CHAPTER 25: Wishful Thinking
Legolas POV
"Are you almost ready, Legolas?"
"Yes," I nod apprehensively. My body is ready but my mind is not quite there yet. Two years is no time at all, but the days I spend in agony make it seem like it has been decades. Getting information out of Shohrae has also proved to be a difficult task since she is known to be built like a steel trap when it comes to divulging anything. She continues to repeat she is not at liberty to tell me.
Although I am the prince, I cannot force it out of her. It is that kind of power she possessed over me. Shohrae has become very dear to my family over the many years we have lived in Mirkwood, and I honestly do not know how the delegating and political side of running our kingdom would be like if she was not in charge of it. I thought of her as almost a mother-figure and feel very lucky to have her to keep me grounded when it came to my behavior.
I also do not pack anything with me since I do not know how long I am to stay in England. Mix feelings of travelling back makes me think it best to only bring myself. I always leave a few things in my room anyway so there is no need to carry any belongings I have here except for my bow and arrow.
"May I come in?" Darcien knocks on the open door. Shohrae has left to finish gathering what she needs and was going to come back for me when it is time to depart. "So, tell me…how are you feeling?"
"Much better. Still a little stiff but back to normal for the most part," I reply. Darcien starts to laugh softly, shaking his head. "What?"
"That is not what I meant."
I roll my eyes and sigh. "I do not know? Whatever news my father has to tell me could be good or bad. Either way, it is not something I want to speculate on. But—I know it is something important. Why else would Galadriel allow me access back?"
"If you see Ellessia at all while you are there, will you send her a greeting from me?" he asks.
"Why not come with us?" I suggest. "It has been quiet in Mirkwood and there are plenty of other captains and generals to give orders while you are away. Put Herill in command until you return? He is a capable Elf. Captain Palos can also resume your duties."
"Yes, Herill is capable of giving orders, and Captain Palos has years of experience ahead of me, but this journey is meant for you, Master Legolas. I have no business of being there. I am only here to escort you to the portal."
"I need no escort, captain. And, I am sure my father would be happy to see you. If Ellessia is there, so will she. You really have no good excuse for not going. I could also command you," I chuckle. Darcien only shakes his head with a smile.
"Ready?" Shohrae returns to my chambers. "I must say, Legolas, I do not think I have ever seen your chambers this organized before?"
"It is a lot harder than you think," I grin to myself.
"I will meet you outside," Darcien bows.
"Do not take too long, my friend. Pack light," I smirk at him.
"Pardon?" he slowly looks up with a confused look in his face. And so does Shohrae.
"Darcien was telling me before you came how he wishes he had the opportunity to see England, so I suggested he come with us. For all the hard work he has put into protecting our lands, he deserves a short vacation, would not you agree?" I ask Shohrae.
My father's assistant and advisor is surprised by the idea. "Well, of course, you are more than welcomed to join us. Had I known sooner I would have invited you personally," she smiles at him. "We will wait for you at the portal."
The captain cannot do anything but obey and so he leaves to gather a few of his belongings. I am sure he is muttering obscene things under his breath. I try hard to suppress my smile after the foul look he gives me. He never likes to be tricked into anything, but I have my ways. And it was not as if Darcien disliked the other world, he just is not accustomed to it as the rest of us.
"I have no clothing to wear in the other world," he says as he approached the portal. "I really do not mind staying behind."
"There are extra clothes on the other side you can wear," Shohrae smiles. "Do not be nervous, Captain."
I am still trying my best not to break out into laughter. I guess she knows he is hesitant about travelling but will not allow him back out now. Darcien straightens his posture and states he is not nervous. He only wants to make sure he blends in well. "I think you will blend in just fine," I grin.
Shohrae open the portal and steps through, vanishing in seconds. I am suddenly the one who became hesitant to follow. What if none of this is real? What if once I step through, I will wake from my dream? "What is the matter, Prince Legolas?" Darcien asks.
"Nothing."
"Do not tell me you are scared to enter?" he raises an eyebrow. "You have been waiting for this moment."
"What? Scared? I have no reason to be scared. I have done this a million times," I roll my eyes as if he is talking nonsense.
"Then why do you not enter?" he slightly grins.
"Why do you not enter?" I challenge him.
"Because you know I have no real desires of going. You tricked me into this," Darcien points out.
"All the more reason why you should step through first—in case you back out," I reply, motioning for him to enter. "Ellessia will be very disappointed if you do not show up."
"Why do we not step through…together?"
"There is not enough room for the both of us," I show him. The portal is only wide enough for one individual to enter. The other would have to squeeze through it if they attempt to enter at the same time.
"Then we will both enter it sideways," he says.
"Oh, very well," I roll my eyes.
Once Darcien's back is to me, I push him as hard as I can until he disappears inside the portal. He is not going to be very happy with me once he reaches the other side but I can no longer stifle a laugh. I take a deep breath, close my eyes, and jump through after him. Within minutes, a different forest appears before me. I smile at the familiar scent of this forest and have not realized how much I missed it.
"I was wondering when you two were going to get here," Shohrae gives us both lecturing looks. She is back in her business attire that she wears in this world.
"That was quite unnecessary and uncalled for," Darcien furrows his eyebrows, looking very bothered by my actions.
I politely smile and pat him on the back. "But you're here now, aren't you?"
"Whatever you two have going on, save it for later. Here, Darcien, put these on," Shohrae instructs. She hands him a button down shirt, slacks, and shoes. There is a secret closet shaped like a tree near the portal where we keep different types of clothing depending on which world we are travelling to.
"Why does he not have to change?" he asks her.
"Because I always come here dressed this way," I smirk.
The people of this world know me to be an archer and so my outfit is nothing out of the ordinary. Darcien, however, they have not seen before. It might raise questions as to why we are dressed in similar uniforms. However, I laugh at the idea because it does not really matter what the people at my father's estate think since they know our true identities. It is merely one of those 'special privileges' I like to use.
The three of us swiftly make our way out of the forest and into the field behind the castle. Every other year my father holds futbol or soccer tournaments back here since it is big enough to be a sports field. I become more anxious as are almost at the back entrance. "Master Legolas!" Markus greets us. "It is good to see you," he gives me great hug as usual.
"It is good to see you, as well, Markus," I chuckle in his grasps.
"Miss Shohrae, welcome back," he smiles at her.
"Hello, Markus," she smiles back.
The cook glances at Darcien. "And who is your companion?"
"I am Darcien Dridcas," he bows his head.
"He is one of my captains and a good friend of mine," I tell Markus.
Markus smiles and extends his hand. Darcien is unsure on the gesture but mirrors him as Markus shakes it in return. It is uncommon for us to shake anyone's hand so I have to grin at the captain's questioning look. "It is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance. Any friend of Master Legolas is a friend to us here."
"Thank you," he half-smiles, still looking slightly confused.
"Please, come into the dinning room. You must be famished from your journey. I have food waiting to be served to you," Markus says, practically dragging us to the table.
Shohrae tells me my father is in the city and will speak to me once he returns. I take Darcien to the southern wing of the castle so he can get situated into the room he will be staying in while we are here. He wants to roam the property to get familiar with the area after he unpacks and agree to let him do as he pleases. I head for my wing of the castle and stop short on the second floor. I look down the hallway and stare at Isa's room. My heart wants me to go there, just to see it one last time, but my feet will not move in that direction. I clinch my jaw tightly at the familiar feeling my heart is telling me—that she is gone and not coming back. With remorse still filling my insides, I turn my head away and continue to the third floor.
My room is the exactly the way I left it two years ago. One of the maids comes in here every few weeks to dust so it does not look so ancient when I return, although I do not like anyone coming in here without my permission. Again, I am sure it was something Shohrae overrode. Everything always remains untouched and sitting in its exact spot so I have grown used to expecting it to look fit for a prince.
I take a shower and open my drawers for something clean to wear to blend in more. Rummaging through my shirts, I see a garment that does not belong to me. I pull it out and see it is a satin nightgown—which clearly is not mine. It was hers. She must have kept it here before we left for Mirkwood. But, what was it doing folded under my shirts? Maybe one of the maids accidentally placed it with the rest of my clothes by mistake when they did the laundry. Whatever the case was…it still smells like her. I can smell her scent on the garment even with the products used to clean it. I grip it tightly, closing my eyes. There is so much here that reminds me of her. I refold the nightgown and stuff it in the very bottom drawer I have, hoping to forget about it.
Darcien is most likely outside, sightseeing around the castle walls and the strange things my father has on the property like the pool, tennis court, and driving range—things he has never seen before. I thought I'd join him and answer any questions he has about the estate and what human things are here that my father has acquired.
I am back at the second floor, staring at her room again from the staircase. For a moment, I forgot where I was going. I know I should keep to my destination but, instead, my stubborn feet finally lead me directly in front of her room. Out of habit, I almost knock until I realize it is a foolish thing to do since no one would answer. There is nothing audible to my Elven ears that tell me someone was in there either.
Still, my heart beats its steady pace very loudly in my chest. I envision her by her bedside, turning in my direction once I open the door, smiling at me. However, when I finally do muster up the courage to open it, it is not the scene playing in my head. The room is empty as to be expected. There are no traces of her anywhere. All her belongings are gone, drawers empty and racks only filled with lifeless hangers. Her scent still lightly lingers but that, too, is quickly fading.
Closing the door quietly behind me, I go on my way. Coming back here no longer seems like such a great idea now that all these emotions are trying to make their way back to me. After I speak to my father, I contemplate on returning to Mirkwood with Darcien. I want to find her and tell her everything that is in my heart, but I do not want to ruin her new life if she is finally happy. Perhaps I will consult with my father once we discuss the matter he wants to address and see what his thoughts are.
Not much here has changed. Things are still as quiet as ever since not many stay at the castle. They only come when summoned or when something needs to be done. Everyone here lives a quiet existence when appearances are not so necessary. I search around for Darcien, hoping I will spot him sooner or later. Suddenly, I step on something. I remove my foot and see one of the aeglos flowers. I pick it up and look around me, seeing a row of them planted nearby. Many are starting to finally bloom as the air is warming again from the colder months. I keep it with me, putting it in my inner coat pocket.
"Legolas!" a female voice calls my name. I turn around to see a familiar face. "It's so good to see you!" she practically jumps on me.
"Ellessia?" I laugh in disbelief. I'm overjoyed to see my cousin again. "What are you doing here? Where have you been?"
"It's only been about two human years, Legolas. You have gone for decades without seeing me," she rolls her eyes with a smile.
"Yes, I know," I smile. "But…given the circumstances when you left…"
"I know," she nods with a sympathetic smile. "I arrived three days ago. I also did some travelling for a while around Europe, Asia, South America—all over the continents!" she laughs. "There are so many wonders in this world. I currently reside in the States."
"The States?" I ask, meaning they still had some sort of connection. "So, have you spoken to…her?" I am almost afraid to ask.
"All the time…" she nods slowly.
"How is she?"
"She's good…happy."
"I'm glad to hear that," I half-smile. There is more I want to ask but I cannot bring myself to do so. Not yet. I can hide my mood and facial expressions easily but when it comes to her, it is something hard for me to master. It is like someone torturing you with a hot poker and pretending that you do not feel a thing.
"So…how are you? You have no idea how good it is to see you. You're looking well, cousin," she gives me a warm smile.
"Thank you," I bow politely with my head. There is no need to get into the pain and suffering I endured for Ellessia to think I have been doing well for myself since the day they left. "So, tell me. From all the wonderful places you have visited and you now living in the U.S., what brings you back here?"
Ellessia gives me a mischievous grin that I have known her to have. She is up to something, I can feel it. "You," she finally smiles.
"Me?"
"Well, I knew your father was summoning you and thought it would be a good opportunity to see how you were doing," she explains.
"Ellessia?" Darcien comes around the corner.
She turns to him with shock written on her face. "Darcien!" she exclaims, then looks to me for some sort of explanation.
"In case you were here, I told him he should say hello himself," I laugh softly. My cousin runs to his open arms as he picks her up. You can see the genuine love they have for each other. I am happy for their reunion yet sad to see them content in one another's arms as I want what they have. They finally remember my presence and compose themselves again to avoid my jealousy.
"Prince Legolas, your father has returned and wishes to see you in his study," he informs me.
"Very well…you two enjoy yourselves," I grin. Ellessia rolls her eyes at me and grabs Darcien by the hand, dragging him to another part on the property. I try to mentally prepare myself for what my father has to say.
"Come in," he says as I knock on his study door.
Slowly opening the door, I show my head inside first. It is dark and very noble-looking as it always is. "You summoned for me, father?"
My father stands from his desk and walks over to me, giving me a tight embrace. "It is good to see you again, my son," he grips my shoulders firmly.
"You, as well, father," I smile.
"Have a seat, Legolas."
I sit on one of the couches he has transported here from Mirkwood as he goes back to sitting behind his desk. "So, what is it you want to discuss with me?"
"You," he leans forward with his hands clasp together on the desk.
"Me?" I give him a quizzical look. It appears all the attention is focused on me. But why?
"Tell me what is on your mind, Legolas," he replies softly. "Not what you think I want to hear but what you really want to say."
I stand and do a short pace around the couch, jaw clenched. I cannot find the right words to describe what I am feeling but my father remains patient as he waits for me to say something—anything. This entire thing has caught me off guard…which is very rare. Something inside of me is bubbling to the surface, something I cannot explain. I try to stay calm for as long as I can, but I cannot contain myself any longer.
"I am angry!" I finally blurt out, my hands balled in fists. "I am angry that she left and that I did nothing to stop her when I had the chance! I am angry that I have had to suffer like this with my heart constantly eating away at me! I am angry that I will forever live a miserable existence and eventually wither away into nothingness…" I sit back down burying my face in my hands from the frustration I've released, then leaned back into a lazy slouch and looked toward the ceiling. "There. Is that what you wanted, father?" I ask quietly.
"I summoned you here, Legolas, because you have been through a great deal of suffering—first with your mother and now with her. I want to do what is best for you to keep you moving forward in the Outer Lands. There is no need to punish yourself for the actions you wish you could have altered because they have already come to pass. Do not dwell on the hurt but embrace the opportunity for the other things that lay ahead of you," my father says.
"What is it that you wish for me to do exactly, father?" I reply, with frustration still in my voice.
"Live, my boy!" he answers with a commanding, pleading tone. "You are my only son, Legolas, and I do not want to see you leave this world before I do. I want to give you the opportunity to decide if you want to stay in Mirkwood or live your ageless life in this world. Why not travel like Ellessia did? There are plenty of things to discover in other countries, which you may find interesting—sights, food, people…"
"I cannot just leave Mirkwood, father," I shake my head.
"I have already discussed it with Shohrae. She will take over as ruler while you are away. If you so choose to return, she will hand the title back to you. We both know she is the best candidate to take your place."
"Yes, I know that, father, I have considered it myself, but—"
He raises his hand up to stop me. "Just take some time to think about it, Legolas. Do something for yourself for once. You do not have to carry these responsibilities alone, not when you have others willing to help. You have done more than I could have ever hoped for in a son and ruler to our people, and I will always remain proud of you and support you regardless of what you decide to do," he says with sincerity.
"So, is this the real reason why I am here? Why Galadriel opened the portal for me?" I ask, wanting to get to the bottom of the truth.
"A part of it, yes," he nods.
"What do you mean?" I furrow my eyebrows. I can tell there is something else that he is not telling me.
"Really consider the options I have given you. Stop by my study around this same time tomorrow for more will be explained to you. It might not make much sense to you now, but it will," he smiles, assuring me.
Leaving my father's study, I am more confused than when I entered. He is basically having me decide if I want to stay in Mirkwood to rule or live my endless existence in this world instead. But why would I? Being here is a constant reminder of her. Travelling to different places sounds intriguing but what if I ran into her somewhere? Would I be able to handle it? It seems too risky since I would be carrying this heartache with me until the End. I would rather not have that false sense of security that I am truly over her because I know for a fact that if we run into each other, all those emotions I have been suppressing will only resurface again.
He also says more will be revealed to me tomorrow, but what else could my father say? I doubt he wants me to make a decision so soon, so I put the thoughts of it in the back of my mind. What has me more curious is Ellessia presence here. If my cousin knows of my arrival, would she have told her as well? I want to find her and the captain but then I realize they most likely want to be alone to catch up. Many things have happened in the two years they have been apart. It also makes me wonder what new things have happened for Isa. Ellessia says she is happy so she may be doing things for herself that she loves.
And since there is no company I can enjoy but my own, I head back into the forest with my bow and arrow and sit against one of the trees. I always feel more at home and peaceful whenever I am inside the thicket of the trees and branches. If I do decide to travel around this world, I would greatly miss this. But, then, I suddenly laugh because I told myself I was willing to give this up for her—all of it, which meant my crown and the only life I have known for almost three centuries. I suppose it would not be so difficult having someone to spend a different life with but, spending it alone in a foreign land, that is going to be challenging.
I also know I can never love anyone again as much I do her. Elves are known to have one mate, one true partner, for the rest of their lives—no substitutions. I have heard the human phrase, "Date around," to figure out what type of partner an individual wants, but in my case, I did it to see if I want someone else…and I do not. All those previous maidens I courted held no weight in my heart. Not like she does. And none ever will. My heart will be tied to her forever.
With not much else to do, I make my way back to my room until dinnertime. There is a television set in my living room that I rarely use since I did not spend a lot of time here, but I finally turn it on. This world's technology is amazing and has all sorts of ways to make life easier. I can imagine the many things we could do with it if we were allowed to bring it back to Mirkwood. But I also understand the simplicity Galadriel wants to keep in our lands.
Continuing to flip through the channels, nothing catches my interest. I finally give up and decide to see what Markus is up to. He is in the kitchen as usual, preparing one of his many dishes. I sit on the bar stool and watch him create his masterpieces. "Oh, hello there, Master Legolas," he says. "I barely heard you enter."
"What are you making this evening?" I ask.
"I thought I would make something special tonight. I am preparing some steaks and lobster bisque. I hope your companion, Darcien, enjoys it."
"I'm sure he will," I smile. "I haven't known anyone to dislike anything you make."
"Well, I try my best," he chuckles. I continue to sit and watch the different things he has on the counter. Markus seldom has another cook help him with his preparations as he likes to do everything himself. He spends hours in this kitchen. Everything here belongs to him and we consider it his domain.
"Are you making your special salsa again?" I ask, seeing a bowl full of ingredients.
"Ah…yes. I will," he seems hesitant to answer. "But, this is not a part of the salsa. I am making something else for that."
"Like what?"
"Oh…you know…an experiment. I have no name yet for it," he shrugs. Markus is acting slightly strange with his answers and I do not know why. He also has barely looked at me and more quiet than usual. He normally has a lot to say.
"Well, is there anything I can help you with?"
"No, no, I'm fine. But, thank you," he smiles.
Darcien and Ellessia come in through the backdoor laughing about something. "Oh, hello, Legolas," she stops short. "What are you doing here?"
"Last time I checked, the kitchen was a public place in this castle," I reply sarcastically. "Is it really that strange to find me in here?" The three of them glance at each other before Ellessia laughs it off. I notice she has a nervous ring to her voice.
"Prince Legolas, I hear you have a few paintings here as well," Darcien breaks the awkward moment. "Would you be willing to show them to me?"
"Yes, that sounds like a wonderful idea!" Ellessia beams.
"I agree," the cook chimes in. "I am almost finished here. By the time you come back, dinner will be served."
"I'll go freshen up while you show him your paintings," she smiles again. My cousin seems very eager about Darcien's request for some reason.
"If I didn't know better, it would seem you are trying to get rid of me," I slightly joke. Although, that is the feeling I am receiving. But I quickly laugh to show I am not very serious about the remark. If they want me gone, then fine, I have no complaints—for whatever reason it is.
Taking Darcien to the room where my father keeps our paintings, I show some of them I did myself. The paintings are gifts to my father to have a piece of our Woodland Realm here with him so he was never far away from home. I asked him once if he missed Mirkwood and he says he did, however, he has now made his new life here in England. Mirkwood was also never the same without my mother. I know he eventually wishes to return to Aman to be with her, but for now he has postponed the calling of the Sea.
Dinner goes by quietly. Ellessia is mostly talking about her many adventures and different things she has experienced on her travels. "You should really try to ride a camel one of these days. They are such fascinating creatures!" she exclaims. Darcien asks most of the questions while I nod my head every now and again to show some interest. My father appears to have other things on his mind as our meal goes on. And, Shohrae, well, she excuses herself early to take care of…something? Ellessia shortly follows after her not really giving an excuse. I am not sure if everyone here is really acting strange or if it is just my imagination? After dinner, we all head our separate ways.
Being in my room somehow feels different tonight. Perhaps it is because the last time I slept in here was with her. It feels too much out of the ordinary so I leave and head outside. I am always more comfortable outside than inside anyway. The stars in the sky are beautiful. I can see a dozen shooting stars flying by on my way to the field. Humans only see them in rare sightings since their vision are not as sharp as ours.
The night air is cool and comfortable. I lie down on my back with my hands propping my head like a pillow, just watching the heavens. This is something I do not get the chance to do very often since we always have to stay alert in the forests of Mirkwood. But, here, in my father's estate, one could be a little more carefree with their activities. I begin to wonder if Eärendil visits this side of the world as well. Humans do say, 'skies the limit'.
After a while, I start glancing at my surroundings. Things here are a lot calmer than it is back in Middle-earth. You can almost literally hear the crickets chirping. Back home, any sound you hear could mean an enemy is close by—very different from how the people here perceive sounds in the woods. And up ahead, I can see my father's tower…which later became known as her tower. No one used it for years until she came here. I focus my attention on the structure and the countless hours she spends there studying or reading.
Taking a closer look, something suddenly catches my eye. I sit up to get a better view of it. I could swear I see someone or something by the window watching me. The figure quickly vanished as soon I notice. I shake my head thinking I must be imagining things again. Nothing about today is normal.
The night is getting late so I finally head back inside. I tell myself travelling through the portal must have started to play tricks with my mind. I also have to remember not to treat this as some sort of vacation as my father is looking into me giving him a decision about what I want. Hopefully, he will be able to shed more light on the subject when we meet again.
In the morning I hear someone knocking on my door. I roll off my couch, opting from sleeping on my bed, which was not such a great idea on the uncomfortable cushion. I stretch my limbs as I open the door. "Good morning! Hurry up and get dressed. We have a long day ahead of us!" she smiles.
"What are you talking about, Ellessia?" I ask, as she pushes pass me to let herself inside my room.
"Did you…sleep in here last night?" she looks at my perfectly untouched bed. "Because I know for a fact you cannot fold bedding that well."
"I slept on the couch. Thought I would try something new," I reply sarcastically.
Ellessia rolls her eyes. "Well, whatever makes you…comfortable. Anyway, go get dressed. We are taking Darcien into the city today. We can pick up breakfast there."
"Why am I joining you? I thought you wanted to spend time together? Besides, I have to meet with my father later today," I tell her.
"Darcien has never been to the city and I thought it would be nice if we both showed him around. He's also your friend, you know. We'll be back in time before your meeting with your father. I already told him what we were doing today," she answers, examining my things. I forget she has not entered my room in decades. I eye her with a smirk. "What?" She gives me a questioning look.
"You only want to me to go with you so when you go off shopping, you wouldn't have to subject Darcien to it. With me there, I can keep him company while you disappear."
She looks at me, shocked at my assumption, but she knows it is true. I can tell she is trying to think of an excuse to say but ends up confessing. "Fine," she sighs. "I haven't gone shopping in an actual store in so long! And, all of my favorite stores are here. The selections of styles in the U.S. are so limited so I always have to get them shipped to me."
"I knew it," I chuckle.
"Please, Legolas," she begs. "I do want to show Darcien around but I don't want him to get bored waiting by the dressing rooms for me. It's his first time here and I thought there would be places you could show him that he would also enjoy." I ponder for a bit, making her beg some more as she hardly asks me for favors. "C'mon, Legolas…please? I'll tell you what. You do this for me…I'll tell you something about Isa!"
"What?" I have to ask her to repeat her bribe.
She smiles knowing she got my attention. "So, what do you say? You show Darcien around while I go shopping and I'll give you a piece of information on Isa."
"What if I don't want to know any information on her?" I challenge, crossing my arms over my chest.
She gives me a skeptical look mixed in with a little sarcasm. "I know you, Legolas. You forget we are related. You and I both love a good intrigue."
"Fine, tell me something about her," I roll my eyes.
"Only if you agree to show Darcien around while I wander through my stores," she says firmly.
"Yes, fine, fine," I sigh.
"Very well," she smiles widely. "Isa is not seeing anyone," she whispers, giggling out of my room. "Don't take too long!"
"Wha…?" I ask her retreating form. She cannot tell me that about Isa and expect me not to ask other questions! My heart skips a beat at the information. So, if Isa is not seeing anyone then does that mean her and Aromin are not together? If that is the case, then the rumors around the palace are false. My heart smiles a little knowing she is not with him. And if not with me, anyone else but him!
I quickly change and meet Ellessia and Darcien downstairs, my mood somewhat lighter. Whether or not they were together at some point, what matters to me is they are no longer an item. The stubborn, pouting side of me says she deserves better than that Elf. The calm and rational side says he probably has remained a gentleman to her. But, of course, I am going to stick with the negative aspect of the likelihood of them.
We take two separate cars to the city so Ellessia has more room to throw items in her car without suffocating us in the mass of handbags. Darcien rides with her as I drive my own car. The captain is very impressed by the kinds of vehicles we have made out of 'metal and steel' as he puts it. The wonders of this world are starting to entertain him.
After breakfast, we show him the sights and famous places around London and have him try other foods that are not available in Middle-earth. We also go into an electronics store and show him computers, flat screen televisions, and cellular phones. What he thought was highly entraining are the Apple iPods. He has never heard music in such a fashion before, his reaction amusing Ellessia and myself. He is like a child seeing the world for the first time.
When my cousin finally decides to make her escape to go shopping, I show Darcien other places and monuments around the city—even the subway tunnels. It is not hard finding things to capture his interest since the way of life here is so different from back home. I know he will definitely want to visit again.
The afternoon is soon getting late and we have a long drive home. I also still have to meet with my father so we leave the city without Ellessia. She says she will meet us back at the estate when she is done making her rounds. On our way home, I receive a text message from Shohrae asking me to stay in my room until the meeting. It is an odd request since I never had to do that before but I said I would obey, nonetheless.
"Any thoughts as to what my father will say to me today?" I ask Darcien for some ideas.
"Maybe he is going to tell you your decision will determine what he will do with his time here in England?" he speculates.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, let us say you decide to stay? Maybe he will let you take over a part of his business here? Or maybe even travel with you?"
"What if I choose to stay in Mirkwood?"
The captain shrugs. "Perhaps he will stay here in England until he is ready to come home himself? I really do not know, sire...it could be anything."
I only hope my father does not want an answer from me today as I have not given my full attention to it. I keep throwing around different ideas and what my life would be like if I remained in this world. Back in Mirkwood, my life would continue as it did until the Sea calls for me. If required, I will still give the throne to Shohrae. But, I honestly believe my father does not care what I choose as long as it is something I want for myself.
When we arrived back to the estate I notice Ellessia's car already parked by the front entrance. I am surprised she beat us home, thinking we had left before her. I place my hand on the hood of the car and find it strange the engine is cold. If she has only gotten here, the engine would still be warm—but it is not—meaning she has returned some time ago.
The palace is oddly quiet as I venture to my room. Darcien has entered the castle before me so he was long gone before I set foot inside. I stay in my room as Shohrae asked me to do, trying to see what else is on the television. However, I never had the attention span for it because it is not something I am accustomed to. People here spend too much time indoors while there is so much to see outside.
"Legolas?" Shohrae knocks.
"Come in!" I yell from the couch.
"You can go to your father's study now when you are ready," she half-smiles.
"Is he ready for me?"
Shohrae merely chuckles. "You do not have to knock, just walk right in," she says.
Her reply seems strange to me. But, then again, I still feel like I am in another alternate universe aside from this land. "When did Ellessia get home?" I ask curiously.
"I am not sure but she has been back for at least a couple of hours or so," she answers. "Why do you ask?"
"No, reason," I smile. "I must have gotten caught up in showing Darcien the city that she got home before us." I just smile again and make my way to my father's study without waiting for Shohrae to respond.
I am about to knock until I remembered her saying to walk right in. My father never likes anyone entering without announcing themselves so I wonder what made him change his mind. "Father?" I call out, opening the door slowly. I can see his desk but there is no one here. "Father, are you in here?"
His room is quiet like the hallway. I invite myself inside, closing the door behind me. As soon as I turn around, I freeze in place. No, this cannot be…it has to be a dream. A dream is the only plausible explanation for everything that has been off since I arrived in England. Yet, I know my eyes are not deceiving me. It feels too real.
"Hello, Legolas…" she half-smiled. "It's been a while…"
Author's Note: How's that for a cliff hanger? LOL. We're nearing the end, folks.
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*bows*