The Mourning Cloud left Neverwinter in the night. Delani & Legolas walked back together to the kingdom. The fierce rain had presented itself to a mild drizzle when the reached the stone steps that led inside the fortress. An elf, who stood under a pavilion only a few feet away saw them approaching. He quickly ran down to the Princess and her guest.
"Milady! I am glad to see you well. May I have the pleasure of attending to your guest..." The elf looked twice at Legolas no realizing until now who stood before him. The elf quickly went into a bow.
"Your highness, pardon my for my ignorance I did not recognize you." Legolas raised his hand in understanding.
"May I take your horse my lord?"
"Yes that who do greatly." Legolas handed the elf the reins of his horse. The elf bowed once more to the Prince and Princess and walked off with the horse. The two elves then made their way up the steps.
Their footsteps echoed in the hallway. Legolas walked with his head down, he looked very dreary. Delani glanced at her old friend. It had been so long since she had seen him, it felt awkward having him beside her. She decided to break the silence.
"When did you last rest?" Her voice cracked. Legolas looked at her, then glanced back down.
"Two nights ago. I had to keep up the pace, or I would have missed the beginning of the journey." His voice was low and milky. It sent a sharp chill up the elf maiden's spine. They had reached the end of the hallway, where two guards stood at each side of the tall wooden doors protecting the throne room inside. Both eyes of the guards widened when they saw the Prince. Without hesitation the pressed the doors open, letting the two through. They walked into long narrow room, glasses windows lay as walls, and a silver throne laid at the end.
Celendir and Thranduil stood by an open window that looked out over the west side of the city. Celendir had just mumbled something to Thranduil who seemed to have nodded in agreement.
"Celendir." Dleani spoke tenderly. Her willowy body was hidden in the shadows of the room. Celendir looked up to the voice. He squinted his eyes to see the faces. A smile just like his fathers made its way upon his handsome face. A thrush of happiness swept through Legolas's heart. He walked forward into the moonlight toward the kings.
"My lords, it brings a weight of joy upon my heart to see you, and to hear of you becoming king Celendir." Legolas bowed. Celendir stepped forward and placed both of his hands upon his friend's shoulders.
"A king I may be in the name of tradition, but most of all a friend in the name of my heart. Tis good to see you again," The embraced fiercely, " I feared for you greatly."
"How about letting the father see his son too my boy!" Thranduil suddenly spoke. Celendir let go of Legolas with a chuckle. Legolas went to his father and embraced him as well. Delani's eyes sparkled with tears, she felt a warmth of love seeing them so happy.
Celendir then fixated his eyes on his young sister. He outstretched his arm and pointed his index finger out to her, motioning her to come to him.
"And you beautiful one have had me feared greatly over you as well." She walked out of the dark shadow to her dear brother. She caught his hand with hers.
"I have only done my duty."
"How did you two come to find each other?" Thranduil asked looking back and forth from Legolas to Delani. Legolas and Delani both took turns in telling their little fighting match. Thranduil and Celendir rolled their heads back and laughed hysterically.
"She thought I was a black rider!"
"Well you thought I was a goblin!"
"Ok... peace you two." Celendir laughed, and wiped a tear from his face. The story to him was all to good of a tale. He looked at the two messy elves, their hair all wet and muddy, obviously from their messy fight. "What a sight you both are. Legolas please help yourself to the bathing room, and dear sister will you not follow after?" Delani gave her brother a surprised but stupid look.
"No brother, I think I shall live within the mud upon my skin." She said smartly. Legolas bowed once again and Delani followed with a curtsy, which she felt quite odd doing in such clothes. With that they turned and left the throne room.
Legolas's muscle's clenched when he poured the hot water over his head. He hadn't bathed in days, just the word bath made him excited. The wait was worth it. His nude form slid down deeper into the large bathtub filled with hot steamy water, and he leaned his head back. He sighed and observed the room.
The bathing room was quite soothing. The room was made out of shiny white stone, including the bathtub. Candles were lit everywhere making the lighting beautiful. The smell of lavender filled his nose, he breathed in deep many times. Fragile vases, and bottles filled with soaps and oils were everywhere. White curtains seemed to oblique every corner, draping their white innocence around the room. He took a silver pitcher that lay on the fringes of the bath tub, scooped up more hot water, and poured it over his head. He reached for a soft white cloth, he picked up one of the scented soaps, poured onto the cloth and began to lather himself with the sweet essence of Lilac. He began to hum a song. His voice was creamy as he sang the libretto of his land Mirkwood.
Outside the bathing room, Delani sat on a stone bench that lay against the hallway wall, across from the doors of the room. Her fingers fiddled with the towel and a blue dressing gown that she always brought with her to bathe.
`How long does it take for one to bathe?' She thought to herself. She had been waiting for him to come out for at least and hour. She had noticed that he had seemed a little uneasy returning to Neverwinter after so long. She looked to the floor and went into a trance of memory.
The warm breeze blew across the cheeks of the royal families at the gates of Neverwinter. Ryldor's burgundy cloak blew with the wind, he stood tall, holding his wife's small hand. He compressed her hand slightly, she turned her head to him and smiled. Her brown hair made known down upon the silver shimmering dress that lay on her back. Her eyes gave him comfort. All of his fears subsided for moments, he was only hoping that Thranduil's wife was doing the same.
Thranduil gripped his wife's hand so tightly, his knuckles shown white. His eyes were averted to the dirt road. She could offer no comfort to him or even herself. How could they? She thought. Their son was leaving to the Council Of Elrond, where he would represent his father and the race of elves. They both did not know really where it would lead. But a premonition told them their son was to embark on a long and dangerous journey, and when or if he would ever return, they did not know.
Celendir stood adjacent from them, his fair head looked not down but up. He was proud of Legolas but feared on little for his friend's unknown fate.
He looked behind him for behind the gates and up an earthy path, his friend stood. Legolas's face held no expression. Celendir smiled slightly and nodded, signaling him that it was time to say farewell.
The young Prince of Mirkwood walked briskly down the path. His hands trembled and his heart pounded. He knew that goodbyes would be a hard thing to say on this day. He finally passed the gates, walked around and stood in front of them. He wore his clothing of earthy browns and greens made helped him blend in with the trees that stood behind him. His bow and quiver stood ready along with his knives.
Ryldor was the first to come forward, he took Legolas's hand. His eyes went deep into the prince's thoughts. He knew he would come back to them someday.
"I have no gift to bare you for you need none, but only my blessing." He placed his hand on Legolas's shoulder. "Travel safe. Your are like a son to me." They bowed to eachother, then Tythiel came forward. Legolas bowed down to her, and she planted a petite kiss on his cheek. She smiled sweetly at him. Oh how he would miss these individuals who were like parents to him.
Thranduil went up to his son, with his wife clutching to his hand. Their eyes met each other. In the deepness of his father's eyes, the prince saw tears forming, like little stone pools of sadness.
"Have I taught you right?" He said with a little fear and doubt in his eyes. Legolas was confused but answered him directly, but though he felt he was reassuring a little boy, scarred with his mistakes.
"Yes father."
"And I have always been there when you needed me?" His voice trembled this time. This time Thranduil's son looked ad him shocked, confused and merciful.
"Yes father always..." he hesitated he wanted to tell him he was nothing but a good father to him. Why had his father become so doubt full of himself? He had to tell him something. "I love you father. I love you both with all my heart. Please will I not have your blessing?" Thranduil sniffed, and coughed. He seemed to straighten up with relief.
"You have both of our blessings." Legolas's mother let go of her husbands hand. Her son wrapped her in his arms, and she kissed his cheek. Thranduil always thought it was improper to show too much affection in public. But he didn't care not now. Once his wife stepped back from their son, Thranduil stepped forward once more and fiercely took his son in his arms. Legolas's eyes widened with shock, but they settled. He reacted to his father's action of love, he hugged him back, " Come back to us." Thranduil whispered to him.
Legolas stepped back with a small warm smile on his face. He then turned to Celendir who had walked forward and took his hand and shook it. He would miss the times he and Celendir had together.
"Tell me all about it when return." With a free arm they both embraced. "Not to mention all the beautiful maidens." Celendir said with a bit of humor. Legolas laughed.
"I am not sure this is that kind of trip." He looked over his dear friends and family once more. He turned and an elf stood holding his white horse ready. Legolas began to mount when he heard a faint cry of his name. He thrashed around. Up on grassy hill a young girl was standing, clutching a small bouquet of yellow flowers that she had to of picked herself. She wore a small white gown, and part of her acorn colored hair was tied up upon her head. She looked at him with wide eyes that hurt Legolas's heart. How could he have almost forgotten her? The little girl ran down the hill, the wind through her hair. Legolas ran to her. He ran behind the gates grabbing the silver rails as he made his way to her. They both finally met each other.
Green eyes looked up from the dear face. He bent down to meet her level. He observed a little flush in her cheekbones. She glanced down at her yellow flowers. A grin came from her as she thrust her bouquet to him, almost knocking him over. He caught himself by using his hand to balance him self from behind. He then put his weight on his feet again. He put his hand on the small face.
"Thank you." He said gently. She smiled again, but it straightened once more.
"When you will come back? You and father have to help me on my archery." A small voice came from her tiny pink lips. The young prince's heart ached. She did not know of the darkness that covered the lands of Middle Earth, he didn't even know if he would see this young elf's face again.
"I do not know Delani." He lowered his hand and looked depressingly and the flowers that lay in his other hand. The princess whimpered, enough for him to hear. He lifted his head up quickly and enveloped her in his arms. Her face pressed against his chest. A small tear fell from her cheeks." But I will not stray long if I don't need too." He kissed her forehead then went to mount his horse. Legolas led his horse to the road and started off. He turned his head only to see little Delani running after him waving frantically. That wave put a smile on his face all the way to Rivendell, wilted yellow flowers in hand.
Legolas finally opened the doors of the bathing room. His hair was still damp, and he was dressed in gray leggings and a fine sewn silver tunic. His eyebrows lifted to what he saw. Delani lay stretched out on the bench. Legolas chuckled to himself.
`I guess I bathe to long' he thought to himself. He watched her breath in and out. She appeared a peace and he dared not to wake her. With a smile he softly picked her up. She moaned a little and rested her head on his chest.
Legolas carried down to what he hoped to be her chamber. Luckily the door was opened just a tiny bit enough for him to push through. Once again the moon was his only light. He saw her room was flourished with white mourning glories that wove around the sides of her glassless windows. Pastel colors of green and yellow along with cream white were everywhere. Her bed, the chairs, a white table, and white colored curtains were draped everywhere, making the room look like a cloud from heaven. He laid Delani on her bed. He placed a spare blanket that was lying folded up at the edge of her bed, on top of her. He stared at her for a while, then took his leave quietly, with a unknown feeling stirring inside his heart. It felt like a tiny tea candle was lit.
"Milady! I am glad to see you well. May I have the pleasure of attending to your guest..." The elf looked twice at Legolas no realizing until now who stood before him. The elf quickly went into a bow.
"Your highness, pardon my for my ignorance I did not recognize you." Legolas raised his hand in understanding.
"May I take your horse my lord?"
"Yes that who do greatly." Legolas handed the elf the reins of his horse. The elf bowed once more to the Prince and Princess and walked off with the horse. The two elves then made their way up the steps.
Their footsteps echoed in the hallway. Legolas walked with his head down, he looked very dreary. Delani glanced at her old friend. It had been so long since she had seen him, it felt awkward having him beside her. She decided to break the silence.
"When did you last rest?" Her voice cracked. Legolas looked at her, then glanced back down.
"Two nights ago. I had to keep up the pace, or I would have missed the beginning of the journey." His voice was low and milky. It sent a sharp chill up the elf maiden's spine. They had reached the end of the hallway, where two guards stood at each side of the tall wooden doors protecting the throne room inside. Both eyes of the guards widened when they saw the Prince. Without hesitation the pressed the doors open, letting the two through. They walked into long narrow room, glasses windows lay as walls, and a silver throne laid at the end.
Celendir and Thranduil stood by an open window that looked out over the west side of the city. Celendir had just mumbled something to Thranduil who seemed to have nodded in agreement.
"Celendir." Dleani spoke tenderly. Her willowy body was hidden in the shadows of the room. Celendir looked up to the voice. He squinted his eyes to see the faces. A smile just like his fathers made its way upon his handsome face. A thrush of happiness swept through Legolas's heart. He walked forward into the moonlight toward the kings.
"My lords, it brings a weight of joy upon my heart to see you, and to hear of you becoming king Celendir." Legolas bowed. Celendir stepped forward and placed both of his hands upon his friend's shoulders.
"A king I may be in the name of tradition, but most of all a friend in the name of my heart. Tis good to see you again," The embraced fiercely, " I feared for you greatly."
"How about letting the father see his son too my boy!" Thranduil suddenly spoke. Celendir let go of Legolas with a chuckle. Legolas went to his father and embraced him as well. Delani's eyes sparkled with tears, she felt a warmth of love seeing them so happy.
Celendir then fixated his eyes on his young sister. He outstretched his arm and pointed his index finger out to her, motioning her to come to him.
"And you beautiful one have had me feared greatly over you as well." She walked out of the dark shadow to her dear brother. She caught his hand with hers.
"I have only done my duty."
"How did you two come to find each other?" Thranduil asked looking back and forth from Legolas to Delani. Legolas and Delani both took turns in telling their little fighting match. Thranduil and Celendir rolled their heads back and laughed hysterically.
"She thought I was a black rider!"
"Well you thought I was a goblin!"
"Ok... peace you two." Celendir laughed, and wiped a tear from his face. The story to him was all to good of a tale. He looked at the two messy elves, their hair all wet and muddy, obviously from their messy fight. "What a sight you both are. Legolas please help yourself to the bathing room, and dear sister will you not follow after?" Delani gave her brother a surprised but stupid look.
"No brother, I think I shall live within the mud upon my skin." She said smartly. Legolas bowed once again and Delani followed with a curtsy, which she felt quite odd doing in such clothes. With that they turned and left the throne room.
Legolas's muscle's clenched when he poured the hot water over his head. He hadn't bathed in days, just the word bath made him excited. The wait was worth it. His nude form slid down deeper into the large bathtub filled with hot steamy water, and he leaned his head back. He sighed and observed the room.
The bathing room was quite soothing. The room was made out of shiny white stone, including the bathtub. Candles were lit everywhere making the lighting beautiful. The smell of lavender filled his nose, he breathed in deep many times. Fragile vases, and bottles filled with soaps and oils were everywhere. White curtains seemed to oblique every corner, draping their white innocence around the room. He took a silver pitcher that lay on the fringes of the bath tub, scooped up more hot water, and poured it over his head. He reached for a soft white cloth, he picked up one of the scented soaps, poured onto the cloth and began to lather himself with the sweet essence of Lilac. He began to hum a song. His voice was creamy as he sang the libretto of his land Mirkwood.
Outside the bathing room, Delani sat on a stone bench that lay against the hallway wall, across from the doors of the room. Her fingers fiddled with the towel and a blue dressing gown that she always brought with her to bathe.
`How long does it take for one to bathe?' She thought to herself. She had been waiting for him to come out for at least and hour. She had noticed that he had seemed a little uneasy returning to Neverwinter after so long. She looked to the floor and went into a trance of memory.
The warm breeze blew across the cheeks of the royal families at the gates of Neverwinter. Ryldor's burgundy cloak blew with the wind, he stood tall, holding his wife's small hand. He compressed her hand slightly, she turned her head to him and smiled. Her brown hair made known down upon the silver shimmering dress that lay on her back. Her eyes gave him comfort. All of his fears subsided for moments, he was only hoping that Thranduil's wife was doing the same.
Thranduil gripped his wife's hand so tightly, his knuckles shown white. His eyes were averted to the dirt road. She could offer no comfort to him or even herself. How could they? She thought. Their son was leaving to the Council Of Elrond, where he would represent his father and the race of elves. They both did not know really where it would lead. But a premonition told them their son was to embark on a long and dangerous journey, and when or if he would ever return, they did not know.
Celendir stood adjacent from them, his fair head looked not down but up. He was proud of Legolas but feared on little for his friend's unknown fate.
He looked behind him for behind the gates and up an earthy path, his friend stood. Legolas's face held no expression. Celendir smiled slightly and nodded, signaling him that it was time to say farewell.
The young Prince of Mirkwood walked briskly down the path. His hands trembled and his heart pounded. He knew that goodbyes would be a hard thing to say on this day. He finally passed the gates, walked around and stood in front of them. He wore his clothing of earthy browns and greens made helped him blend in with the trees that stood behind him. His bow and quiver stood ready along with his knives.
Ryldor was the first to come forward, he took Legolas's hand. His eyes went deep into the prince's thoughts. He knew he would come back to them someday.
"I have no gift to bare you for you need none, but only my blessing." He placed his hand on Legolas's shoulder. "Travel safe. Your are like a son to me." They bowed to eachother, then Tythiel came forward. Legolas bowed down to her, and she planted a petite kiss on his cheek. She smiled sweetly at him. Oh how he would miss these individuals who were like parents to him.
Thranduil went up to his son, with his wife clutching to his hand. Their eyes met each other. In the deepness of his father's eyes, the prince saw tears forming, like little stone pools of sadness.
"Have I taught you right?" He said with a little fear and doubt in his eyes. Legolas was confused but answered him directly, but though he felt he was reassuring a little boy, scarred with his mistakes.
"Yes father."
"And I have always been there when you needed me?" His voice trembled this time. This time Thranduil's son looked ad him shocked, confused and merciful.
"Yes father always..." he hesitated he wanted to tell him he was nothing but a good father to him. Why had his father become so doubt full of himself? He had to tell him something. "I love you father. I love you both with all my heart. Please will I not have your blessing?" Thranduil sniffed, and coughed. He seemed to straighten up with relief.
"You have both of our blessings." Legolas's mother let go of her husbands hand. Her son wrapped her in his arms, and she kissed his cheek. Thranduil always thought it was improper to show too much affection in public. But he didn't care not now. Once his wife stepped back from their son, Thranduil stepped forward once more and fiercely took his son in his arms. Legolas's eyes widened with shock, but they settled. He reacted to his father's action of love, he hugged him back, " Come back to us." Thranduil whispered to him.
Legolas stepped back with a small warm smile on his face. He then turned to Celendir who had walked forward and took his hand and shook it. He would miss the times he and Celendir had together.
"Tell me all about it when return." With a free arm they both embraced. "Not to mention all the beautiful maidens." Celendir said with a bit of humor. Legolas laughed.
"I am not sure this is that kind of trip." He looked over his dear friends and family once more. He turned and an elf stood holding his white horse ready. Legolas began to mount when he heard a faint cry of his name. He thrashed around. Up on grassy hill a young girl was standing, clutching a small bouquet of yellow flowers that she had to of picked herself. She wore a small white gown, and part of her acorn colored hair was tied up upon her head. She looked at him with wide eyes that hurt Legolas's heart. How could he have almost forgotten her? The little girl ran down the hill, the wind through her hair. Legolas ran to her. He ran behind the gates grabbing the silver rails as he made his way to her. They both finally met each other.
Green eyes looked up from the dear face. He bent down to meet her level. He observed a little flush in her cheekbones. She glanced down at her yellow flowers. A grin came from her as she thrust her bouquet to him, almost knocking him over. He caught himself by using his hand to balance him self from behind. He then put his weight on his feet again. He put his hand on the small face.
"Thank you." He said gently. She smiled again, but it straightened once more.
"When you will come back? You and father have to help me on my archery." A small voice came from her tiny pink lips. The young prince's heart ached. She did not know of the darkness that covered the lands of Middle Earth, he didn't even know if he would see this young elf's face again.
"I do not know Delani." He lowered his hand and looked depressingly and the flowers that lay in his other hand. The princess whimpered, enough for him to hear. He lifted his head up quickly and enveloped her in his arms. Her face pressed against his chest. A small tear fell from her cheeks." But I will not stray long if I don't need too." He kissed her forehead then went to mount his horse. Legolas led his horse to the road and started off. He turned his head only to see little Delani running after him waving frantically. That wave put a smile on his face all the way to Rivendell, wilted yellow flowers in hand.
Legolas finally opened the doors of the bathing room. His hair was still damp, and he was dressed in gray leggings and a fine sewn silver tunic. His eyebrows lifted to what he saw. Delani lay stretched out on the bench. Legolas chuckled to himself.
`I guess I bathe to long' he thought to himself. He watched her breath in and out. She appeared a peace and he dared not to wake her. With a smile he softly picked her up. She moaned a little and rested her head on his chest.
Legolas carried down to what he hoped to be her chamber. Luckily the door was opened just a tiny bit enough for him to push through. Once again the moon was his only light. He saw her room was flourished with white mourning glories that wove around the sides of her glassless windows. Pastel colors of green and yellow along with cream white were everywhere. Her bed, the chairs, a white table, and white colored curtains were draped everywhere, making the room look like a cloud from heaven. He laid Delani on her bed. He placed a spare blanket that was lying folded up at the edge of her bed, on top of her. He stared at her for a while, then took his leave quietly, with a unknown feeling stirring inside his heart. It felt like a tiny tea candle was lit.