Thranduil removed his riding gloves as did Elrond. "How about a drink?" Thranduil offered.
"That does sound inviting." Elrond nodded. Just then, Limwen, the female stable girl frantically ran passed the two of them. Her hand was covering her mouth and she was in tears.
"Slow down, Limwen. What is wrong?" Thranduil asked firmly. Limwen quickly bowed before him.
"I am sorry, my king for making such a scene." She apologized in a rushed, tearful voice. "But my family has great trouble and I am very worried!"
"What kind of trouble?" Thranduil asked.
"It's Caunion, my little brother." Limwen continued to weep. "He is very ill!"
"Did he eat something toxic?" Elrond asked, the healer side of him instantly taking over.
"No, my lord Elrond." Limwen shook her head. "He and his friends were playing in the stream yesterday and he fell down very hard on one of the rocks. He was merely bruised up at first. But this morning, he had horrible vomiting and he is very feverish, and his stomach is in a great deal of pain! At first, Malfortion thought it was internal bleeding, but he says this is different. And he does not know exactly how to treat it!"
Elrond straightened when he heard that. "Where exactly is the pain?" He asked.
"Caunion says it is here." She answered, pointing to her right lower side. "He has been screaming terribly nearly all morning! And he can't keep anything down."
"Did he begin to hurt all over after a while?" Elrond questioned further.
"Why, yes! Do you know this condition, my lord?" Limwen asked hopefully. Elrond sighed.
"Unfortunately, I do. If it is what I fear it is." He groaned. "If I may be allowed to examine the elfling, I may be able to tell for sure." He suggested, waiting for permission.
"Oh, please do! You are the most reknowned healer in Middle Earth!" Limwen begged. Elrond looked to Thranduil.
"Go, Elrond. Do what you can for the young one." Thranduil approved.
"Take me to him, my dear." Elrond told Limwen, who practically tugged him all the way back with her to the healing rooms. Thranduil threw a quick prayer that Elrond would be able to help little Caunion. It was one thing to see a friend or loved one suffer. But a child…
Thranduil was heading off to find Lavender, the main cook, when he ran into Legolas. "Lindethiel's body is being prepared for the memorial." Legolas said.
"Good." Thranduil sighed. "How is Bellethiel?" Legolas cleared his throat.
"Not good, Ada." He shook his head. "I feel so bad for her. She reminds me of a lost child. Normally, Bellethiel is so strong and intimidating, right on top of things. None of our troops would dare question her when she is left in charge. But she is crumbling under her grief. I wish we could do more for her."
"We will, Legolas. And for now, we are doing the best we can. You'll want to say a prayer for Caunion."
Legolas's face looked up at that. "Limwen's younger brother. What is wrong with him?"
"We do not know for sure. But he isn't getting better and is in a great deal of pain. Elrond is looking into it, so we know Caunion is in good hands." Thranduil said.
"Ai." Legolas agreed. "I hope it is nothing too serious!" At that moment, Limwen raced away from the healing ward, running in tears. Legolas gently caught her by the arm. "Limwen, what is it? How is your brother?" He asked with concern.
"He is dying, my prince!" Limwen wept heavily. "Lord Elrond says he must operate as soon as possible or Caunion will die! And every minute counts! And the pain is getting worse, and…"
"Hush, Limwen." Legolas said calmly. "I am so sorry to hear that. But if anyone can heal your brother, it's Lord Elrond! And Caunion could not be in safer hands." Legolas smiled encouragingly.
"I know." Limwen nodded tearfully. "I'm just so afraid!"
"It's alright." Legolas nodded, giving the stable girl a friendly hug. She smiled gratefully then ran away again. "Of all things, I did not expect to return home to another crisis! At least, not of that nature."
"I know." Thranduil agreed. "I'm glad you came with us, Legolas."
"So am I." Legolas smiled. "But I shall be returning to Gondor in a week's time, Adar."
"So soon?" Thranduil frowned in disappointment.
"Ai. I'm afraid so, Father." Legolas nodded.
"Well, I can't say I'm surprised." Thranduil remarked with a sigh. "After all, you've found a new home there."
"The Wood will always be part of me, Father." Legolas assured him. "But I must make my way somewhere else."
"Funny. Alasse practically said the same thing."
"Mmm. Besides, the Wood is safe again. And you don't need me here as you used to. So I am not worried." Legolas said.
"Legolas?" Thranduil asked slowly.
"Eh?"
"Do you believe I made the right choice, bringing your sister back here?" Thranduil asked seriously.
"I think so, Ada. She needed some time away from all the danger. Especially after...what happened. I shall miss her. Oh, I can get annoyed with her at times, always tagging along. But, when we're together, it makes our fight just that much stronger, especially if you count in Aragorn and Gimli! I'll miss my sister while she is away. But it will make her return all the more joyous." Legolas smiled warmly.
"Mmm." Thranduil grunted.
Two hours later, Elrond emerged from the healing wing. He informed Thranduil, Legolas, Alasse, and the other elves that Caunion's surgery was a success and he would recover just fine. It had been appendicitis, and a very close call! The sudden brunt of falling that sharply on the rocks had inflamed the elfling's gut. Everyone was enormously relieved.
Two days later, a memorial was held for Lindethiel and her lover, though her body was the only one present of the two. It was a painful but sacred service for all the elves in Mirkwood. Bellethiel said nothing the entire day to anyone. She was so distraught that she'd withdrawn into herself deeply. Everyone offered comfort and support, but she did not know how to receive it. She was not coping well.
The day after the service, the elves held a magnificent feast to celebrate Alasse's return home, and her recovery. Elrond didn't want to miss that! He remained to rejoice with his friends. But no one appeared happier than Thranduil! His little girl was home safe! Alasse was staring at herself in the full length mirror, pleased with her garment of choice for tonight. There was a knock at the door. "Come in." Alasse responded. Thranduil strode inside.
"Ahh, you look dazzling tonight, my dear." He said with pride.
"Thank you." Alasse smiled. "I feel bad though. I mean, it's so soon since Lindethiel and...having a party for me, it just feels..."
"Nonsense." Thranduil said. "I know you miss them. We all do. They were brave and loyal. But I lost you recently, my daughter. We all did! Your brother, our people. Don't deny us this pleasure at a blessed second chance."
"Alright, Father. I'm sorry." Alasse bit her lip.
"I have something for you." Thranduil beamed. Alasse cocked her head curiously. "Turn around." Alasse obeyed, staring into the mirror. She gasped in awe when she saw what her father had in his hands.
"Ada, the Gems of Lasgalen! The necklace with gems of starlight!" She cried as he clasped it around her neck.
"It compliments your blue and silver gown."
"But, Ada. I...I was planning to save them for my wedding day."
"And so you shall. But tonight, we celebrate you! And I now, everything shall be perfect."
"Thank you, Ada." Alasse smiled warmly, having to stand on her toes to reach up and kiss his face. "It's almost like having Nana here, isn't it?" She asked wistfully.
"Yes." Thranduil said solemnly. A stray tear threatened to escape his eye.
I have to tell him! Alasse thought. I told Naneth I would tell him!
"Well, come now. We have a grand feast waiting! Shall I escort you, my lady?" He offered his arm. Alasse grinned.
"You may, my king." She giggled. Outside the door, Legolas was standing there. "Legolas! What are you standing there for?"
"I came to escort my sister to the celebration." Legolas frowned.
"But, I already have an escort."
"So? Then you shall have two." Legolas said, taking her other arm.
"Oh, very well." Alasse shrugged.
At the feast was when Legolas told their people that his sister had died from defending the White City, but that the Valar had given her back. Alasse remained quiet as he explained. It was painful for him to relive those moments, and hard for Thranduil to listen. Alasse watched her brother as he spoke, heartfelt words pouring from him. He'd always been her best friend and had taught her so much. They'd been through so much together, she was going to miss him so when he returned to Gondor.
Then tears filled her eyes as she reflected on what had happened when she'd been dead, and the time with her mother. She wanted to tell Thranduil so badly, but he was so happy right now. Alasse was afraid that telling him she'd seen his beloved when he wasn't given that chance would only upset him, and that he wouldn't believe it had really happened. She clasped her knuckles together with her eyes shut, trying to remember Calathiel and what it was like to feel her mother's arms around her.
Alasse was so lost in her trance, that she didn't realize Legolas was speaking to her. Thranduil nudged her shoulder, willing her back to reality. "What?" She frowned.
"Where did you go, Alasse? You looked as if you were thousands of miles away." Thranduil teased.
"You could say that." Alasse murmured lowly. Legolas smiled sympathetically. He knew how she and Aragorn felt about each other. He was sure she was missing him.
"Well, I'd like to propose a toast!" Legolas rang out. "To family, to friendship, loyalty, courage, and love! And to my dear sister." He faced her with his wine glass raised. "I can't imagine life without her, and I'm eternally grateful to have her back in my life! Here's to you, darling." He smiled warmly.
Alasse felt overwhelmed. She stood up, smiling sadly and hugged her brother. Her life would be so empty, without him! When she broke away, he brushed tears from her face. "To life! It's too precious to be wasted!" Alasse announced, raising her glass.
There was lots of dancing and merrymaking. Alasse enjoyed every minute of it, but she only wished for her special friends to be there too...particularly, one ranger/king. Legolas took her in his arms as the music softened to a low, enchanting dance. "It's been a long time since we've danced together." Legolas said.
"Ai. It has. Too long." Alasse agreed. "I believe the last time was Aragorn's coronation! Oh, that reminds me. Please don't have too much fun without me while we're apart."
"I cannot promise that." Legolas shrugged. "If Gimli has anything to do with it, he and I will be in hot water under Aragorn's scrutiny the first day I get back!"
"Serves you both right." Alasse teased.
"Now, you'd better be nice to me, muinthel, or I might make a spectacle of you." Legolas threatened. Alasse giggled, then lay her head on his shoulder. "I miss him too. It would be better if he were here to join us." Legolas whispered. Alasse nodded against his collarbone with her eyes closed. She tried to imagine it being Aragorn's arms around her right now, and hearing his voice instead of Legolas's.
The day after the feast, Elrond departed for Rivendell. His friends were so sorry to see him go. Alasse hugged him tightly. "You helped save me. Thank you, Adoreth. I wish you could stay longer!"
"You are more than welcome, little one." Elrond smiled warmly at the princess, still awestruck that she was still with them. And he never ceased to call her and Legolas those childish pet names.
"Tell 'Dan and 'Ro we miss them." Legolas said.
"Of course. But then they will be determined to do something about it! And I am not prepared for that!" Elrond teased.
"Oh, it's been much too long since I've been indulged in their 'ideas'." Legolas said wistfully.
"Legolas, don't even think about it!" Thranduil boomed playfully. He bid his good friend farewell. "Elrond, I...I cannot thank you enough for all you did to help me, us. Especially with Alasse! I am eternally grateful, my friend."
"I am afraid Estel is more deserving of your praise then I, mellon-nin." Elrond shrugged. "I only did the best I could. But it was Aragorn who did it! I was happy to help. Write, and let me know how she is faring?"
"Of course." Thranduil smiled.
"And you might want to clear up certain hidden meanings soon, before they become raw issues." Elrond warned him in a whisper. Thranduil merely nodded.
"Be safe, mellon." He said gruffly.
