Chapter 35

The next morning came and Tally ordered some food brought to her as she wanted to eat and work at the same time. She had been brought a lot to do. Half way through the morning she's found the part of law she needed, but couldn't understand the archaic language it was written in. Tally knew Elrond could understand it, so she went to his study. On the way she bumped into Gandalf,

"Gandalf, it has been along time! How are you? Did you enjoy your travels?" and she flung herself onto him in a hug, excited to see her old friend and teacher,

"Natalia, I am very well, and I see you are in high spirits too! How is royal life treating you?"

"I love it. I love the learning and the helping people. I love it here and I am happier than I could have ever thought," except perhaps on one thing, she added silently. Gandalf seemed to hear it too though and his eyes twinkled as he said,

"Legolas regretted leaving you after half a day's journey Tally. The time has been agony for him. Do not think you were the only one hurt by his actions." Tally was not best pleased to find someone else interfering in her business, or lack of it, with Legolas,

"Gandalf, it is very important I speak to Elrond," she said diplomatically to show the subject was closed, "are you on your way there too?"

"I was, but only to say hello to an old friend. I will not keep him busy for long," they rounded the corner to Elrond's study. The door was uncharacteristically closed, "but I see we may be too late to catch him today." Tally and Gandalf stood outside, they heard the sound of raised voices, Legolas and Elrond. Finally they heard,

"Legolas I am not getting involved. You must resolve this yourself. Force her to listen to you if must be," Gandalf looked at Tally and she went pink. Elrond's door was flung open and Legolas stormed out, not seeing either of the people standing there. There was sigh from inside, Tally stepped in,

"I am sorry to trouble you Elrond, but I must ask for some help with this language. I just cannot understand it. It's Sindarin, just not how I understand it."

"Of course my child. Leave it with me and I will write a translation down for you. Is it this passage here?"

"Yes and the next page as well. Thank you Elrond, I appreciate it. Gandalf is here too. He wishes a word with you." Tally left and headed back to her room. She answered the letters from some of the children, remembering that some would be much older now. She wished them all well and offered words of advice from her experiences in life. By afternoon, Tally was hungry and sent for some more food, she didn't want to venture into the Hall to eat, not knowing who she would bump into. She continued to work all afternoon, ploughing through another legal dispute she knew she could settle easily, writing a judgement to both sides which she believed was fair.

Late afternoon brought Kaelira and Naela to her, "Where have you been all day? Are you alright?"

"I am fine. I've just been going through all the papers I have received. I want to get them done for when Legolas leaves again so they can be answered in good time."

"Tally, he's not going away again." Kaelira ventured,

"Of course he is. Don't be silly. Why would he stay?"

"The same reason you stay here and don't go travelling, you couldn't bear to leave this place for long. It is too peaceful and beautiful." She replied, "Tally is this why you won't let him talk to you? Because you're scared he's going to leave again?" Kaelira voice had softened and she glared at Naela to make sure she held her tongue. Both were surprised when Tally just burst into great sobs in front of them,

"Kaeli, I don't know what I'd do if he left again. I couldn't bear it. If I see him, he'll look into my eyes and tell me he's sorry and that he still loves me, and I still love him even though I pretend I don't. It's easier to convince myself than you all I suppose. I hear him thinking it every time he's near, the pain he felt and still feels, his desire, his love, his fear, and I just lose myself in it. All I want to do is help him, and then I remember his pain is my pain, and he was the one who inflicted it on me, and I could never let anyone do that to me again." Tally was enveloped in four arms and she found Kaelira and Naela weeping with her. She was utterly confused and helpless. The strong queen was really just a scared little girl underneath.

"Tally, I think we should have a night to ourselves tonight, cheer you up. A pre-wedding thing. What did you say you call them?" asked Naela

"A hen night." Said Tally between sniffs,

"Yes, one of them."

"What a good idea," said Kaelira, "It'll be fun. We'll pick you up before dinner."

But a hen's night wasn't exactly what Naela had in mind.

Naela came to find her while it was still light, "Tally you can't wear that, isn't this meant to be a celebration?"

"Fine then. You choose." Tally regretted that remark instantly because Naela was fingering Tally's best robe. The one she wore only for special occasions, "Alright, I'll put that one on. Here, come and unbutton this." Naela didn't stop fussing until Tally was made up beyond recognition. She looked amazing even if she did say so. The dress enhanced her figure, making the most of what little she had. Naela had done her face to look all cheekbones and full red lips, "Wow, Naela that's great. But why aren't you this dressed up?"

"Oh well it'll only take me a minute to get ready, I can do it much faster on myself. Besides, I don't need that much help to look good." She grinned and dashed off down the corridor, Tally ran shrieking after her, laughing. They stopped in front of one of the small general rooms in the Sanctuary, "Here, I'll get Kaeli and we'll join you in a minute." She pushed Tally inside.

The room was candle lit. It smelt wonderful, there were flowers on practically every available surface. A sofa stretched down the length of one side of the room, there was a table set with food.

By the window stood Legolas.