"One day. We got one day."
"Believe me, Ithilwen, I am not crazy about this either-"
They were standing in the hallway before the courtyard where the rest of the guards on leave were waiting. Their plan to have a proper honeymoon was on hold again when Legolas was called upon to watch the borders. Since he was still a part of Greenwood officially, it was still a requirement as prince. That didn't mean that being gone for a month would be any easier.
"Look," Ithilwen sighed, slipping her arms around his waist. "I'm being selfish. This is part of your duties, and I need to accept that." She smiled. "Even if it means that we have to wait on that honeymoon we talked about."
Legolas frowned. "I promised you that when we settled we would disappear for some time alone, but it seems like all that we've been doing is everything else. This is something you shouldn't have to sacrifice. Let me speak with my adar, and-"
"Legolas, if you talk your way out of your duties because of me you won't be getting any for a month!" Ithilwen warned him. "I told you that I didn't want to prevent you from doing what needed to be done, and I mean that. Yeah, this sucks, but I'm not going to go banana-balls without you for a month because you have work. I'll find some way to keep myself occupied, I promise."
From the doors, Thranduil and Miraear watched as the pair argued. They couldn't hear much, but the words "not getting any" and "banana-balls" from Ithilwen pretty much summed up their dislike of the situation. Still, and Thranduil had to give the elleth credit, she was being incredibly sound in her argument, even if it was worded in the most bizarre way imaginable.
"How are you going to cope without me?" Legolas asked softly. He wasn't about to outright say what he meant, not with his mother within hearing distance.
Ithilwen's brows furrowed until she picked up on his sentence. "Oh! That...well, I'll just have to do without I guess," she shrugged.
Legolas leaned down to whisper in her ear. "There is something in our rooms that might make up for my absence," he hinted. "It isn't the real thing, but..."
This time Ithilwen knew exactly what he was referring to right off. "Are you telling me you packed that before we left?!" His grin confirmed her fears. "Have you lost your mind!? Did you know that you were going on duty before we even arrived?" She eyed him suspiciously.
"Actually, I didn't," he replied. "It was a spur of the moment decision."
"Spur of the moment my ass," she snorted. "You're just a perv."
"You married me."
"That I did."
"And you regret it?"
"You're a dork and a perv, Legolas," Ithilwen sighed, sinking against him in a tight embrace. "You know I don't regret it. You go out and tour the borders, and I'll stay here and find my way around the palace. And at night," she couldn't help but snicker, "I'll ransack the room to find the toy you left for me and see if my guess is right."
They shared an intimate kiss that wouldn't have been appropriate in public before Legolas pulled away reluctantly and walked through the doors and into the courtyard. Ithilwen joined Miraear as Thranduil followed suit. From their position at the open doors, she could see Tauriel, Beleg, and Calanon in the courtyard, who offered her a wave in greeting before they departed for the armory.
"You do not wish to say your farewells as they ride out for the borders?" Miraear looked at her daughter in law curiously.
Ithilwen shook her head. "If I do, I'll wind up following him, and I know I'd only be in the way. It's better that we got our goodbyes out here in private."
Miraear studied the young woman. "You claim that you are not wise in the ways of being a princess, but you cut down your words. Never let anyone tell you that you are not good enough," she said, patting her on the shoulder.
While the rest of her family had chosen to explore Lake Town before their return home, Ithilwen chose to remain behind in the palace. She and Legolas had decided to divide their time between Greenwood and Lorien while they set about making plans to rebuild the lands of Ithilien. Haldir hadn't been particularly thrilled about leaving a daughter behind when they left the woodland realm, but that was more out of fatherly instinct than any animosity towards his newly extended family. As it was, Ithilwen needed to make herself seen by the people of this kingdom and build more of an image in their minds instead of "that elleth who dresses strangely and steals our prince away". Thranduil had even taken her on tours of the palace after Legolas had left with the other guards on duty. It was still strange for her to address him so informally, but he encouraged her to continue to speak openly with him.
With that thought in her mind, Ithilwen decided a few days later to press her luck as he guided her down one of the many corridors from the library. "I know you want me to speak comfortably with you," she began, "and I'm trying, but this is something that's been on my mind ever since I met you." Ithilwen swallowed. Better get it out now while she had the opportunity. "Why have you been so accepting of me being with Legolas? Even as a friend?"
Thranduil was silent for a moment, and Ithilwen was afraid she had messed up. Then he looked down at her and asked, "Before I answer, why don't you tell me what preconceptions you had about me before we met?"
His look at her was genuine interest, so Ithilwen ploughed on. "Please don't be offended, but I've been told that you hold no good feelings with my grandparents and that you're a hard-willed king with a love for jewels that could rival a dwarf's love of caves."
When Thranduil continued to stare at her in silence, Ithilwen felt herself withdraw inside. Dammit, she knew she put her foot in it! She was about to apologize when he said, "It seems my reputation proceeds me." Then he startled to chuckle, completely throwing her off. "It is true that I have a penchant for treasure, but you have to understand that it is a symbol of a king's status to other realms. While this kingdom has endured many hardships, we are not as extravagant in treasures like our oldest elven realms. I do not know if you have been told, but my adar, Oropher, was the former King and unifier of Greenwood. I was present at the Battle of the Last Alliance as a youngling when my adar chose to proceed headlong into the fray, not waiting for the High King Gil-Galad's orders to attack. We suffered substantial losses in that battle, and when I returned with what remained of our guard, it was with the sudden ascension to the throne." He paused then, directing her to his seating room of his quarters. "The only animosity I had with Celeborn and Galadriel stemmed from the anti-Noldorin prejudices my own adar had bestowed upon me during my childhood. The history is grisly and complicated for our kin, but to put it bluntly, no one has ever been able to get along for long periods of time."
"You mean that the actions of a handful are what divided many?"
"That is a fair way of looking at it," Thranduil nodded. As they sat across from each other on couches, he said, "For one not versed thoroughly in our history, that is a remarkable observation."
Ithilwen shrugged, accepting the wine goblet her offered her. "History classes in the modern world were basically the same. Everyone fought, and it was usually for the same reasons ever few centuries, just built around new excuses." She gingerly took a sip of the wine, not used to the strength of Dorwinion. It was delicious, but she didn't know if it was something she could chug like a glass of milk anytime soon.
"As for your question," Thranduil reclined in his seat, "I have been so accepting because you have brought a light back into my son's eyes that had not been there for many years."
"I...I don't understand..."
"Legolas and Tauriel had proper childhoods," he began. "They had happy childhoods, even as the darkness from Dol Guldur began to taint our woods. I suspected something when he would send letters home, speaking of you. When we met at last, I was positive. You, my dear, have ignited something in Legolas that I had not seen since the day I gave him his first bow as an elfling. You make him happy," he continued, seeing she was still confused. "The darker the forests became, the colder he became as be began to patrol the forests. You gave him that light back that he had lost, and despite any misgivings I might have had with your grandparents, I could not bring myself to tear you away from him by association. That is why I have accepted you so easily, Ithilwen. You have given me my son back."
When Ithilwen wasn't in the presence of Thranduil, she was finding company with Miraear, who told of her duties as Queen and what she could expect as a princess. "In the event that Thranduil and I were to travel personally, Legolas would be the acting king in his father's stead, making you the acting queen. Don't look so alarmed!" she laughed at the look of panic on the younger elleth's face. "We would not subject you to overseeing an entire kingdom so suddenly!"
"That's good because I'm doing good to find the library on my own."
"You will learn the corridors in time," Miraear assured her. "It is expected that you familiarize yourself with our kingdom's history and militia though. Learn from the past to protect the future and all of that. That way, should you stand as a representative of Greenwood, you will have more of a standing than the visiting or host delegations give you credit for."
"So even here I'll be thought of as the dumb blond by first looks?"
"Only in that other realms misjudge you and believe you to be the dainty princess who cares more for jewelry than politics." When Ithilwen snorted, Miraear grinned. "I'm glad you found that funny."
"That's because it's the complete opposite of me!"
"I know that, but the rest of middle earth doesn't." Miraear adjusted the skirts of her gown as she crossed her legs on the garden bench. "Besides our history, our politics, and our military, there is one other important part about being a princess. I don't know if Morwen ever mentioned it to you or not."
"What is it?"
"The princess is required to produce an heir for her kingdom," she laughed again when Ithilwen nearly choked. "Or many, but one would be satisfactory for now!"
"Nana's mentioned something to that extent," Ithilwen squeaked, "but she never said it was an obligation!"
Miraear patted the girl's shaking hand. "I was teasing; it's not, but it would be nice to have a grandchild to spoil."
Ithilwen nodded in defeat. "I know, I know. Nana's said the same. Would you both be content with letting me and Legolas settle down first before we start trying? We'd like to have a place of our own to raise our child in."
"That is understandable," the queen nodded. "Thranduil and I already had a home and were settled with Tauriel was born, and I'm sure Morwen had her own place as well. Yes, that would be acceptable," she smiled, pulling her newest daughter into a hug. "It warms my heart to know you both will start a family one day. Just make sure that we get to meet our grandchild before we sail to Valinor!" Miraear wasn't completely positive, but she had a sneaky suspicion that she and Thranduil would likely sail west before they did. If her son and daughter-in-law were going to give them grandchildren, they had best be on the ball with their plans for the new colony.
"Lady Ithilwen?"
Galion had been running an errand for his king when he happened to spot the new princess staggering the corridors near the kitchens. It had alarmed him to see her so unbalanced, until he recognized the signs of slight drunkenness from Dorwinion. He had also noticed that she began to consume more of the drink since the prince had left for duty two weeks prior, and it appeared that this time she had taken in more than she thought she could handle.
At his call, she had turned suddenly, only to grip the wall for support until he rushed to her side. "Oh, hey there Galion," she tried not to slur, "What brings you to this far out?"
"Pardon my asking, my Lady, but where do you believe you are?"
Ithilwen scrunched her face up and stared hard at the surroundings. "We're not near Legolas and mine's quarters?"
Galion shook his head. "I am afraid not. We are just a ways away from the kitchens."
"Oh..." Ithilwen rubbed her face with her free hand. "I think I may be lost then."
"If you would allow me, I can escort you back to your rooms?"
When he offered his arm, Ithilwen took it gratefully as she stepped away from the wall. "That would be wonderful." She giggled, "It seems all I do is get lost here. I'm beginning to think I'll never understand this place."
"You will in time, Lady Ithilwen."
With Galion's assistance, the journey back to their rooms took no time at all, which was good because Ithilwen wasn't certain how much longer her feet would support her. She had been having a drink with Thranduil - okay four - and it seemed that fourth was the point of no return. They had been discussing history again, which naturally called for wine, and she had excused herself under the guise of a headache, but it wasn't until Galion had found her that she realized how far gone she was. He led her into the living quarters and helped her to sit. He was about to leave when she called out to him. "Could you...could you sit with me for a little bit? I don't want to be alone just yet." She looked so sad that he couldn't refuse her, taking a seat in the chair across from her.
"You are missing Lord Legolas far more than you are letting on," he stated.
Ithilwen sniffled and adjusted her skirts as she sat cross-legged on the couch. "We haven't been apart this long since he accidentally broke our connection during the war," she said. "Besides a few disagreements, we really haven't been apart longer than a few days at most."
"If you do not mind me asking, how long has it been since you and Lord Legolas were wed? Truly wed?" Since he had first met her, she had encouraged the butler to speak freely with her, even if she couldn't get him to stop addressing her as 'my lady'.
"It's been...a little over two months, I think?" The Dorwinion was making it hard for her to keep her dates right. "It's funny, Galion. When we got married at the beach house, Legolas promised me that we would have a proper honeymoon when we returned to middle earth and got settled." She pushed some of the loose hair out of her eyes as she slumped forward to rest her elbows on her knees. "I told him it's not that big a deal, but he won't listen to me-"
"You both have not shared a vacation? Alone?" Galion looked at her in alarm.
"Well, no." Ithilwen looked at him funny. What was with everyone blowing a gasket over their lack of a honeymoon all of a sudden? "There were at least two dozen people under one roof, Galion. Even if there hadn't been the tasks of covering our existence in that world, we still wouldn't have been able to find time to be alone. You couldn't throw a stone in that house without hitting someone!"
"Pardon my alarm, my lady, but it is important that a newly bound couple take a vacation," Galion pressed. "Even if they are the son of the king. There is a bond there that is still raw, like an exposed nerve, and it must be nurtured. This time away from everyone is for the couple to connect with each other on more than just a physical level. Having this time alone allows for separations such as your current predicament to go much smoother-"
"Is that why it feels like my heart is being torn out, Galion?" Ithilwen sniffled. Before she could stop them, the tears began to flow like the wine she had downed earlier. "I can't take it, Galion. It hurts too much to be away from Legolas like this! That's why I've been drinking more Dorwinion; I thought that it could help numb this ache I'm feeling..."
Galion watched in growing alarm as the princess quickly became a crumbled mess of tears before him. Ever since her arrival she had never expressed her emotions so openly like this, unless it was excitement or awe. He knew she had reservations about being the new elleth in the spotlight, and it appeared that she had been holding in these tears for far longer than Legolas had been gone. She went on to tell him about the times she and Legolas had disagreements and how it was nothing compared to the pain she felt now. She told him about her fears as the new subject of discussion, and how she feared she would make a mess of everything. Galion had produced a handkerchief for her to dry her tears as he assured her that Legolas would return to her in no time at all. He told her that she was doing splendidly as a princess and should not be scared to ask questions, that no one would judge her wrongly for seeking help. Before he left, he arranged for a handmaiden to come assist her prepare for bed with a light sleeping draught, since the effects of the Dorwinion were already making her drowsy.
Only after he was certain that the princess was being properly cared for did Galion seek out his king. There had been a grave mistake that needed to be corrected.
"My King!" Galion had disregarded any protocols he had been expected to adhere to as he burst into the throne room.
Thranduil was sitting with Miraear when Galion came into the room like a bat out of hell. He sat straighter as his butler all but ran to the foot of the steps and bent on one knee out of respect. "What is wrong, Galion, for I have rarely seen you break stride in honor."
Galion bowed to Miraear before he addressed Thranduil. "My Lord, it is Lady Ithilwen..." he launched into his recounting of finding her near the kitchens, clearly drunk and how he led her back to her rooms.
"She appeared fine when she left," Thranduil pointed out as Miraear looked at him.
"That is not the case, my Lord," Galion replied. "She also spoke to me of her despair at missing Lord Legolas."
"That is to be expected," Thranduil replied. "They have barely been apart for days before now."
"I beg your forgiveness, my Lord, but you misunderstand," Galion pressed on. "Lady Ithilwen told me that they never received the time alone that was allowed them after their initial wedding."
Miraear gasped in realization, and to Galion's surprise, began to strike her husband in the upper arm. "Look. What. You. Did. Oropherion!"
"What I did?!"
"Yes!" she nearly shrieked. "It was you who prepared the guard to leave for a month's worth of patrols and it was you that selected our son to be a part of said guard! Now you've gone and separated them when they haven't had a honeymoon to speak of!"
"How is that my fault?!" he asked, and Galion internally winced at the dark look the queen gave her king. "They have been in middle earth for over two months! That has been more than enough time for them to take a vacation!"
"Yes, if they weren't surrounded by family all the damned time! How were they supposed to steal away together when there was always someone nearby! They don't even have a stable home to call their own, Thranduil! Before you think about pestering your son for grandchildren, you had best think about that! Elebreth, I can't even think straight I am so mad at you right now!"
Miraear shot up from her seat to pace the floor, making Galion dodge out of the way of her temper. He looked back to his king to see that he was stewing in his own anger, though whether it was from battered pride or his own mistakes, he couldn't be sure. Galion had never witnessed the queen taking such an active role in an argument before, though he had heard her let loose behind closed doors. Whatever had happened during their stay in the other world, it had certainly left an effect on her.
"Galion," Thranduil said tiredly, rubbing his temple. "I am sorry to ask another favor of you so late in the evening..."
"It is an honor to serve you both, my Lord," Galion said sincerely. When Miraear walked by and patted his shoulder gently, he tried not to jump out of his skin in alarm. He knew she wasn't mad at him, but he wasn't sure if her anger at Thranduil would seep over by accident.
Ithilwen woke up the next day feeling slightly groggy. If it hadn't been the disturbance in the room in the movements of her handmaiden, she might have slept through the day. "What time is it?" she asked, sitting up in the large bed.
The handmaiden set the basket of laundry down at her feet. "It is nearly midday, my lady. How do you fare today?"
She lifted her hand and shook it half-heartedly. "I feel refreshed after that sleep, but still groggy."
"I expect that to be a result of the wine and the sleeping draught you took last night." The handmaiden moved to the bedside and perched lightly on the edge, lifting her hand to feel Ithilwen's forehead and cheeks as if she were checking for fever. "Are you hungry? You missed the evening meal last night and the morning meal hours ago. I could arrange for the kitchens to make you something quick, if you feel up to eating."
"That...that would be lovely, actually. It wouldn't be putting the cooks out, though? I know they must be getting ready for lunch right now..."
The handmaiden patted her hands. "It is no trouble at all, my lady. They will be relieved to hear that you have an appetite today. When you did not arrive for dinner last night, it was quite worrisome."
As Ithilwen slowly slid out from under the covers to stand, she looked at her handmaiden bewilderedly. "You guys were worried? You barely even know me!"
"You are our new princess, my lady! We can see that your separation from Lord Legolas is trying, and we only wish to make things as comfortable as possible for you." She moved to collect the abandoned laundry basket and sort the clothes away into the dressing drawers as she spoke. "We do not know much of the other right now, but we will, if you will allow us the time." As Ithilwen moved to the bathroom, the handmaiden called out, "You will find that the bath is warmed for you, my lady, if you wish to bathe."
Ithilwen poked her head out from around the doorway. "Thank you," she said gratefully, before closing the door momentarily.
The handmaiden smiled to herself as she put away the clothes. It was something that Ithilwen had claimed that she was capable of, but for the sake of propriety she wished to honor traditions and give the princess a break. She was a peculiar one, that was for certain, but she saw no reason that Ithilwen should have feared being a public figure. Her speech was slightly odd, both in its accent and manner, she often did things that most noblewomen would have tasked their servants with doing, and her 'comfortable' clothing was some of the strangest the people of Greenwood had ever seen. 'Still,' the handmaiden thought, 'she is a good match for our prince. I only hope that she can relax enough to enjoy her time in Greenwood.'
When Ithilwen emerged from the bathroom, the handmaiden had shut the last drawer and moved to make the bed. Ithilwen moved to assist her, claiming that the bed was far too big for one person to handle alone. "I will go and have the kitchens prepare something to eat for you," she said as they finished smoothing the blankets. "Will you be joining us for the noon meal today?"
"Yes, I would like that," Ithilwen said. "Being cooped up by myself all day isn't good for me; I think too much."
"I cannot see how that would be a burden, my lady."
Ithilwen grinned. "Oh, it can be a big burden. A simple thought turns to an overthought and exaggerated one in the blink of an eye. Anyway, being around others should help, and I need to get to know my way around Greenwood. I haven't been the best princess in that regard." She shrugged, feeling ashamed for wallowing in self pity for the past two weeks.
"You have been splendid, my lady," the handmaiden moved to place a small folded piece of fabric in her hands. "Last night before you went to sleep, you asked me if I could have this washed and cleaned for today," she supplied before turning away. "I will bring you something to eat shortly, my lady. Now go take that bath; I am certain you are longing for it."
Only after the handmaiden had left the quarters, Ithilwen got a good look at the fabric in her hands. It was a handkerchief, specifically the one that Galion had loaned her the night before when she got upset. Sighing, she set the cloth on the top of the dresser before entering the bathroom to strip. "I told Legolas I wasn't going to go bananaballs without him for a month and I don't even make it two freaking weeks..."
Much later, when her handmaiden left the quarters again with the empty food platter, Ithilwen dressed in a pair of black pants, a loose blouse, and ballet flats before heading out herself. It took a few wrong turns, but since she didn't know where to look first, she didn't consider it getting lost when she finally located Galion.
"How are you feeling, Lady Ithilwen?"
"I am doing better, but I still miss my husband greatly," she said honestly. "I also wanted to thank you for helping me last night, Galion. Before I went to bed, I asked for my handmaiden to have this cleaned so I could return it to you today."
Galion took the handkerchief after a pause, not expecting the princess to go out of her way for someone of his status. "It is really no trouble, my lady. I am honored that you felt comfortable enough to confide in me."'She really does not see labels,' he realized. 'And I was told to expect otherwise.' He chuckled to himself, knowing that he should never take the word of novice stablehands that had grown tired of cleaning the stalls. "I have run my errands until further notice," he began, "If you would like my company, I could show you around the inner workings of the palace?"
Ithilwen smiled and took the arm he offered. "That would be wonderful, Galion!" As they began the tour, she made it a point to declare that until further improvements in her tolerance, she would not be drinking so much wine. At least not without a designated escort to help her get back to her rooms.
"I haven't seen you this grumpy since the dwarves entered our borders sixty years ago."
"I'm not grumpy."
"The hell you aren't!"
"I thought that the Woodland guard was more often silent."
"More often than not, Lord Haldir," Beleg told him. "It seems like only yesterday that the prince and princess were squabbling like elflings."
"It was yesterday," Calanon pointed out. "And about what I believe to be the same topic."
It was true. Ever since the current guard had moved out for the month's patrol, Legolas had begun to get moodier and moodier as the days ticked on. A few suspected that he was just having a bad day at first, but it steadily became apparent that his ill mood was more about the lack of contact he had with his new bride. Tauriel had called him out on it nearly a week ago, even suggesting that he go back to be with her. Legolas had protested, stating that since he was a member of the guard and prince of Greenwood, it was his duty to serve his homeland. Tauriel would then roll her eyes and say that he was being stubborn, which did nothing to improve his mood either.
Haldir had chosen to tour with the guard while Morwen and the others visited Lake Town, so that she could reconnect with her brothers-in-law, who would assist in escorting them both ways. He had been curious about the tactics that the Woodland realm implemented when there was the possibility of attack, but so far there had been zilch to shoot at. So really he felt more like a babysitter for the prince and princess than a marchwarden as their next bout of arguing began to surface. Haldir rubbed his face tiredly as he thought of the situation. There really shouldn't have been an excuse for Legolas to have been so ill, unless... "You both have not spent time together away from everyone else."
Tauriel stared open-mouthed at her brother, who wouldn't look at anyone. "He's joking, right?"
"No."
"Why didn't you tell this to Adar?! You could have saved yourselves - and us - a lot of headache! I'm sure Ithilwen's climbing the walls right now without you-"
"I am doing my duty!" He snapped back at his sister, then sighed. "Neither one of us was ecstatic about this arrangement, but Ithilwen bade me to go. She said that she understood that duties came first."
"While I applaud my daughter for her level-headedness, I must also chastise her for it when I see her again," Haldir groaned. "She is still young and doesn't understand the implications of what she has done, Legolas. What I am more confounded by is the fact that your adar would allow you to leave, knowing this."
"He doesn't know," Legolas said.
"And you haven't told him...why?" Tauriel pressed.
"Because there has never been an opportunity to do so," Legolas responded. "When you are always moving and attending to social obligations, how do you find time to tell your parents that you and your wife have not had a moment's peace to themselves?"
"You make time," Haldir told him. "Had we known that you both had not taken a holiday away from your obligations we would have given you that time."
Silence fell on the small group on the landing, until Tauriel muttered, "I still think you should go back". Beleg and Calanon had never seen their friend act this distraught before, and while they weren't hard-pressed to push their luck, they agreed with Tauriel.
"It is merely a routine," Beleg pressed. "We have more than enough warriors with us if anything foul decided to rear it's head. Believe it or not, we've kept the fortress standing when you were traveling with the Ringbearer," he grinned. "We didn't burn it to the ground."
The fact that this seasoned warrior said that with such seriousness worried Haldir, but as he had learned in his time in Greenwood, the warriors were tough-as-nails and loyal to their king. There was nothing to be concerned with other than the twisted humor of this Beleg, but the marchwarden conceded that Ithilwen should fit right in when she got over her fear of not being good enough.
"My Lord!" A voice from down on the ground called out. Tauriel signaled for the messenger to come up, moving aside as he bowed to the prince. "My Lord Legolas, there is a message from the King that I was bidden to bring you." He produced a formal looking letter that was sealed in wax and passed it to Legolas.
Legolas broke the seal and skimmed the letter, only to backtrack and reread it more thoroughly. "Well?" Tauriel and the others looked on at him curiously. "What does it say?"
"Adar has asked for me to return to the palace. Ithilwen...he says that Ithilwen hasn't been doing well with the separation." Legolas wasted no time in collecting his belongings before climbing down the tree, all the while the others on the landing watched in shock.
"Are you kidding me?" Tauriel shrieked. "He'll listen to Ada but not me?!"
"You knew the contents of the letter?" Haldir chose to ignore the shrieking redhead and turned to the messenger.
"I was only given the orders to deliver the letter and to make sure that the prince returned home with me," he replied before going back down the letter himself.
Calanon tried to make Tauriel see reason meanwhile. "You know he has always followed his duties."
"Well from the sounds of that letter Ada sent it's telling him to follow Ithilwen's booty!"
Thranduil was waiting at the gates when Legolas came riding into the courtyard on his horse. "Why did you not tell me that you never took time for yourselves?" he asked as soon as his son dismounted.
"Because I was fulfilling my duties as a prince and warrior of Greenwood-"
"You are also a husband now, ion-nin. You have a duty to keep promises to your wife, especially when your wife has not been afforded the time alone she rightly deserves with you." As they began to walk back inside, he continued. "I am sorry for my decision three weeks ago, Legolas. If I had known, I would never have asked you to leave."
"How is she?"
"She misses you terribly. For the first two weeks she believed she could consume enough Dorwinion to mask the pain, but it was Galion who alerted me to this predicament. She had become lost and he brought her back to your rooms, where she broke down in tears and told him everything. In this past week she has been more visible around the palace, but she has recently taken to withdrawing to your rooms. It's where she is likely now. I had hoped that the messenger would have reached you sooner, but it seems your party has moved further out than anticipated."
The reason for that was that the selected landing had been demolished in the attack on the kingdom, so they had to go further out, but that mattered little to Legolas. All it did was make his heart sink at the thought that it just put him further away from his Ithilwen. "I need to see her," he stated, and without so much as a formal dismissal, he took off running down the corridor, not bothering to stop by the armory to shed the extra weight.
"You are aware that they will not be showing up for dinner, right?"
Thranduil felt delicate arms circle his waist from behind as Miraear stood on her toes to rest her chin on his shoulder. He clasped his larger hands over hers and held her to him. "It is likely that we will not see them for a couple weeks, if not a month."
Ithilwen's third week in Greenwood had been slightly better, if only that she didn't have a massive hangover from overdoing the wine intake. Galion had shown her around the inner veins of the palace, and she got to learn firsthand how some of the chores were taken care of in middle earth. It had startled the servants when she asked if she could get a hands-on demonstration, but they had relented at last when she convinced them that she was genuinely interested in how things worked. She continued to take walks and speak with Thranduil and Miraear, as well as attend the daily meals. At night, she would return to her rooms and once again be reminded that she was going to bed alone.
It was with the strange realization that she remembered that Legolas had hidden a "surprise" somewhere in the room that she spent the better part of one evening searching. When she did find the narrow-shaped box, she sat in the middle of the bed and laughed for a good half hour until tears rolled down her face. Of all the things he could have packed, and she had some doozies left over, he had to pick that one. It was just too funny.
When the amusement over her new "toy" settled, she turned to other things to keep herself occupied. There was no way she was going to "play" with that thing without thinking about his face and popping a lung laughing, so she resorted to reading some of her worn paperbacks, but she still thought of him. When she tried to draw, she kept drawing him. And when she could get to sleep without the assistance of a mild sleeping drought, she dreamt of their recent escapades before he left. Things had turned again so quickly that Ithilwen had chosen to retire immediately after dinner most nights. She didn't like the idea of being alone, but she wasn't feeling very sociable either.
Legolas quietly snuck into their rooms and locked the door. He'd be damned if anyone was going to disturb them that night. He walked slowly though the seating room and spotted Ithilwen sitting by the window. She was dressed in his old tunic and not much else, chewing lightly on her thumb as she sat curled into herself, looking out at the view. Legolas didn't care so much about what she was looking at so much as the way she looked. The patches of moonlight that offered a natural glow to the room besides the torches that made his heart lurch.
"Legolas?" Ithilwen looked up and noticed that the reflection in the glass showed a build too large to be her handmaiden. When she turned, she saw that it was indeed Legolas, standing in the middle of the room. "Legolas!" She bolted off the window seat and tossed herself into his hug. "What are you doing here? I thought you were on duty for the month?"
"I came back," he got out before he felt her soft lips leave kisses along his jaw bone. As much as the armor was likely cutting into her, he really couldn't bring himself to let her go just yet.
"How...how long do you have before you have to leave again?" she asked, pulling back slightly to look at him. Underneath what looked to be heavy armor and possibly chainmail, she saw the green tunic that he had left weeks ago in. As she traced the armor with her finger tips, she couldn't help but find herself excited to finally see him in it. 'Is it really that big of a turn on or am I just going through withdrawl?' she wondered to herself.
Legolas chuckled, hearing her thoughts. "I am home for good," he assured her. With a surprised squeal, Legolas scooped Ithilwen up and began to carry the giggling elleth through the bedroom door. "Do not plan to dress for any occasion other than me," he told her. "You won't be going anywhere anytime soon."
-x-x-x-x-x-
A/N: Another update! :D I've got about 4 or 5 papers I need to finish by Friday, so it's likely I might not get to work on the next one until this weekend. But hey, that'll be my birthday present to you guys! The next chapter will be shorter, but it will also take place two years later as well.
