Chapter 5
Happy Sunday. Been a while! Hope you all enjoy :)
"Mae govannen?"
"Yes. Beautiful?"
"Bain."
"Forgive me?"
"Goheno nin."
"Dagger"
"Sssssigil?"
"Good. And the Elvish word for 'thank you'?"
"Merci."
"If you don't wish to take this seriously, then perhaps I will do what my brothers did for me... and not let you leave until you can finish the lesson perfectly," Estel threatened with a good-natured glare.
"I am sorry," Emily answered meekly, "I'm just distracted and I'm afraid that I might be anxious for some freedom. I feel like my life is starting to be scheduled for me and I hardly have any time to do as I please. Sometimes I think..."
Emily gazed around the sunny garden pensively for a few moments, before she chewed her lower lip and frowned.
"What do you think?" Estel prompted as he gently bumped her elbow with his own as they sat side by side on the grass.
The sound of a slow, deep breath whispered into the peaceful garden as Emily gathered herself.
"I think I really don't like being told what to do every minute of every day: sometimes I think I would like life to just stop tossing me around like a rag doll, and sometimes I think I might burst from frustration over the lack of control I have over my life these days..."
At first there was a quiet surrounding those words, until Emily noticed that Estel's shoulders were shaking and he was poorly hiding a very amused grin.
"WHAT!?" she demanded, face going a little pink. "I'm use to a heck of a lot more freedom than this! There is always someone-"
"Peace, my dear little friend. I- heh- I am-" Estel struggled to speak through his fits of laughter, which only served to make Emily's frown deepen along with the red colour of her face. An over-exuberant attempt to contain his laughter pulled at the still healing wound in his side and he drew a sharp breath of pain before sobering and finishing with, "I am merely recalling my own struggles with living among over-protective Elves and my life not going exactly the way I imagined it, that is all."
"Well... then you should have sympathy for me and let me go!" Emily grumbled, trying to hide her growing bashful smile.
"Ah, I do have sympathy; however, I also know how useful and important it is to learn the languages of this world, and so... complete the lesson properly and I will let you leave."
"Oh fin-"
Emily broke off, suddenly straightening bolt upright with the tension of a tightly-coiled spring and staring into space.
The movement stirred Estel into action as well, his torso jerking upright and causing him to gasp a little at the strain it put on his side. "Emily?"
She gave a soft shudder and then blinked. "Yeah. I'm ok. I just felt weird for a minute...almost like..."
In an instant Estel's posture shifted into the commanding stance of a leader and a healer, a dangerous combination to be sure. "Almost like what?" he asked gravely, his eyes searching her face for clues.
"I'm alright. It was just a weird feeling in the back of my head is all. It happens sometimes now with the whole...expanding of my awareness inside my head... stuff..." She stretched and tried to meet his stare with convincing nonchalance.
"Have you told anyone about these 'weird feelings' inside?"
"Yes and no. They happen so quickly and I can't explain them. I figure once I can put it to words then I'll have something to tell." Emily shrugged. "It's probably nothing. Just my mind settling into it's new-"
"The mind is a delicate thing, Emily. Do not take it lightly," Estel cut in seriously. "What did it feel like?"
Heaving a large sigh, Emily leaned forwards to rest her elbows in her knees and plopped her cheeks into her palms. "It just felt like...a whisper? A ghosting of something in the edges of my mind? Just a quick emotion or feeling."
"Is it malicious?"
"No. I don't think so. It's...a flash of bliss and excitement? Determination and curiosity? It doesn't feel bad, just strange."
Estel relaxed, letting himself lean back against the back of the bench with a long breath of relief. "Good. You should talk with Legolas about it. He might be able to give you insight into what you are sensing."
Humming in agreement Emily looked lazily at the pond across from them. "I will, when he has a moment. He's been awfully busy lately."
"He has. I understand there has been some unrest on one of the borders that required his attention." Estel nodded. "Emily, how do you fare with these changes you have faced inside yourself? You had not the luxury of growing up with these abilities, and therefore have to become acquainted with them rather suddenly."
"Well," said Emily slowly, "I guess I'm just getting used to it because I have to. There's no going back, and this is apart of me now. Vede and daerada have been helping to make this new world inside my head more manageable and less scary. It really isn't so bad, I just stay within the confines that vede Legolas and I built back when I first woke up after all...that...happened."
"The confines?"
"Yeah...it's like, my mind was too open and big all of the sudden so we made it smaller and a safe place so if I get drawn into my head then I'm not wandering around like I did while under Melantha's enchantment." Emily shuddered at the thought. "I haven't been there much though. Only a few times while I was asleep. I'm not keen to try while I'm awake because I don't have control over it and I can't get out without help."
"I can understand that," Estel mused, as he scratched at his beard. "What you describe is somewhat similar to how I felt when I first discovered my abilities and aptitude for healing. It was only after many years under the tutorage of Ada that I finally learned to be confident and control my gift."
"Oh good. Years," Emily said dully, scuffing the dirt with a bare toe.
With a smile and a shrug, Estel replied, "I was, however, a slow learner. You are cleverer than I, thus I am sure you will learn in next to no time at all... just like these elvish phrases?"
"Very funny."
"I am known to be on occasion."
"Estel...can I ask you something?"
"Of course, but changing the subject will not keep you from escaping the rest of this lesson," Estel agreed.
"Do you ever feel like you're just a puppet, a toy that fate and higher beings play with as they see fit and there is no escape or choice in things?"
The man pondered the question for sometime before answering. "I did once. Around your age, in fact."
"Really?"
"Yes. I, like you, was made aware of a heritage and background that I was not ready to accept." Estel smiled ruefully. "Even now I find myself struggling to accept it and I fear it will be many years before I will ever truly embrace it, if ever."
He paused, studying the ground and seeming to be debating with himself while Emily waited with patient curiosity.
"My future, my destiny and birthright is one I admit to running from. I have been angry and my faith in the Valar and Eru were shaken to the core the day I learned of it; but this path was set out for me long before I was ever born. One day, I may have no choice than to face it head on and I will need every piece of strength I have. And I do not have strength enough alone." Estel tilted his head to look at her sideways, idly twirling the green ring on his finger as he spoke. "I regret that I cannot tell you more than I already have, save that the older I get, and the more I learn about life, the more I come to trust that despite my ideas of how I wanted life to go or the dark paths I must walk in order to serve my people, I am always guided by a great love that will see me through to the very end. I slowly, inch by inch, day by day, learn to walk boldly in the light towards what awaits me. The point I am trying to make with this is that some fates are tied to us, and we will always have to face them one way or another, but we can always choose how we face them and what we do to prepare for them. I choose to trust because I know I can only see a part of the puzzle, and the more I trust, the more I am able to let myself be guided long the best route possible for achieving what I was meant to do."
"I feel like a rag doll that's been tossed around by children."
"I can understand that."
"I'm angry and I feel bad for being angry because I know for a fact that they - the Valar - were helping me and made sure we were ok that day. I was given strength when I needed it and I didn't even know who I was asking. I just needed someone to be bigger and stronger and... good..."
"I know."
"You know?" Emily looked up, confused. "What do you mean you know?"
"I saw them too that day," said Estel seriously. "At first I thought it was loss of blood causing me to see things, but they were there."
"Is that common?"
"No. I do not believe so. It was a rare and great gift, Emily!" Reaching out, he clasped her hand gently in his own big palm. "We all have a part in this bigger story. We cannot see the ways we fit until long after the pieces are set, and we do not often have such clear guidance. Make no mistake that it was a clear sign you are being watched over."
Silence overcame them like a soft blanket as Emily considered what Estel said.
"Hannon le," she murmured finally.
Estel paused before answering with a snicker. "De rein."
Laughter rang out, echoing off the stone walls of the garden. "Where did you pick up that one? I never even said that one today!?"
"You mother and sister will often converse in French. In my spare time I have had plenty of opportunity to learn a few things." Grimacing, Estel shifted in his seat. "Forgive me, penneth. I must retire to my rooms now, or my keeper's spies will undoubtedly report that I have over taxed myself and drawn them hither."
Emily glanced around in search of the 'spies' before looked closely at her tall friend's face. It had turned a pale sort of color and the circles under his eyes had darkened.
"You look tired," the girl commented unhelpfully.
Estel nodded. "Im penorven. I am tired."
"Do you want help getting bac-"
"Not this time, penneth. I will rest a moment here. Ada is already coming, I'll wager. That bird that just flew off is likely going to tell on me and it will be worse if I try to leave here. Off you go. I promise I am well enough to remain here at present."
"If you're sure..." Emily hesitated, half out of her seat and looking at him uncertainly.
Estel nodded in encouragement, saying, "Ni maer, mellon nin. Avaro naeth."
"Ummmm...I got the 'my friend' part...and 'I am well'...what was the last part?"
"Don't worry." Estel answered, "Off you go. Be free. I could use the rest of my own freedom to think."
Emily rolled her eyes. "How do you expect me to learn if you don't tell me what you say? You can't just say something and then tell me not to worry about it! What did you say?!"
The man shook silently with a long chuckle, clutching his side as he did so and twisting his grin into a grimace. "Ah! That is what I said, Emily. Avaro naeth IS 'don't worry'."
Eye widening and face turning pink, Emily's mouth formed a silent 'Oh'.
"Right, I will leave you to your thinking. Don't over do it though. Thinking too much is dangerous you know," Emily told him as she rose and walked to the entrance of the garden.
A chuckle followed her. "If you smell smoke you will know why."
Giggling, Emily grinned over her shoulder at him and then skipped on her merry way.
It wasn't that she didn't want to be with Estel. The opposite in fact, for she greatly missed spending time with him. But the fact remained that increasingly, Emily had been feeling restless and caged in. Every fibre of her being felt as though it were screaming to be released, and it took every ounce of her control not to go racing out the main gates into the woods as fast as she could and not stop until she was good and tired. Part of her had considered asking Glorfindel to let her run in addition to her training; however, she was smart enough to also consider that her idea of running and the warrior's idea would likely not be the same.
Emily snorted sarcastically as she pictured what that 'lesson' would look like. I would probably be doing some rendition of the Ninja Warrior Challenge, or some crazy five kilometre mud run where Elves that jump out and 'attack' you are all part of the obstacles.
Still, as exhausting as that sounded, Emily admitted that it sounded better than listening to her mother and Clare go on and on about the Feast of Starlight. They had announced at tea that afternoon that Daerada and the ruling council had decided to have an even bigger feast than before and invite Elves from other dwellings to more officially celebrate the return of their kin. Emily herself thought it was a bit over the top, and had voiced that opinion quietly to Legolas; however, her uncle kindly reminded her that while she did not think she was of consequence, the rest of their peoples did. The losses of Elvish lives were deeply felt by all, thus the miraculous return of Aewnith and the addition of her family were to be great celebrated.
For several centuries he said... more people staring and asking questions and looking on with pity at my short hair and lack of pointed ears. I wish I could just hurry up and get sick like Clare so I look like an Elf too. I'm sick of everyone murmuring about how beautiful she is. She was pretty enough to begin with! Let's add perfect, flawless Elfish grace and stunning looks on top of that. Next to her...I'm so...plain, and scared up, and raggedy. Emily frowned at the floor as walked the hidden corridors to collect Reisa for her pre-dinner play. Clare used to be so different before we came here. She used to be so cool and supportive. Now it's like she jumps between being protective big sister and annoyed sister every ten seconds, and oh so subtly too.
"-never seen anything like it, Elros, never in my long years have I seen it done with such a large animal."
Emily's ears perked up as she came down the hall. Guards always said interesting things when they spoke, not that they did often when on duty.
"And you say it was up in the tree?" Elros responded, his tone betraying some scepticism, neither taking note of Emily as she meandered up the hallway towards the royal wing of the palace.
"Yes, wedged between the branches. It had been killed quickly and with precision, but the tee- "
"My Lord Elrond! How do you fare this day!" Elros cut in, the king's keeper of the keys giving a quick bow as Elrond came out of one of Thranduil's study's. "I understand you are preparing to leave us very soon? Can we not persuade you to remain a little longer?"
Emily slowed to a stop, her stomach giving a painful clenching motion at the news that her favourite healer was leaving so suddenly.
"Nay, I cannot remain longer than I have already," Elrond said gravely. "I must not leave the valley for long, for there have been rumours of unrest of late."
"And you will take Lord Glorfindel with you?" The guard asked almost hopefully, causing the raven haired Elf lord to laugh merrily, a stark contrast to the way Emily's face was falling at the thought of her teacher leaving too.
And the twins?
"I regret that I will be leaving my old friend here to torment you a while longer, along with my sons, until Estel is well enough to travel once more," said Elrond as his grey eyes travelled to find Emily's. "The rest of my party, however, I must depart with at first light tomorrow. We have been gone for too long."
"You shall be missed, my lord," Elros told him. "Though we shall see you at the feast... Will we not?"
Elrond smiled. "I would not miss it. Your king promises a spectacular occasion, not seen in many a century!"
The Elf lord then took his leave of the two and made his way to Emily who was now very intent on picking at her finger nails and brushing imaginary dirt off her arms.
"Emily." Elrond said her name with all the tenderness of a father as he stood before here. The single word conveyed everything and with a soft sniff Emily stepped forwards to let herself be wrapped in a warm embrace.
"You're leaving."
"It is not goodbye, Emily. We will meet again very soon, and you will never be far from my thoughts, should you ever have need of me, this I promise you."
"Ok," Emily whispered, not sure what else to say. Her mind had frozen and all she could do was cling to the elf for dear life, drinking in the security she found there. Word were not needed, however, for both somehow understood each other and Emily could sense the steady compassion and reassurance of the healer pouring into her through the embrace, giving her strength and making her want to weep all at once. "I hope it's soon, but perhaps not so soon that they have to call you because of another healer emergency...and I hope it's not me. I've had a bad habit of that lately."
"Aye, that you have, dear one." Elrond pulled back and rested his hands on her shoulders as he studied her with one brow raised in stern amusement. "Do try to stay healthy and safe during the next while. Medlinor will be taking over as your healer in my absence, and he has very different philosophies in dealing with his patients than I, as I can imagine you have already experienced."
"Pshhhh," Emily gave a short laugh, "Noooo kidding. He's grumpy! Like, super grumpy! He reminds me of a doct- I mean a healer from a story back home. So gruff and growls a lot. Never thought I would meet someone like that in real life."
Elrond laughed merrily. "Do bear in mind that he has had to care for your grandfather and uncles. He has good cause to be cross; however, he is kind at heart and will care for you with the utmost vigilance. I leave you in very talented and capable hands."
Brown eyes fell from the Elf lord's face and trailed down the halls instead as Emily's teeth moved to worry at her lower lip. "I wish you could stay..."
"As do I," Elrond replied softly. "I stand by what I said, penneth. If you have need of me, I will be closer to you than you think. Remember that."
By the time dinner time rolled around, Emily was beginning to feel as though it had been one of those days where by the end of it she really just wanted to crawl into bed and be done with everything for a year. The whole day had been an emotional rollercoaster and even at the best of times those kind of days take their toll.
First she'd fought with her dad, then been cross with Glorfindel and the twins, argued with Merenith, had an exciting and fun filled high during their adventure, then crashed when Estel was teaching her, then finally grew melancholy and despondent when she learned of Elrond's departure.
"I don't even know why it's bugging me, Reisa..." Emily sighed as she peeled off her socks and climbed into her comfy chair situated in her reading nook. "It's not like I wasn't aware he would have to leave eventually. The twins and Estel have to leave too some time in the future. I may as well just get used to that idea. Glorfindel will probably pass my training over to someone else soon too...just the way it is I guess...doesn't matter how much that sucks or how much I don't want it to be that way."
Reisa trotted over to her from where she had been harassing Hobbes and rested her head faithfully in Emily's lap. As she gazed into the soulful golden eyes, Emily got the distinct impression that the pup was experiencing a moment of maturity as she displayed her knowledge of her mistresses dismal mood and desire to comfort her.
An odd kind of warmth flooded through Emily, starting where Reisa was resting her head and expanding to encompass her whole being like an aura. For a split second, Emily heard an indescribable song that resonated through her. It spoke of unwavering adoration and loyalty, a simple yet steady good nature, and the goofy spark of hope that either one might be allowed on the comfy chair or that if one was patient enough and gave enough meaningful looks they might go do something exciting! Eyes widening, Emily held her breath as she tried to decipher the moment and replicate it, for such a wonderful feeling naturally stirred the desire to experience that connection once more. Focusing, Emily strained her mind...grasping at the whispers of the song that quickly faded from her grasp.
A knock at the door shattered her concentration into shares across her mind and Emily jumped a little.
"Emily? May I come in?" Aewenith asked from the other side. Reisa spun round and went bounding to the door to great the visitor, quivering with happiness which was quite the contrast to Emily.
"Yup." She answered, suppressing a sigh as she closed the book she had been about to read and braced herself for the conversation to come, whatever it might be. She tried not to watch warily as her mother entered.
The lady glided across the room and then lightly folded her legs beneath her as she settled herself on the warm rug, much to Emily's surprise.
"Emily," Aewnith began, gently flipping her long hair over her shoulder so she didn't sit on it, making a river chestnut flow into her lap instead. "I've thought a lot about what you said at breakfast today, and after careful consideration and speaking with your father, I've come to a decision."
Drawing a slow breath Emily began to trace the designs on the book she held. "Which is?"
"You're right, after a fashion." Aewnith stated gently, "You would be going off to school right now, and living on your own, taking care of yourself with all the independence that is warranted at your age on Earth. And you are correct. We wouldn't be checking in every couple hours to see where you were or what your were doing. We would have to trust you to take care of yourself, and I have no doubt you would be doing a splendid job of it. You're a sensible girl and you don't go looking for trouble. I had little worries about you going away to school, unlike with your sister."
"Thank you," Emily said shortly, her demeanour getting ruffled at the mention of her oh so perfect sister, "And no, I'm not Clare...I thought she could do no wrong..."
"Emily..." Aewnith sounded exasperated. "I am trying to treat you like an adult, as you so desire, so please do not act like a child. Clare has her flaws just as you do and I am not blind to them. Of the two you..." Her mother stopped herself and looked as though she had just bitten her tongue. "Shall we speak reasonably, or do you wish to continue lashing out at me?"
Shame flooded Emily's face and she ducked her head wearily. "I'm sorry. Let's speak reasonably."
"Thank you. Now, as I was saying, I've come to a decision. It's more of a proposition really and I hope that you will agree to it." Aewnith steepled her fingers together and pieced her daughter with a keen gaze. "Let us come to a compromise, for there is much you need to know about everything here and I would be failing as both your mother and a ruling member of this realm if I did not insist on certain things."
"Ok...?"
"First off, this world requires that you be more cautious about running off and not telling anyone where you go, however I agree that Clare's obsession with you telling someone every time you want to leave the royal wing is over the top. I have spoken to her about this and it will no longer be an issue. You are free, as you should be, to roam the palace and grounds as you please." Aewnith paused. "My request is that you do not go past the parameters that your Vede Farvel has set. He has his reasons and is commander of the guard. It would not be wise to challenge that."
"Ok, that's fair."
"Good. Now, you had mentioned that if you were back on earth you would be living away from home and that would have been at school. It seems logical that you continue to learn, so let us say that I will pick a few mandatory 'courses' you need to take and you may pick the rest as you wish."
"Okay..." There was a slight sinking feeling in the girl's gut.
"Your schedule is yours to plan as you please, with the exception that you take a few lessons of my choosing here and there along the way. You will also be required to complete a task each day that contributes to the function of this kingdom. It's no different than being expected to do chores back home, so I do not see any reason why that should be a problem. I ask that you continue to train with Glorfindel and I also would request that you continue your lessons in learning the Elven tongue three days a week."
"Is that all?" Emily sounded hopeful.
"Nearly. I reserve the right as a mother to put you to work if you cannot find anything to occupy your time. Lazing around every so often to recuperate from a long few days is one thing, but I will not have you spending day after day in your room."
"Fine. What kind of tasks are you thinking, for contributing to the kingdom's function, I mean, and how long do they take?"
"You will cycle through a number of them so that you have a well rounded understanding and appreciation for how things work around here. Once you have helped with all of them you may pick for yourself what you wish to help with each day. The time allotted should be two or three hours most, still plenty of time for your own mischief."
"Do I get a day off once and while?"
"I think the earth tradition of Sunday as a day of rest is a rather beautiful one, so I will not plan any of the 'required courses' for that day. You will have to fight with Glorfindel though if you get to sleep in on Sunday."
Emily groaned and flopped in her chair. "He never lets me sleep in. Everyone else gets to sleep in...don't they? Or are you doing this with all of them? Oh please say you are at least with Clare!"
Aewnith smirked and adjusted the hem of her dress, "Let it never be said that I cannot be made to see reason. You have your Vede Legolas and daerada to thank for that, and your outburst this morning finalized it for me. It might please you to know that your daerada is, at this moment, taking to liberty to inform your siblings that they also are to begin training and the other lessons I have set out for you. Your sister will begin with Glorfindel tomorrow morning after your lesson."
A look of utter delight spread across Emily's face and she bounced off the chair to give her mother a fierce hug. "Thank you. I agree to your terms if only to see the look on Clare's face when Glorfy starts training her! I can't wait to see that!"
"You may regret that. Clare will not take kindly to your spying."
"I don't really care. I wouldn't miss it for the world!" Emily grinned as she pictured Clare being flipped onto the ground, then she sobered. "What about dad...what does he think of all this?"
Aewnith took a breath and said rather diplomatically, "You father is taking time to adjust back to life here, just like the rest of you, sweetheart. Try to be patient with him."
The mastering of a skill was always something at intrigued Joel. He took great joy and pleasure in such things, and in accumulating new knowledge as he did so. This is why he really wasn't at all perturbed by his grandfather's announcement that he and Clare would be not only taking some choice lessons in multiple subjects, including the art of defence, but also taking part in chores around the realm. It was utterly fascinating the ways that his kin found to do jobs that he took for granted on earth. At first they were simple, fairly primitive designs for tasks, though when one looked closer, they could recognize that it was far less simple that originally thought.
Take the great doors, for example! They shut and sealed seemingly by manual force of the guards closing them, however now that he could sense it more deeply, he found that the 'magical' machines of the entire thing were utterly mind-boggling! If he saw correctly through his interior investigation of them, the gates could be closed by sheer willpower, which was astonishing. Truly it was all of remarkable making and he was determined to become as good, if not better than the builders, even if that might take him thousands and thousands of years.
Ah well, for now he had just to master the defensive arts required of him.
As he arrived at his destination for the first lesson, Joel found that Clare was not quite finished her own lesson and Emily was still waiting for Glorfindel, sitting in the grass scuffing the dirt and picking at stones.
While his own lesson was with Faervel, he was early and had some time so out of pure curiosity he plopped down beside Emily and watched his sister working with Glorfindel.
She was doing very well, by the looks of it.
Her face was set and focused, and though she was still pale from her transformation, Clare's movements were perfect and well coordinated, each execution of skill done seamlessly.
"Not bad for a first lesson." Joel said, almost sounding impressed. He wasn't really that surprised. Clare had always been athletic, and before she had ever finished grade eight she had once been a internationally ranked figure skater. She's been on her way to having a chance at the Olympics, however life took a different turn and an accident made it so that dream was no longer possible. He casually wondered if her new Elvish 'enhancements' would mend and compensate for her injures that day.
"Yeah," Emily answered dully, cutting through his thoughts. "She's freaking fantastic."
Joel made a face. "What's wrong with you?"
"Nothing."
"Alright. Be like that."
"I will."
"Ok."
Silence followed while Glorfindel praised yet another perfect execution of the newest skill and then began to go over what he wanted Clare to do that evening to help with her muscles and any soreness she might have.
"I don't see why she has to be so good," Emily muttered. "It took me ages to get that stuff."
"Well, you aren't Clare and she's got more physical ability than you."
"More physical ability!?" Emily exploded slightly. "More physical ability? She couldn't lift a water bucket in the barn if it was empty! The only dirt she tolerates is her paints and all she does is sit and be artsy all the time! And I-"
Emily cut herself off, bottling it back up again and trying not to burn a hole in the grass with her stare.
"Don't be so sensitive."
Eye's flashed up to glare at the passive face watching her with slight annoyance. "Oh don't turn back into an ass! I thought you had gotten past that!"
"I'm not being an ass. You're being a little immature about this and I'm just saying you're letting it bug you too much. It's not a big deal. You're good at things she isn't, she's good as stuff you aren't. What's the problem?"
"Oh, never mind," Emily grumbled as she rose. "I have to go anyway. Merenith is probably waiting for me already. She and I are helping in the stables today and then I have lessons with Estel after that. I'll see you later."
Joel shook his head as his sister wandered off and sighed as he leaped up easily to his feet with more grace and agility than he had ever experienced in his life. Since his transformation he had felt more alive than ever, as though his body had been in a half-awake state, just barely aware of what it was. His Elvish traits that had surfaced on Earth were only shadows compared to how he was now. It was extremely satisfying and if he had to guess, of his two siblings he was most at home in their new world.
A smirk spread across his face and he snorted. Who would have thought that he would be so happy without technology? Not that he didn't miss it on occasion, but, until he could find a way to logically and soundly fix that minor issue, he would have to be content where he was.
As Emily departed from her brother, feeling sorry for herself, she couldn't help but agree with him that yes, she wasn't exactly being very mature about all this.
It was stupid really, why she was upset. There were tons of things she was better at than her sister! Take running for example! Today she and Glorfindel had gone for a good long run and her time had been the fastest yet. That was something to be proud of! And her lesson had gone well, mostly. Glorfindel had said she was doing very well considering she was still recovering from her injuries. Of course there had been that small incident...
She'd been going through a routine with the Elf, blocking set blows and ducking. It had been quick and her time was a little off. Unfortunately, that meant that she was a step behind Glorfindel as he made an arc with his hand to get under her guard. It should have been a simple deflecting block, but she'd fallen behind and was disoriented, thrown out of the loop. Glorfindel just managed to stop his arc from jabbing into her ribs.
I should have been faster. Clare could have done it..
In response to this thought of self-deprecation, Emily felt the bond between her and her grandfather flash to life for a moment with a gentle scolding for being so cruel to herself and the washing love of patience. Emily checked her mental walls and found they had slipped somewhat, so she repaired them and sent a wave of apology back, feeling sheepish that someone had caught her wallowing in self pity. She'd promised herself she wasn't going to be better and stop being so depressing all the time. Wasn't it just yesterday that she had given Merenith that speech about reclaiming her life?
Perhaps she was being too hard on herself. And perhaps a few hours doing stable chores would help her shake this funk a little.
"At long last you've arrived! We were beginning to think we would need to send out a search party for you!"
Emily squawked as she was abruptly dragged into someone's arms for a tight embrace.
"Oh, don't be so dramatic, Elladan! She hasn't been gone that long!"
The arms tightened as Elladan began to sway back and forth dramatically, lifting Emily's feet off the ground in the process. "Oh, it's like I haven't seen her in so very long! My poor poor Emily! Where have you been and what cruel fate has taken you from us!? We've missed you much!"
"Elladan you saw me yesterday!" Emily's voice was muffled answer as she pushed uselessly against the Elf. "Let me down!"
"Must you always cause a scene?" Elrohir laughed.
"Shh. There there, penneth, don't take his words to heart. He's missed you terribly too and is just afraid to show it. He's not as comfortable with his emotions as I am," stated the other twin, smoothing her hair.
"Hush your large mouth, Elladan," Elrohir scoffed. "You cry like an elleth." He turned to Emily. "Are you ready, penneth?" he asked cheerfully.
Emily suddenly had the feeling that the next few hours would leave her with a stitch of more than one kind in her side.
