Chapter 14
You Came Back
Legolas' POV
It was then I knew I had to go back. I had to tell her the truth, in person.
Maetharanel's POV
My father was up and walking on his own again in no time. It made me smile to see him strong again.
"Maetharanel we need to talk."
I followed my father to the gardens.
"My daughter you know the reason we came here?"
"Because you were hurt?"
"I meant Gandalf's reason for leading us here."
I shook my head.
"He wants me to ask for the aid of the elf lord in reading the map."
"And you do not like this idea."
"No I do not. He is an elf….."
"An elf who healed you! Mother was an elf! I am half elf papa!"
He sighed and turned away from me. I walked forward.
"Papa reclaiming Erebor is important to you! If Lord Elrond can help you then you must let him! I know this is something you have always wanted, I do not want to see you disappointed."
He turned and smiled small.
"You are wise beyond your years my daughter. Something your mother also was. Very well, I shall ask for his help, but I would have you there with me as well."
I smiled and nodded.
"Of course. I would have asked to come either way."
He laughed and kissed my cheek.
"Now go and do what you please until dinner. After we shall meet with Gandalf and Elrond."
I nodded and ran off.
When the time came for me to go with my father, Arwen found me.
"Maetharanel."
I turned and looked at her. She looked guilty.
"Arwen?"
"I should have told you about Legolas and who he really was. He asked me not to…he thought you would hate him. I went against what I knew to be right and I am so sorry."
I smiled.
"I do not blame you. And I think I know now why he left. He hates me, for what my mother did to his father."
She bit her lip and then said,
"There is another thing. You and your company must leave tonight. After our father's meet, you must go."
I frowned in confusion.
"I do not understand."
"My grandmother is here, and so is Saruman the White. Saruman will not let your father continue this journey I know it! You have to go before you can be stopped."
I nodded and hugged her.
"Hannon le Arwen, mellon nin."
"Lle creoso."
We separated and I left to find my father. He was in the library with the others. I bowed respectfully to Lord Elrond.
"My lord."
He bowed and gave me a small smile. My father did not look happy.
"Our business is no concern of elves!" he spat.
"For goodness sake! Thorin! Show him the map!"
"It is the legacy of my people! It is mine to protect, as are its secrets."
"Save me from the stubbornness of dwarves! Your pride will be your downfall!"
I glared at the wizard.
"How dare you! My father…."
Papa held his arm out to stop me. I fell silent, but I still glared. Papa took the map and held it out to Lord Elrond. At this I had to smile.
"Thorin no…" Blain started.
Papa stopped him and Elrond looked at the map.
"Erebor. What is your interest in this map?"
Before any of us could answer, Gandalf spoke.
"It is mainly academic. As you know this sort of artifact sometimes contains hidden text." As Elrond walked away he said, "You still read ancient dwarvish do you not?"
The elf lord held the map up towards the moon.
"Ah! Cirth Ithil!"
"Moon runes!" Gandalf and I said.
Papa looked at us.
"An easy thing to miss." said Gandalf.
"If it is true then Moon runes can only be read by a moon of the same phase on the same day in which they were created." said Elrond.
I saw a little hope in my father's eyes.
"Can you read them?"
He smiled and nodded. As they walked away I stayed. Papa looked at me.
"Maetharanel?"
"I am quite tired Papa…would it be alright if I went to bed?"
I motioned for him to come towards me.
"Are you feeling alright?"
I slipped him an note, telling him what Arwen had told me.
"Yes, I am….well I am still a little upset. I will be fine."
He nodded.
"Very well. Sleep well, I love you."
"I love you too Papa."
I kissed his cheek and then went to my room. I had to get Legolas back. No matter what it took. I packed my things and ran off towards the entrance of the hidden valley. I would only go as far as the mountain trail, my father would be able to meet me there. As I reached the entrance, I saw Legolas. He looked at me and I ran faster. He ran towards me and I flew into his open arms. I held onto him as thought I needed him to live.
"~You came back!~" I breathed.
"~Of course I came back! I was a fool to leave in the first place! I thought I was doing what was right! I am so sorry Maetharanel.~" He said.
I pulled back so I could look into his eyes.
"~You are here now. That is all that matters to me.~" I said.
He smiled and I smiled right back at him.
"~My father knows you are a wood elf….he does not know you are the king's son.~"
His eyes widened.
"~And how do you know that?~"
I smiled mischievously and he chuckled.
"~Legolas you must promise me something.~"
He looked at me, waiting for me to continue.
"~Do not leave me like that again.~"
He smiled and pulled me against his chest.
"Gweston."
I smiled and burrowed my face against his tunic.