Ch. 8
Days turned into weeks, weeks turned into a month and a half. Elwena continued on as she did. She finally finished a large patch of the tapestry. Moranna said she could start sewing capes as an introduction into making clothing. Though one day she may be queen or princess of Mirkwood, she would not want to lose her sewing skills. Besides, one day she could make her own baby clothes. But perhaps that was thinking too far ahead. The thought of queen sent an excited shock through her and her hands almost fumbled the supplies she had been carrying. She giggled to herself.
It was the minute she had put the final stitch into her first basic cape that the trumpets sounded at the arrival of someone important. She dropped the cape and rushed to the window. King Thranduil had returned along with a good portion of the guard. Legolas must have been still coming through the woods.
Ignoring Moranna's call for her to pick up her cape, Elwena rushed downstairs. She skidded to a stop and waited patiently behind a pillar, partially hidden. He was attending to his advisors, including her own father, who probably all had mountains of news for him. He signaled them to follow him to the smaller hall. Elwena waited until they had disappeared and then trailed behind.
She waited for an hour before all had left the hall, except for the king and her father. "I know you're there," he called. Elwena froze. "Come in, Elwena. You'll want to know where I left your boyfriend."
She slinked into the hall. "Forgive me, my king. I was snooping. I cannot tell a lie. Although I didn't hear anything important."
"I am not worried about that," he said. "Legolas will be back soon, but not today. He was sent on an errand from Lothlorien to find someone."
"Can I ask how long?"
"Oh, about a month or so. He's a very good tracker," the king said. "You can blame me, though for the record, I gave him a chance to come back first and then leave. It was probably smarter though to leave from Lothlorien."
"I understand, my lord." Although she did not very well understand. "Is he coming back in one piece?"
Thranduil snorted. "You can have words with him if he doesn't. I've told him enough times. You'll want to know that Tauriel is doing very well in Lothlorien already, and she sent you a letter," he said, digging through his pile of papers and pulling out an envelope. Elwena recognized Tauriel's barely legible handwriting. "Thank you," she curtsied as she took the letter. He smiled at her.
"Is there anything else, my lord," Her father asked.
"No that will be all. Thank you," the king said. Dismissed, they left the hall.
My dear friend,
Though I miss you terribly, I cannot deny Lothlorien is a breath of fresh air. The forest is beautiful and the trees grow taller than the Mirkwood trees. I've been welcomed by the Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn, and yes, they are just as lovely as ever. Remember when we used to fantasize about meeting them? I have my own flet (apartment) with another lady warrior. She is very nice, but will never replace you, my friend.
I cannot wait to tell you more about Lothlorien but this is all the time I have to write, as I want this letter to go with the king so it reaches you quickly.
Your forever friend,
Tauriel