Chapter 10: Building Bridges

Legolas strode purposefully through the ship's corridors. He was at present a mixture of worry and anger. He opened his Wife's bedroom door without knocking. He was prepared for a fight, for her to start shouting, but she lay curled up in a ball fast asleep. His defensive stance disappeared instantly and he sighed heavily.

He sat carefully beside her and noted her swollen cheeks and damp pillow. She had left him after their passionate encounter last night and he was furious when he woke, but knowing that she fled only to spend the night crying softened his resolve somewhat. He lay beside her and carefully wound his arms about her sleeping form, holding his breath slightly as she shifted, placing herself more comfortably against him. Legolas let it out slowly as she continued to sleep. This was all he had wanted, just to hold her, and she had refused him. But why?

She had come to him, surely she wanted a ceasefire. But why did she run from him afterwards? He felt an incredible blow to his pride at the thought of being so used. Maybe it was just sex she was looking for. Legolas' cheeks burned red at the thought of his less-than-chivalrous performance the previous night. The entire affair could not have exceeded five minutes. He knew she did not finish disappointed, so why did he feel embarrassed? Perhaps, he felt, he should have made more of an effort to gain control of the situation, and worship her properly. Yes, he should have loved her as if it were the first time all over again.

He ran his fingertips over the curves concealed beneath her nightdress. How could he have treated her this way? He thought she had changed, but as she lay here sleeping she was still his sweet Ceres, that little girl that had kissed his cheek on his first day of school. She was still his best friend's pesky little Sister, still his childhood friend, still the girl he fell head over heels in love with. She was still the one who ventured into adulthood with him, hand in hand as they faced the harsh world. They had drifted somewhat, but her hand was still in reach, and he was not about to risk letting it fall.

With an anxious knot forming in her stomach, Ceres climbed the stairs to go upon deck. She had been woken by Evie and Nienna, telling her it was almost noon. She was hoping to have avoided her Husband entirely today, unsure as to how he would react to her forceful actions last night. She felt awful for using him to quash her arousal, she knew the effect she had upon him and that she could stir it in him almost instantly, but his willingness surprised even her, only deepening her guilt. When she had tried to rise from him he had clung to her so lovingly she wanted to weep. He had laid back, outstretching an arm so that she might fit cosily against him. She had been tempted, but her conscience would not let her. She had gone to him telling herself it was just sex, but the moment the post coital haze lifted she knew it could never be thus between them, there would always be love and commitment. She had watched him as he drifted quickly to sleep, a sweet smile upon his lips. Eventually she could stand to watch no longer and went back to her room, crying herself to sleep. In her dreams she was safe in his arms, but she may never be held by him again. He must despise her now, if he did not before last night.

"Ceres," his voice broke her thoughts as she was about to descend the stairs and take lunch in her room to save facing him.

"You're late, but Evelyn and I saved you a plate," he smiled, indicating the empty seat beside him.

Every elf at the table was watching for her response, trapped in their stare she moved towards Legolas and sat beside him, feeling that under such scrutiny there was little alternative. "Thank you," she mumbled.

Not very profound, but everyone seemed relived that at least some exchange had been made between their Prince and Princess. Even their Daughter seemed happier at their finally having broken the silence. She was sure Evie was not savvy to the problems that had plagued the air around her, but sometimes she worried that the toddler would sense the unhappy feeling between her and Legolas. She attempted to steal a sideways glance at him, but he was looking openly upon her. He graced her with a smile, though it was sad and longing. Ceres inched her hand slowly towards his, resting on the tabletop. Tentatively she stretched her fingers over his, and to her enormous relief, he entwined them loosely. They ate in silence, though she found she had little appetite, more concerned with gauging her Husband's emotions.

After their food she, Legolas and Scott spoke at length with Nienna about the lands in Arda, pouring over maps with her at the table and trying to memorise who dwelled in each land. Evie played happily upon the deck in the sun as they studied, showing her interest intermittently.

Looking at the modern maps they had added to the ship's collection, they traced their path from England out into the Atlantic Ocean. "Are they sure this is the right way?" Ceres asked, "Surely we are just heading for the Americas?"

"Leowen assures me this is the way they came, he is reading the stars," Nienna answered assuredly.

"We're heading into the Bermuda Triangle," laughed Scott.

"Perhaps that is essential," mused Nienna, thinking of the stories the humans told surrounding the area.

She cast her thoughts back to the night the storms began on their voyage from Arda to Valinor, Thranduil had said when they cleared that the stars had changed. Could this mysterious part of the sea hold a magic to send one to an entirely different world? She thought about the theory in silence, the boys would only mock such a consideration if she chose to share it. She smiled at the thought that she may be the first in Earth's history to finally crack the mystery.

Eventually Legolas and Scott decided to train some more with Leowen. Scott had been put off quickly originally, but was becoming more involved and determined these past few weeks. It had started as showing support for his Friend in his lonely state, but he was really enjoying it now his basic skills had improved. Both men pulled off their shirts and tossed them on a chair as they turned to greet Leowen.

"Gracious child!" Legolas' Mother exclaimed as she stood hurriedly.

Her Son looked to her worriedly asking what was wrong. Nienna of course laughed musically, having recovered from her initial shock. "I would advise you keep your shirt on your back for a few days my dear," she suggested, handing him his blue long sleeved top.

"It's far too hot Milady," Leowen began, but cleared his throat amusedly as Legolas started to twirl in an attempt to see what was so offensive. The Captain caught a glimpse of the angry red lines gracing the Prince's flanks and silenced his protestations. Having heard him with his Princess quite clearly the previous night he did not need to second guess their origin.

Ceres was now attempting to make herself invisible, sinking in her seat and attempting not to openly cringe with her embarrassment. She had been horrified to have woken with blood beneath her fingernails that late morning, she had practically mauled her Husband as they frantically made love.

"That was fast work," Scott muttered, partly impressed, but mostly disgusted to his Friend, who was replacing his shirt now. He stared at his Sister to find her pretending to study a map, then left, encouraging Leowen to follow him that they may begin the day's training.

Legolas wondered at the Captain's smirk and his Mother's knowing smile. Perhaps Scott was the only person on board not to have been rudely awoken by them last night. Now his insecurity about the brief length of their coupling grew exponentially. That feeling fled him the moment he laid his eyes upon Ceres however, she left him in no doubt of her satisfaction.

Nienna caught a heated glance between her Son and his Wife before they both hurried in opposite directions. Ceres rushed to her Daughter's side, preening her and attempting to join in her game. Evie was more put out than pleased at having some attention. Legolas strode with his head held high to the staircase then, with one last lingering look grazing his Wife's form he disappeared below deck.

The Queen retook her seat at the table, beginning to fold the maps. She felt quite happy that the love between Legolas and Ceres burned as brightly as ever it did. For the past few weeks it looked to be diminishing altogether, but it was merely hidden. Last night their cries could not have been mistaken for anything but passion. Her relief was extraordinary during the night, but when Legolas had arrived for breakfast alone, and looking troubled she worried for them once more. Her Son looked even more broken then than he had previously. Looking around the breakfast table she had also noted the confusion and concern on the faces of her fellow elves. But the look they had just shared, it said more than any words could. She felt as if she had just witnessed a very intimate moment and was an intruder in it. They both in those few moments of locked pupils were reliving the memories of their lovemaking, silently pleading for more of it. Yes, they would be well, they had made the most difficult step. She would have to keep her eye on the situation, to ensure they stay upon the correct path, most importantly however, she must keep Thranduil from interfering. And as several days passed, Legolas and Ceres continued to build their bridges, slowly.

Ceres lay alone in her bed and bunched the blankets tighter around herself. Today she almost asked her Husband to come back to her at night, she was unsure as to what stopped her. But now, in the cold, hearing the wind howl outside and the rain beating against the side of the ship she wished he were there. The rocking of the vessel had been steady until now, but it was becoming erratic.

She stumbled into the corridor and towards her Daughter's cabin, now situated close to her Grandparents due to the obvious problems between her Parents. She passed an elf awkwardly on her route, trying not to clumsily knock into him. The elf grasped her arm as she swayed again with the ship's movement.

"Can I get something for you Milady?" he asked.

Ceres shook her head and smiled dimly.

"Will you permit me to escort you to your destination?" he continued.

Conceding, she nodded slightly and spoke, "I wish to check on my Daughter."

The elf nodded and held out his elbow for her to steady herself, then walked toward Evelyn's cabin as if taking a morning stroll, with her trying to stay upright with the sway.

When they arrived, the elf opened the door and walked Ceres inside.

"Mummy!" cried Evie and held out her hands to her Mother. She didn't get out of her bed, too afraid of the moving floor.

"Darling," Ceres breathed as she hugged her little girl tightly, "Shhh Mummy's here now."

"Is there anything I can do your Highness? Can I fetch something for your comfort?"

She had momentarily forgotten about the kind elf standing in the doorway. Speaking without thinking she asked him, "Would you send for Legolas? I know he must be busy, but if he can be spared," she trailed off, a little embarrassed. The request of his presence was as much for her benefit as for their Daughter's.

"Of course I will find him myself now and relay your request, I will also find you some more blankets," he added, his gaze cast down so as not to look upon her in her nightdress.

"Thank you," her mind groped for his name, "Boran."

He glanced up surprised and smiled genuinely. Then he bowed and left on his errand.

Ten minutes or so later he reappeared with an armful of blankets, and her Husband in tow. Legolas walked immediately to the bed and gathered his Daughter up in her blankets, lifting her into his arms as he sat on the bed. Rocking her gently he pulled her Mother to his side and kissed her hair lightly. "Daddy you have to stay with me."

"I'll stay for a while, until you fall asleep, then I have to help, so that the ship can sail in a straight line," he simplified for her benefit.

"No!" she sat up in his lap, "No Daddy I don't want you to fall in the sea!"

"Shhh Shhh, that's not going to happen Evie," Try as he might, he couldn't calm her.

Boran looked upon the family. Now they were returning, he may finally have a chance of one himself. He prayed that his sweetheart had waited for him, if she had he would ask her to marry him the moment they were reunited.

An almighty boom rumbled somewhere outside and Evelyn screeched, burying her face in her Father's chest and grasping desperately at the straps of her Mother's nightdress. Legolas held her tighter as Ceres shushed lightly and stroked her blonde curls.

"Stay," he bid Legolas as the Prince struggled with the toddler draped about his neck, "Your family needs you here."

Legolas smiled gratefully at the elf, "I do not wish you to think I would shirk my duty."

"I understand," Boran said kindly, "We will be back on course by morning little one, you shall see!" he addressed Evelyn happily, then left them huddled under the blankets he and Ceres had arranged about them.

"Will we?" she asked her Husband in Sindarin, to save their Daughter the worry.

Legolas did not have an answer, but he pulled her even closer, kissing her forehead, her eyes, her cheeks, then doing the same to Evie.

He hoped so.