backstabbing king sitting in front of me and his actions for not informing me about his plans for Ithilien Forest kept me from my sleep."
"I am sorry."
"Sorry doesn't suffice."
"Then what will?"
Legolas tilted his head and assessed Aragorn slowly.
"Dorián's getting married."
That took Aragorn by surprise.
"Is he?"
"Well, in time. Once they decide upon a date."
"So you will be the only Elf left of your generation who is not wed."
Legolas scowled.
"Yes. And I want you to attend Dorián's wedding. He will likely have it in Ithilien Forest."
"That's all? Legolas, my friend, you have set your standards very low-"
"Only you and a bare few others. Not the entire court." Legolas said.
Aragorn paled.
"You wouldn't." Aragorn stuttered. He leaned forward and hissed, "Do you have any idea how many nobles I will be annoying doing that move?"
Legolas smiled sweetly.
"I loathe you and everything you touch." Aragorn muttered to him and sat back.
"Does that mean I am not to be appointed lord for this colony?"
"Don't push your luck." Aragorn said sourly. "Fine; but you will not complain even a little about staying here."
"I can't guarantee that." Legolas said smoothly.
There was a knock on the door.
"Enter," both Aragorn and Legolas called out at the same time.
"My kingdom," Aragorn told Legolas.
"My guard," Legolas told Aragorn.
Sure enough, it was Aeglos standing at the open doorway, with a raised brow and an amused smirk.
"Your nanny is here." Aragorn said. "Go. Shoo! We will speak later."
Once they were out the door, though, Legolas had enough.
"I am just about done with your impudence," Legolas told Aeglos. The Elf was not too old. He was probably just a decade or so older than himself. He pushed Aeglos' shoulder, sending him stumbling in the other direction. The guard was laughing when he regained his balance. "Go on! GET! I wish not to see your face until the day we leave for Ithilien Forest."
"You have made your wishes clear, your highness," Aeglos said.
"Next time, I will push you right off the Citadel walls to see just how clear my instructions were," Legolas said. "Go on! Leave me!"
"I will see you tomorrow."
"No. absolutely not. You will see me at the stables right before we leave for Ithilien Forest, be it tomorrow or a week from now. Understood?"
"Yes, my lord."
"Good. Dismissed."
Aeglos was still grinning when he left. Once he did, Legolas gave a sigh of relief.
"I hate guards shadowing every step I make," Legolas muttered to himself. The solitude was oddly freeing. He could swear his father was probably back in the forest, imagining the torture Legolas was going through and laughing about it to himself.
He soon enough realized that none of the masters met Aragorn, but that could easily be corrected either in the evening or the next morning. Right now he hoped they were resting or touring the city. Noruil had asked him what he had in mind for his city. To be truthful, he didn't really know. He had spent so much time fighting the idea of becoming a ruler that he gave it no serious thought except when Thranduil forced him to think about it. He tried to imagine it but he conjured up only an empty clearing in a forest in his mind. He gave up. He would give it some thought.
What would it be like to be a ruler? Legolas didn't know. At best he served as an advisor, and at least he spent time as a military officer. The work of a ruler certainly spanned more than assessing his troops or giving the best course as advice. He had his father, Éomer and Aragorn work. He never thought he would have to do it. Even though Thranduil went through many life-threatening situations, Legolas had never given the kingship much thought. He always assumed he would not be there to take the crown.
The sound of birds singing and water splashing brought him back to his surroundings. He somehow walked into one of the famed Citadel gardens. The fountain stood right in the middle, with the waist-high hedges making small versions of mazes around it. Birdhouses of polished wood stood in different places with birdbaths. The birds flew about them.
He stood in front of the fountain and admired how the light broke through the droplets raining down. The fountain had many rings, each larger than the other till they reached the base. Water sprouted from the highest and smallest ring and cascaded down.
One of the birds flew directly in his face and sang low notes. He raised his hand and the bird readily perched on it. Legolas whistled a few notes in answer. He knew these birds. They used to live once in Imladris. They were pure white, with long fanning tails and small yellow beaks. Arwen must have brought them with her.
"Beautiful, aren't they?"
Legolas turned to the quiet, unmistakably feminine voice. A young woman sat on a stone bench not far from where he stood, with elbow resting on her knee and her chin resting on her hand. She was nestled in two long shrubs, which was why he missed her. Her eyes were dark grey before they shifted to the bird sitting on Legolas' hand.
"It's a wonder they keep only to the Citadel gardens. When our Queen sings, the birds sing with her."
"I apologize," Legolas said, waving his hand. The bird easily took flight and perched itself on the fountain's outermost ring and began to clean its feathers. "I didn't know I had company."
"I apologize for startling you." The woman said. She rose from her seat and Legolas noticed that she was remarkably tall. In fact, they were almost eye level. "You looked like you were deep in thought." She wore a loose white dress with flowing sleeves. The white embroidery on her shoulders kept the garment in place. Her black hair was single braided, with sapphires gleaming in the sunlight when she turned and walked beside him. She was not beautiful, but something about her pulled his attention.
"I have a few things on my mind." Legolas answered. It was her confidence, he realized. She did not once break eye contact, but kept her eyes soft enough that it was not uncomfortable. She was not smiling but there was a pleasant expression that gave her nothing. She was a noble, of that Legolas had no doubt. But the way she was dressed as well as the way she spoke to him told him clearly she did not fit in the typical Gondorian noblewoman mold.
"I would imagine life here in Gondor is far different than what you lived in the Elven Realms." She said. She stepped back carefully when the water sprayed on her dress.
"I am not living here in Minas Tirith," Legolas said. "I am on an errand."
She raised both of her brows in mild surprise. Legolas was beginning to like her. She was sharp and alert, and yet lady-like enough to not press for more.
"So, even the Elves have someone among them to run their errands. I never expected to see such."
"Every job among us has some form of honor." Legolas said dryly. "As for myself, I run an errand as a son would for a king."
She widened her eyes at that and her mouth slightly gaped. She dropped into a deep curtsy.
"I am sorry, my lord Prince." She said. "I did not realize I was speaking to someone of high rank."
"Please," Legolas interrupted, stopping her before she further deepened her curtsy. "I am not the kind to demand protocol wherever I go." She rose and Legolas bowed his head over her hand, "Legolas, son of Thranduil, Prince of the Woodland Realm. And you are?"
"Lady Candes, daughter of Lord Bór," she said. Legolas released her hand. She folded them both in front of her.
"I have not seen you before." Legolas said.
"No, I assume not." Candes' face shadowed. "When the war ended, I was left to bury my father and look after his estate. I was unable to make it to the coronation and wedding. It is only recently I began coming here to Minas Tirith."
"I see." Legolas said. He was about to ask her further but the lady gave another curtsy, this one much shallow than the one she did earlier.
"If you would excuse me, I am needed elsewhere during this time. I hope we shall meet again."
"Likewise," Legolas said. He watched the lady leave. There was something unassuming in her manner, and yet Legolas had a feeling she was someone of importance. He made a note to speak to Aragorn or Arwen about it.
oOo
The Citadel,
Minas Tirith,
As it turned out, he was unable to meet with Aragorn in the evening for the private dinner he was called for. Instead he met with Arwen. The two remained alone throughout dinner and well after it.
"Is this normal for him to be this busy?"
"Yes," Arwen said. Her hair was done in a complicated hairdo, held in place with small chains that tinkled slightly every time she moved. Child-bearing brought fullness to her face but it suited her. "He is working."
"Working? Again?"
"The advisors barely leave him alone." Arwen said, helping the handmaidens light more candles around the room. "Eldarion is barely a year old and they keep pushing Aragorn to plan a betrothal."
"How old are the potential brides?" Legolas asked in disbelief. "Most of them won't even be born yet."
Arwen laughed and some of the Ellyth had small smiles before withdrawing to give them some privacy.
"I do not know. I don't bother listening. They have given up hope of convincing Aragorn for betrothals through me."
"You look terrible in black and silver."
"And you need to learn to hold your tongue." Arwen returned. She was not even offended. "Truth be told, I am not partial for these colors but the people enjoy it when they find out the King and Queen are dressed in similar colors. I do not really have much of say." Her smile faded. "What news of my brothers?"
"There is none." Legolas said gently. "But it isn't the first time the twins have been gone longer than due. Sometimes no news is good news."
"Yes, but still," Arwen said. "Erestor wrote to me saying you met with them before they left."
"I did." Legolas said slowly. "But I am not aware of what errand they wanted to run. I am sorry, Arwen."
"There is no need to apologize. You did what you thought well. As a sister, I cannot help but worry."
"Do you know what they have chosen?" Legolas said. "Do they intend to stay with you or leave these shores?"
"I don't know. They haven't spoken about it to me." Arwen said. "They were close to mother, very much so. I think deep down, they want to leave these shores and see her again. But I am presenting them with a difficult choice." Arwen fell silent, lost in thought. "You know I might not see my mother again." Arwen said. "I doubt I ever will. it hurts a little when I think like that. I would have been happy to see her. Now, I don't regret my choice. I couldn't leave Aragorn for an eternity."
"Completely understandable," Legolas said. He offered her a comforting smile. Seeing her sorrowful expression, he decided to change the topic. "Aragorn said something about you leading some projects here in the city?"
Arwen immediately roused herself, grateful for the change.
"Most of them are related to orphans and other needy people who are unable to support themselves. The orphans are many and the orphanages were not built to take in so many. We chose some buildings we could sacrifice to be their permanent homes. There were these girls and boys who… well, were taking jobs that were not respectable and took them in as apprentices in smithies and dressing shops. The orphans, however, are taught to read and write."
"Aragorn said you are having problems."
"The older, bluer blooded noble families do not approve." Arwen said. "They tell me that I am making a mistake by educating the poor. They said that they will get ideas."
"Meaning they want the poor to be at their beck and call, to be their lesser."
"Precisely." Arwen said. "We have made enemies, Legolas. Neither of us can deny that."
"What else have you been doing?"
"Oh, the court I have left untouched. The poor welcome me happily but the nobles are not too happy with me, ever since I took on my little projects."
"I would hardly call them little."
"I need more hands, Legolas." Arwen said, troubled. "My handmaidens, even the Elves in my guard can only do so much. But I need more hands. Minas Tirith is only a start. We have the entire kingdom, much larger than Rohan in population and region, to look after. Sometimes I feel as if I am making a difference until I look at the land I am queen of and wonder what I am doing."
"You are giving them hope," Legolas said, reaching out and patting her hand in comfort. "Even the rivers are made from tiny drops of water. And only ripple only leads to more ripples. Take heart. Elves will come to me and in time you will have hands to help and in more time, the Gondorians will follow you. Remember, centuries without the line of kings are hard to forget. They learned to live without hope, to do with what they had. Now, you are asking them to change after they are too well set in their ways. Wait. You'll see."
Legolas frowned slightly, remembering the mysterious young woman he met by the fountain.
"Who is Lady Candes?" Legolas asked.
"Oh, you met her?"
"Yes."
"She is young noblewoman with one of the most important estates in Gondor." Arwen said. "Her estate is along the mountains, and she has the most quarries. We are dependent on her for ore of iron, gold and silver. Her men found some caves with precious gems, not of high quality but high enough to bring in handsome money."
"She seems trustworthy."
"I don't know." Arwen said. "I barely spoke to her. She is cautious of her tongue and her expressions and you can barely tell what she likes and dislikes. Aragorn called her to discuss the terms regarding her estate and the resources she supplies Gondor."
"Her? What of her husband?"
"She is not married." Arwen said. "Most of the noblewomen consider her spinster."
"Spinster? She is very young!"
"Yes, barely twenty-five, and let me tell you she has a sharp mind behind her eyes, much sharper than most of the noblewomen put together."
"Have you considered bringing her to your side?"
"I would if I have the time. But I feel her line of work would take her among men. She is very confident in herself. I think she is capable of handling herself well."
"What does Faramir think of her?"
"He said he rarely spoke to her. Boromir knew her better and said he would love to see her in a useful position. But back then, her father owned the estate."
"I thought women cannot inherit anything here. Everything in their name is their dowry and that goes to their husbands."
"Yes, but her father fought tooth and nail for her as the rumors go. His will, stated that the estate will go specifically to her and her husband will not have the say in her decisions."
"And everyone followed his will after his death?" Legolas asked. Arwen's lips curved into a smile.
"Ah, that's where it gets interesting." Arwen said. "Lady Candes fought her rights alone. The miners who worked the quarries followed her. Apparently her people hold her in great respect and she is very dear to him."
"Arwen you have to make her your ally." Legolas said. "These women are very rare. It will help you in your quest."
"I still need more hands."
"You will only get them if you look for them." Legolas said. His eyes flitted towards her son, who played quietly in the corner with his toys.
"You have a very quiet and polite one-year-old." Legolas commented.
"Oh, that is because you are here." Arwen answered. "Once he is comfortable around you, he will let out his true colors. Do you want to meet him?"
"Arwen, no," Legolas replied.
"Come now." Arwen said, eyes glittering in amusement. "You are not 'afraid', are you?"
"I detest children."
"No, you do not. You just do not know what to do with them. Eldarion!" she called her son. "Come here, my sweet child." Eldarion got up, stumbled before getting up again. Arwen waited patiently until he reached her.
"Go and greet him." Arwen said, gesturing at Legolas. "Say 'good evening'." The toddler went up to Legolas, stopped a short distance away and said something Legolas could not make out.
Legolas looked at the child blankly and then looked up at Arwen.
"He is saying 'good evening'." Arwen said.
"How in Arda do you understand what he is saying?" Legolas asked.
"I am his mother! Now answer him!"
Legolas looked down at the solemn-looking child.
"Good evening, little one."
His mission done, the youngling toddled off back to his toys.
"See, that wasn't as terrible as you imagined it." Arwen said.
"He needs to smile more often."
"He does, when I play with him or with his father. In any case, he is going to have a sibling soon enough. So I hope some company would do him good."
Legolas looked at Arwen sharply. The Queen only tilted her head and smiled serenely.
"Well you both are certainly not wasting any time."
The look Arwen gave him was so murderous it could have belonged to Glorfindel. Legolas burst out laughing when Arwen hurled a cushion at him. It hit him in his chest; he didn't bother to avoid it.
"Make one more jest similar to it," Arwen said.
"No, don't." Legolas protested before she reached for another cushion. He got up, and Arwen rose as well. He hugged her tightly.
"I am very happy for you, little one," Legolas said, pressing a kiss on the top of Arwen's head. "I am very, very happy."
~S~
Author's Note:
There, I hope I haven't lost my thunder.
I really do apologize. Time is something I easily forget when there is so much to do. I hope I had not tested your patience too much, and that you may still enjoy this story. Please leave a review and tell me you are still reading this? :)
*offers cookie hopefully*
Please review?
