*~* "And it is also said," answered Frodo: "Go not to the Elves for
counsel, for they will say both no and yes." ~ J.R.R. Tolkien "The
Fellowship of the Ring"*~*
THE FAERIE GOBLET
Chapter 11 ~ "Rivendell"
"Looks as if we have a visitor," Cyrus the Blue said as he stood on one of the many balconies overlooking Rivendell.
"Really? Who is it?" Radagast the Brown asked from just inside the library.
"Hmm . . . pale horse, fair hair . . . I really can't quite see . . ."
Radagast hurried out of the library and joined his fellow wizard at the balcony rail. "Perhaps Alede has come home early," he said eagerly.
"If so, she must have ridden on the footsteps of Elrohir. He got back here only yesterday . . ."
"Nay, tis not Alede," a voice said behind them.
Both wizards turned to see Elrohir striding toward them grinning. "Can you not tell an Elf from a maiden?" he laughed, clapping them both on the shoulder. "Tis my old friends, Legolas and Gimli."
With a wave and a shout of greeting Elrohir easily swung himself over the rail and dropped lightly to the pavement below.
Cyrus rolled his eyes at Elrohir's antics.
"Hmm . . ." Radagast mused, "I wonder what brings them to Rivendell? Perhaps young Legolas has finally come to his senses about my daughter."
Cyrus sniffed. "The day any Elf comes to his senses, is the day I turn myself into a toad. Look at him," he gestured at the prince of Rivendell, "galloping along the path like a loose dog. Does he think that Legolas will vanish if he does not run to greet him?"
Radagast chuckled. Cyrus did not get on very well with Elves and living in Rivendell was a bit of a trial for him. He was a good wizard, a bit stuffy perhaps, but a good and careful wizard nevertheless. His sense of humor, or rather the lack thereof, was his only real shortcoming. The Elves teased him incessantly because of it. Elrohir especially found him irresistible though most of his jokes went right over Cyrus's head.
From the pathway below they could hear the exuberant greetings as Elrohir reached his friends. Legolas leapt down from his stallion with such haste he nearly toppled Gimli. The dwarf was duly helped down and apologies were made. There was much hugging and backslapping as well.
"I suppose we'd best go down and greet them," Cyrus said with a long suffering sigh. He liked Dwarves even less than Elves.
"Yes. . . I say, Cyrus," Radagast began as they headed for the stairs, "I intend to give young Legolas a bit of a nudge since he's here. I hope you won't mind if I uh . . . exaggerate what Elrohir told us about Alede just a bit."
"Mind?" Cyrus asked. "Not if you mean to give him a push in Alede's direction. She's a good girl and deserves some happiness. It's pained me to see her moping about the past several years. Though I really can't imagine what she sees in Elves, with all their singing and loping about . . ."
They approached the trio of friends and could easily hear their rapid conversation. Cyrus clucked his tongue.
"Elves are all alike. They either take everything much too seriously or not seriously at all." He turned and gave Radagast a conspiratorial wink. "But give Legolas a good hard nudge for me as well. Perhaps he'll surprise us. If Alede cares for him, he may not be all bad."
Radagast nodded and gave his old friend a pat on the back. Cyrus had always been fond of Alede.
They stopped just short of the small group and observed them as they talked eagerly with one another. Oddly enough, this was Radagast's first sight of Legolas and he wished to study him unobserved before they were introduced.
The young prince was certainly handsome enough. Radagast could understand why any girl would fall for him. But what impressed the old wizard the most was the sincerity and compassion that he saw within Legolas' eyes. He remembered hearing that while on the quest of the Ring, it had always been Legolas who'd looked after the little Hobbits.
The Dwarf who stood staunchly at Legolas' side bespoke of a rare and unusual friendship. Radagast knew enough of Dwarves to know that Gimli would never befriend an Elf who was anything less than honorable and courageous.
Of course all Elves are honorable and courageous, Radagast thought. But this one perhaps more than most. He found himself liking the young prince almost immediately and strode forward so that he might be included in the conversation.
". . . so I ditched Elladan and the rest of the ice gathering crew and headed back here. Your uncle was among them," Elrohir was saying.
"And no doubt Elladan will thrash you as you deserve when he returns," Legolas laughed.
"Aye, that will be a sight I would not wish to miss," Gimli stated with an amused growl.
Elrohir laughed. "But my brother will have to catch me first and my stallion is faster than his. Speaking of stallions, this is a new one, is it not?" Elrohir asked turning to Legolas' glistening mount.
"Yes," Legolas responded enthusiastically. "This is Aransûl, sired by my father's stallion."
Cyrus groaned as admiring sounds were made over the white horse. He didn't care much for horses either.
"He's beautifully proportioned," Elrohir complimented. "I'd wager his gaits are as smooth as silk . . ."
"Nay, more like riding a boat down the side of a mountain," Gimli grumbled.
Both Elves laughed and Radagast cleared his throat, knowing that they could go on all afternoon once they started on the subject of horses.
"Ahh . . ." Elrohir noticed the two wizards and made the introductions.
"This is a pleasure," Radagast said after pleasantries had been exchanged. "Gandalf spoke so highly of both of you."
"And it is a pleasure for me as well," Legolas said, looking slightly ill at ease and giving the startled wizard a very formal bow. "Alede has spoken of you often."
"Yes, well . . . thank you." Radagast changed the subject rather hastily. He didn't want to break the news of Alede's absence quite yet. "So, what brings you two adventurers to Rivendell?"
Legolas glanced quickly at Gimli, a gesture that was not lost on the wizard. Obviously these two consulted with each other about everything.
"Perhaps you'd like to come inside," Radagast said, sensing some uneasiness between the Elf and the Dwarf.
"Yes, thank you."
"I understand your people have made great progress at the Glittering Caves, Master Gimli," Radagast said politely as he led them all to the library.
"News travels quickly," Gimli began with a proud smile. As the Dwarf warmed to the subject and to a new audience, Radagast took the opportunity to watch Legolas. The young prince scanned the buildings as they walked and Radagast felt sure he was looking for Alede.
*But with what purpose? Does his miss her or is he merely nervous about meeting her again?*
Once, when he stepped back to allow the Elf to precede him through a doorway, Legolas looked him full in the face. Radagast had never seen such suffering in such soulful eyes. He was familiar with the sea longing, but he hadn't seen it in one who'd denied it for so long and was Silvan besides. He wondered just how severe the torment was that this Elf lived with.
*And why?* What could keep an Elf on this side of the sea for so long, when his heart was so clearly lost to the Blessed Realm?
Casting a glance at the dwarf, Radagast thought that perhaps it was mortal ties that kept the Elf bound to Middle Earth. But looking into those twilight colored eyes, the old wizard saw another kind of suffering as well. One of the Elf's own making.
Radagast felt guilty about the nudge he was about to give the Elf, but knew that it might benefit Legolas as much as his daughter.
~ ~ ~
"I had hoped to consult with Alede as well and give her my greetings," Legolas said quietly, returning the frank gaze that the old wizard gave him. "If it is not too much trouble to summon her?"
Radagast shook his head and walked to a corner cabinet, pulling out a decanter of wine. "Alede's not here. Would you like something to drink? I imagine you've had a long dusty road."
Out of the corner of his eye, Legolas saw the look of relief on Gimli's face. He knew the dwarf did not approve of Alede or wish for them to meet again.
Or does he just not approve of what she does to me, Legolas wondered.
"Thank you," he answered Radagast. "Rivendell's wine has always been some of the finest." He pulled the strange silver goblet from his pack and set it on a table. "Where is Alede?"
Because Radagast was facing away from him, Legolas did not see the smile on the old wizards face. Nor did he realize how impatient he sounded for one of the Eldar.
"Oh, she's preparing for her wedding," Radagast said casually, setting wine glasses in front of the guests.
"Wedding?" Legolas froze and forced himself to ignore the emotions that rose up and threatened to choke him.
This is what he had wanted all along, for her to fall in love with someone else, to forget him and find her own happiness.
Then why did it feel so wrong?
"I am pleased that she's found someone to make her happy," Legolas said, keeping his voice very neutral since all eyes including Gimli's were turned upon him. "Whom does she marry?"
"Oh . . . some smithy," Radagast drawled casually as he sat down.
"Smithy? One of the gold smiths here?" Legolas asked puzzled.
"Nay," Elrohir cut in, flashing Radagast a mischievous smile behind Legolas' back, "some smithy in the town of Bree. Huge fellow, looks like a bear. He has biceps as big as your thighs, Legolas. He could probably break you in half with one hand."
Legolas ignored the wave of irritation he felt at Elrohir's words. "Are you saying he's human?"
"Yes."
"Alede is marrying a human? Is that wise?"
Gimli laid a hand on Legolas' arm and the prince realized that he's spoken rather tersely. "I mean," he said more calmly, "I would hate to see her suffer from marrying a mortal."
Radagast shrugged. "It is probably not wise. But who are we to stop her? Alede is certainly old enough to make her own decisions and she needs to find some happiness in this world."
"Though I doubt she'll get it from that bear of a man," Elrohir said cryptically.
"What do you mean?"
"I say, Legolas," Radagast interrupted, getting up and walking over to the desk, "this is an odd goblet you've got here. Let's have a look at it."
Legolas exchanged a glance with Gimli and the dwarf nodded back. He too sensed that something lay behind their innocent words. Handing the goblet to Radagast he allowed the subject to be changed and told them the details of his encounter with the hobgoblin.
~ ~ ~
"Fascinating, positively fascinating," Cyrus declared. He was holding the goblet up to the setting sun letting the rays illuminate the symbols around it. "And this, Master Dwarf," Cyrus held out the bubble of glass that Gimli had loaned him to magnify the etchings with, "is the most ingenious invention I've ever seen. I am most impressed."
Radagast looked up from the book he was searching through to grunt in satisfaction over Cyrus' remark. Maybe the old fool was loosening up a bit.
"The symbols appear to be writing. But it is no language that I know of," Legolas said. "Can you make anything of it?"
"Hmm . . . yes or maybe not," Radagast said, putting the book down and going to stand beside his friend. "They are runes for certain. Look here, Legolas, Elrohir, does this not remind you of the Quenya symbol for 'ië'?"
Legolas took the goblet and studied the runes indicated, holding it so that Elrohir might see it as well.
"There is some similarity, yes . . . and this . . ." Legolas pointed to another, "could almost be an 'n' and an 'ó'. But I can not make out the rest."
Gimli crowded near them, though he did not know Quenya. The others occasionally called out other runes that they recognized. Sometimes they could decipher a whole string of runes, but they spelled out no word that any of them recognized.
And sometimes they did.
"I am certain that this word is 'nórë' though it is spelled differently," Legolas said.
"And the word after it could be 'lumbule'," Elrohir pointed out.
"What does that mean?" Gimli asked when everyone else went quite still.
"Land of shadows," Legolas said quietly.
"Land of shadows?" Gimli echoed. "Where or what is that?"
"I am not certain," Radagast mused. "Though I have heard the name somewhere before. I do not think it bodes well . . . it appears that you were wise to bring this to us, Legolas. "Though I wish your father were here, Elrohir, or Gandalf. He was far more educated in languages than I."
"He was far more educated than either of us, in most things," Cyrus added.
When Legolas looked up at him quizzically, Cyrus explained, "I'm afraid we're rather 'second rate' wizards compared to Gandalf. But we'll do our best, won't we Radagast?"
"Mmm? Oh yes," Radagast said looking up from the goblet. "We'll decipher this eventually."
"And while you are deciphering it, I will show them to their rooms," Elrohir said. He turned to Legolas and Gimli as he led the way out of the library. "You may have your pick. We have no other guests in Rivendell now. There was a time . . ." He trailed off sadly and said no more, giving them the wide Elvin shrug.
~ ~ ~
Gimli tossed his pack onto a chair in the elegant chamber he'd been given and stretched wearily. He never wanted to see the back of a horse ever again. Perhaps he'd talk with Legolas about walking back to Gondor. They'd done it before . . .
Movement to his left made Gimli start, but it was only Legolas out on the balcony.
"Most people use the door," Gimli grumbled, "instead of climbing about on the balconies like tree squirrels."
"The balconies are connected," Legolas said with a chuckle. But his smile faded quickly, replaced by a worried frown.
Gimli pulled his dusty outer jerkin off and joined Legolas on the balcony.
"Elrohir was baiting you," Gimli stated without preamble.
"I know," Legolas said quietly leaning against the balcony rail and staring out over the valley. "But I do not know why."
"It seemed more than his usual teasing."
The Elf nodded. "I thought so too. And Radagast was hiding something as well, but again, I know not what. They seemed very nonchalant about Alede's marriage to a mortal. I would think her father would be concerned for her sake."
"Unless the wedding is not really taking place."
Legolas turned and leaned his hip on the balcony. "What do you mean?"
"Perhaps it is a ploy to make you jealous."
Legolas snorted, not wanting to admit that it had worked. "And what purpose would it serve?"
"It is obvious, is it not? The old wizard wants a prince for a son in law."
Legolas actually laughed at that. "I am the youngest son of a large family and the ruler of a far from prosperous kingdom. It hardly seems a good bargain."
Gimli shrugged. "You are not a pauper and you are certainly famous enough."
Legolas sighed as he considered the possibilities. He didn't know any of these people well enough to know what their motivations might be. Elrohir was a trusted friend. But friendships formed on the battlefield often held surprises in peacetime.
Legolas had been both dreading and looking forward to seeing Alede again. Because of it he had pushed his stallion rather more than he'd needed to. Not that the great horse had minded. But he knew that Gimli had suffered. There had been several debates on the way because of it.
Gimli watched the emotions crossing his friend's face worriedly. "Legolas, what . . . No, never mind." Embarrassed, the dwarf stumped back into his room. He never asked the Elf personal questions. If Legolas wanted him to know, he would tell him.
There was an awkward silence for several moments and then Legolas spoke quietly, knowing what it was that the dwarf asked. "I shared song with her, Gimli. It is the most intimate of acts among my people . . ."
"I know what it is," Gimli said, halting and turning around. "I remember what you did when you clunked me over the head with that axe."
"I thought I'd injured your mind. I was . . . It was not what you thought."
Gimli chuckled and walked back out. "I know that. It vexed you well enough at the time though. But I thought that only those betrothed to each other shared song. Are you and Alede . . ?"
"Nay. But there is a bond between us that I cannot explain . . ."
"I can," Gimli said sourly. "She has bewitched you and you believe yourself to be in love with her."
"Nay, that is not what I believe. I know that I do not love her. I wish that I could, for she is sweet and she deserves love."
"So, you shared song with her out of guilt?"
Legolas shook his head. "I thought that it would help us both. I wanted to share part of myself with her because I am very fond of her, even if I don't love her. And she . . . steadies me when I am with her. Unfortunately, I need that right now . . ." Legolas trailed off, ashamed of what he was admitting, ashamed that he needed someone.
"Curse those gulls!" Gimli said with sudden vehemence. "If I'd know the effect they'd have on you, I'd have knocked them from the sky that day. You are not the same Elf who went on the quest with us. We both should have listened to Galadriel's warning more carefully."
"Aye, but it is too late for that now. I must deal with what I have become and try to overcome it."
"It is not such a fault to rely on a friend, Legolas. Though you seem to think that it is."
"Not a fault perhaps, but a weakness."
"Ahh . . ." Gimli replied knowingly, "I should have realized that it was your stubborn Elvish pride that was causing the trouble. Many a times it has gotten in the way of your clear thinking."
"I seem to remember a certain tavern fight that was caused by Dwarvish pride, my friend," Legolas replied with a grin. "If I had not come along to rescue your hide, you might still be hanging on that meat hook in the kitchen . . ."
"We're not talking about me," Gimli blustered. "We're talking about you! Elves! They think they are perfect."
"In comparison to the rest of the denizens of Middle Earth, we are."
"Would you stop changing the subject?!" Gimli shouted.
"Very well. What were you saying?" Legolas asked smoothly.
"I was saying . . . I was . . . Curse you Legolas! You made me forget what I was saying!"
Legolas nodded. "You have just proved my point."
"Point? What point?" Gimli sputtered.
Legolas grinned at his friend. He knew that Gimli would try to even up the score later on, but for right now he had won that round. He also saw someone who might answer some of his questions on the path below. He patted Gimli on the shoulder.
"Let us discuss this further when you've had a chance to rest your weary mind."
"Weary mind!?" Gimli jabbed a fist in the direction of his friend, but Legolas nimbly swung over the balcony rail, dropping down to where he had seen Elrohir. "I'll give him a weary mind," Gimli muttered. Then looking over the rail he shook his head. "Why did they even build staircases here, if no one uses them?"
~ ~ ~
"Elrohir! A word, my friend? I was hoping I might speak with you privately."
The prince of Rivendell stopped and turned to face Legolas.
"I told Alede once that I'd black your eye should we meet again," Elrohir said without preamble, anger flickering across his fair face.
Legolas was brought up short. But before he could question that comment, Elrohir continued.
"But I see in your eyes that you already suffer enough and need no help from me. For that I am sorry."
"I do suffer. But I had hoped that Alede . . ."
"Alede suffers as well, my friend. And it is because of you! How could you be so thoughtless?"
"I never meant to hurt her, Elrohir. You must believe that. But I cannot force my heart to feel that which it is unable." Legolas paused. "She did not take it well, then?"
"Well?! Legolas, I feared for her life! Do not forget that she has a few drops of Elvin blood in her veins. It is not impossible that she could die of grief!"
The younger prince's knees nearly buckled upon hearing those words.
"By the Valar, no!"
"Her father was beside himself with worry, but she would speak to no one. I have never seen her so despondent. She ceased to eat and spent all of her time huddled on her balcony. It was not until I cornered her one day and forced her to tell me what was wrong that I began to understand . . ."
Legolas passed a hand over his face in a gesture of agony and remorse. "I had no idea that she would take it so severely. Did she tell you that I had . . . shared song with her?"
"Yes. You know I look on you as a brother," Elrohir put an arm around Legolas' shoulders, giving him a reproachful squeeze. "How could you have done something so foolish? Alede does not have the instincts for such an act that you and I do."
"I wanted to share part of myself with her," Legolas said his face pinched in regret. "I had thought that sharing song might help us both. You know her, Elrohir. You know how vulnerable she can be. She gives so much of herself without holding anything back. I thought that I could do the same for her, but . . . I could not."
Elrohir nodded as Legolas trailed off shaking his head sadly.
"I can guess the agony you must have been suffering because of her unschooled song and because of the sea. But could you not at least have communicated with her? To end it so abruptly with no explanation . . ."
Legolas' head came up. "The letters! Did you not receive the letters?"
"What letters?"
"I sent a letter to both of you. One was an explanation to her and the other was a plea for you to watch over her."
Elrohir shook his head. "We received no letters. I certainly did not and I know Alede would have told me if she had."
Legolas groaned. "No wonder Alede suffered! If I had but known," he lamented miserably. "By the Valar, what have I done to her?"
Elrohir remained silent while Legolas mastered his emotions. After a moment the young prince spoke again.
"It must be animosity that her father holds for me then. I could see that he hid some emotion. And if my warrior never delivered the letters, then what befell him?" He looked worriedly to the south as if hoping to see some answer.
*Sweet Alede! What have I done to you?!*
"I know not what happened to your messenger," Elrohir said. "No one has come here from Ithilien. How long ago was this?"
"Fourteen years. He was one of my father's warriors. He hoped that moving to Ithilien would ease his restlessness. But in the end, the sea called to him. I asked him to deliver the letters on his way to the Havens. I wonder what tragedy befell him, for I know he would have completed his mission even if he tarried in Middle Earth."
"I cannot help you there," Elrohir replied. "But I looked after Alede without your prompting. I am very fond of her."
Legolas nodded bitterly. "As she is of you. I cannot imagine what she must have felt not knowing the reason for my silence . . ."
"She is very much in love with you Legolas," Elrohir said quietly.
"I know," Legolas' voice was thick with emotion. "But she deserves someone who can love her in return, for I cannot."
Elrohir shook his head sadly. "Then I am sorry for you both. Her feelings for you are not trivial, Legolas." Elrohir shifted as a new thought occurred to him. "You do not find her unattractive because she is not Elvish, do you?"
"Nay! She is sweet and comely and as brave as a warrior. And above all, she has the most compassionate nature that I have ever known. You should have seen her with my father!"
A smile tugged at the corner of Elrohir's mouth. "Then what is the problem, my friend?"
"You have not felt the sea longing," Legolas said bitterly. "When Alede and I are together, I can barely hear it. Even before we shared song she was a distraction of sorts. And afterward . . ." Legolas' voice trailed off in memory.
Elrohir waited patiently, wanting an answer to the mystery that had puzzled him for so long as well.
Legolas shook his head. "The sea longing is a poison. It affects all that I do, all that I think. I do not wish to contaminate Alede with it. As much as I fear for her life, should she still be broken hearted, she deserves someone better than myself. I can only bring her misery right now."
"But if she blocks the call of the sea . . ?"
Legolas shook his head at Elrohir's unfinished question. "She deserves to be loved Elrohir, not used. It would hardly be fair to use her for my own selfish needs, would it?"
"Ahh," Elrohir shook his head wryly, finally understanding that which hindered the young prince. Legolas felt himself incomplete and unfit because of what the sea longing did to him. Knowing the fierce pride of Mirkwood's royal family, Elrohir knew that Legolas would never consider accepting Alede's help. By pushing her away, he thought to protect her from himself. Ironically, Legolas' urgent desire to protect her at his own cost was proof of his love for her. But Elrohir knew better than to continue arguing with the young prince. Legolas might be more open-minded than the King of Mirkwood but it was still Thranduil's blood that ran through his veins. Wood Elves were known to be hard headed anyway and this particular royal family took it to new heights.
What Legolas did not realize was that Alede was equally as stubborn and she would not think twice about helping someone she loved. Elrohir had no doubt who would win in the end.
Legolas broke into his thoughts as the young prince spoke again. The frown on his face betrayed his worry.
"Do you think that Alede is still in danger? Is she still so broken hearted that she might . . . perish?"
Elrohir was slow to answer. "I do not know Legolas, for no one can truly know the mind of a woman. Their emotions are as deep and mysterious as the ocean. But . . . she seems to have learned to live with her grief."
"Then what is really happening? Why does Alede marry a mortal? Please do not tell me she seeks such temporary companionship."
Elrohir crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against a wall. "I think Radagast hoped to make you jealous with the story of her marriage and it appears to have succeeded," he teased.
"I am not jealous, merely concerned," Legolas said curtly, ignoring the amused look on Elrohir's face. "It was Gimli's opinion that the marriage was not real. But I would hope to have the truth from you."
Legolas gave Elrohir such an earnest look that the older prince shifted uncomfortably and dropped all pretence of jest.
"I traveled to Bree a few weeks ago to deliver a letter from Radagast. Alede had gone for supplies, but stayed when she discovered the town smithy seriously injured. She has been living in his house for the past few months . . ."
"Has he taken advantage of her?" Legolas interrupted quickly, worry coloring his voice.
"Nay. But he claims to have fallen in love with her. I overheard his marriage proposal. While Alede does not intend to marry him, he is very persistent in his addresses to her and has no regard for Alede's wishes. I do not think he is an evil man, but he seems a bit thick-sculled about women. You know how some humans treat their women, as if they aren't quite bright enough to have thoughts of their own? I am a little worried that he might try to force her."
"Then why did you not bring her home with you?" Legolas asked heatedly.
"I tried. But Alede felt compelled to stay with him until he was fully healed . . . Legolas! Where are you going?"
"She is very naïve in the ways of men," Legolas called over his shoulder. "It would not occur to her that he might force the issue. If she does not agree, he may try rape as an incentive. Alede might marry to save her reputation. You should not have left her there to deal with him on her own."
"But where do you go?" Elrohir asked, hurrying to catch up with him.
"I ride to Bree. Gimli is weary, but if you will allow him to stay here, I will go alone . . ."
~ ~ ~
In the end, Elrohir and Gimli both persuaded Legolas to wait until morning, though the prince was loath to do it. Legolas sat through diner in the great hall unable to concentrate on the conversation of the two wizards. His mind kept going over the conversation with Elrohir.
Once again he had hurt Alede. *I would give my life to spare her grief!*
Radagast choose that moment to bang his fist on the table in his argument with Cyrus, bringing Legolas' mind back to the present.
"I am convinced that it has magical properties," Radagast said angrily. "It has a certain feel to it . . ."
"Feel?" Cyrus exclaimed. "What kind of scholarly approach is feeling? I'm ashamed of you Radagast! I think it is simply a goblet, made for some special occasion. There are many lands that we have not explored where they may have superior crafting techniques. But to be sure, there are certain alchemist tests I could perform . . ."
"LEGOLAS!" Gimli suddenly exclaimed, making everyone jump.
The Elf turned to him in some irritation since the dwarf's outburst had caused him to nearly choke on his wine.
"Why are you drinking from that goblet?" Gimli asked in horror, his eyes directed at the Elf's hand.
"What? I . . ." Legolas suddenly broke off as he looked at the wine glass in his hand. It was none other than the mysterious silver goblet. "But how . . ?" He set it down so abruptly it overturned, spilling out the dark wine like a pool of blood upon the table.
Everyone jumped up from their chairs and ran over to him.
"It is glowing," Elrohir exclaimed.
"But I don't understand," Cyrus said in alarm. "We left it sitting on the desk in the library . . ."
"It was not here when we began the meal," Gimli stated. "There was only one goblet set at Legolas' plate and now there are two."
"Did anyone bring it in?" Elrohir asked. "I saw none of the servants carrying a goblet . . ."
"How do you feel Legolas?" Radagast interrupted urgently.
"I am well," Legolas answered a little shakily. He too was certain that there had been only one goblet, a plain one when he sat down. Suddenly he grasped the front of his tunic. "Ai!" Reaching inside, he pulled out the talisman that Alede had given him so long ago. It was hot enough that it nearly burned his skin. Holding it up to the light by its cord, he saw the tiny bundle of herbs within writhing and twisting as if they boiled.
"By Elbereth," Radagast breathed looking at the tiny talisman. "This is Alede's work is it not?"
Legolas nodded.
"It has just deflected a powerful spell. See how it writhes, Cyrus?" Both wizards leaned in to look at it as the contents slowly stilled and when Legolas once again touched it, found it cool. The symbols on the goblet dimmed until it was just plain silver.
Cyrus looked quite shaken. "But how could the goblet have gotten in here?"
"Teleported, I would imagine," Radagast said grimly. "I guess that settles the question of whether or not it is magical." He looked down gravely at Legolas. "Now we just need to figure out what kind of magic it is. There is none that I know of that can cause an object to wield such tremendous power except dark magic."
Legolas tucked the talisman slowly back into his tunic and then glanced at Gimli. The dwarf heaved a sigh and shook his head slightly. Legolas nodded. He agreed with the dwarves unspoken thought.
*What have we gotten ourselves into this time?*
~ ~ ~
A/N: And finally the moment we've all been waiting for . . . find out what happens when Legolas and Alede meet again in chapter 12, "Impelled by Longing" coming soon! :D
THE FAERIE GOBLET
Chapter 11 ~ "Rivendell"
"Looks as if we have a visitor," Cyrus the Blue said as he stood on one of the many balconies overlooking Rivendell.
"Really? Who is it?" Radagast the Brown asked from just inside the library.
"Hmm . . . pale horse, fair hair . . . I really can't quite see . . ."
Radagast hurried out of the library and joined his fellow wizard at the balcony rail. "Perhaps Alede has come home early," he said eagerly.
"If so, she must have ridden on the footsteps of Elrohir. He got back here only yesterday . . ."
"Nay, tis not Alede," a voice said behind them.
Both wizards turned to see Elrohir striding toward them grinning. "Can you not tell an Elf from a maiden?" he laughed, clapping them both on the shoulder. "Tis my old friends, Legolas and Gimli."
With a wave and a shout of greeting Elrohir easily swung himself over the rail and dropped lightly to the pavement below.
Cyrus rolled his eyes at Elrohir's antics.
"Hmm . . ." Radagast mused, "I wonder what brings them to Rivendell? Perhaps young Legolas has finally come to his senses about my daughter."
Cyrus sniffed. "The day any Elf comes to his senses, is the day I turn myself into a toad. Look at him," he gestured at the prince of Rivendell, "galloping along the path like a loose dog. Does he think that Legolas will vanish if he does not run to greet him?"
Radagast chuckled. Cyrus did not get on very well with Elves and living in Rivendell was a bit of a trial for him. He was a good wizard, a bit stuffy perhaps, but a good and careful wizard nevertheless. His sense of humor, or rather the lack thereof, was his only real shortcoming. The Elves teased him incessantly because of it. Elrohir especially found him irresistible though most of his jokes went right over Cyrus's head.
From the pathway below they could hear the exuberant greetings as Elrohir reached his friends. Legolas leapt down from his stallion with such haste he nearly toppled Gimli. The dwarf was duly helped down and apologies were made. There was much hugging and backslapping as well.
"I suppose we'd best go down and greet them," Cyrus said with a long suffering sigh. He liked Dwarves even less than Elves.
"Yes. . . I say, Cyrus," Radagast began as they headed for the stairs, "I intend to give young Legolas a bit of a nudge since he's here. I hope you won't mind if I uh . . . exaggerate what Elrohir told us about Alede just a bit."
"Mind?" Cyrus asked. "Not if you mean to give him a push in Alede's direction. She's a good girl and deserves some happiness. It's pained me to see her moping about the past several years. Though I really can't imagine what she sees in Elves, with all their singing and loping about . . ."
They approached the trio of friends and could easily hear their rapid conversation. Cyrus clucked his tongue.
"Elves are all alike. They either take everything much too seriously or not seriously at all." He turned and gave Radagast a conspiratorial wink. "But give Legolas a good hard nudge for me as well. Perhaps he'll surprise us. If Alede cares for him, he may not be all bad."
Radagast nodded and gave his old friend a pat on the back. Cyrus had always been fond of Alede.
They stopped just short of the small group and observed them as they talked eagerly with one another. Oddly enough, this was Radagast's first sight of Legolas and he wished to study him unobserved before they were introduced.
The young prince was certainly handsome enough. Radagast could understand why any girl would fall for him. But what impressed the old wizard the most was the sincerity and compassion that he saw within Legolas' eyes. He remembered hearing that while on the quest of the Ring, it had always been Legolas who'd looked after the little Hobbits.
The Dwarf who stood staunchly at Legolas' side bespoke of a rare and unusual friendship. Radagast knew enough of Dwarves to know that Gimli would never befriend an Elf who was anything less than honorable and courageous.
Of course all Elves are honorable and courageous, Radagast thought. But this one perhaps more than most. He found himself liking the young prince almost immediately and strode forward so that he might be included in the conversation.
". . . so I ditched Elladan and the rest of the ice gathering crew and headed back here. Your uncle was among them," Elrohir was saying.
"And no doubt Elladan will thrash you as you deserve when he returns," Legolas laughed.
"Aye, that will be a sight I would not wish to miss," Gimli stated with an amused growl.
Elrohir laughed. "But my brother will have to catch me first and my stallion is faster than his. Speaking of stallions, this is a new one, is it not?" Elrohir asked turning to Legolas' glistening mount.
"Yes," Legolas responded enthusiastically. "This is Aransûl, sired by my father's stallion."
Cyrus groaned as admiring sounds were made over the white horse. He didn't care much for horses either.
"He's beautifully proportioned," Elrohir complimented. "I'd wager his gaits are as smooth as silk . . ."
"Nay, more like riding a boat down the side of a mountain," Gimli grumbled.
Both Elves laughed and Radagast cleared his throat, knowing that they could go on all afternoon once they started on the subject of horses.
"Ahh . . ." Elrohir noticed the two wizards and made the introductions.
"This is a pleasure," Radagast said after pleasantries had been exchanged. "Gandalf spoke so highly of both of you."
"And it is a pleasure for me as well," Legolas said, looking slightly ill at ease and giving the startled wizard a very formal bow. "Alede has spoken of you often."
"Yes, well . . . thank you." Radagast changed the subject rather hastily. He didn't want to break the news of Alede's absence quite yet. "So, what brings you two adventurers to Rivendell?"
Legolas glanced quickly at Gimli, a gesture that was not lost on the wizard. Obviously these two consulted with each other about everything.
"Perhaps you'd like to come inside," Radagast said, sensing some uneasiness between the Elf and the Dwarf.
"Yes, thank you."
"I understand your people have made great progress at the Glittering Caves, Master Gimli," Radagast said politely as he led them all to the library.
"News travels quickly," Gimli began with a proud smile. As the Dwarf warmed to the subject and to a new audience, Radagast took the opportunity to watch Legolas. The young prince scanned the buildings as they walked and Radagast felt sure he was looking for Alede.
*But with what purpose? Does his miss her or is he merely nervous about meeting her again?*
Once, when he stepped back to allow the Elf to precede him through a doorway, Legolas looked him full in the face. Radagast had never seen such suffering in such soulful eyes. He was familiar with the sea longing, but he hadn't seen it in one who'd denied it for so long and was Silvan besides. He wondered just how severe the torment was that this Elf lived with.
*And why?* What could keep an Elf on this side of the sea for so long, when his heart was so clearly lost to the Blessed Realm?
Casting a glance at the dwarf, Radagast thought that perhaps it was mortal ties that kept the Elf bound to Middle Earth. But looking into those twilight colored eyes, the old wizard saw another kind of suffering as well. One of the Elf's own making.
Radagast felt guilty about the nudge he was about to give the Elf, but knew that it might benefit Legolas as much as his daughter.
~ ~ ~
"I had hoped to consult with Alede as well and give her my greetings," Legolas said quietly, returning the frank gaze that the old wizard gave him. "If it is not too much trouble to summon her?"
Radagast shook his head and walked to a corner cabinet, pulling out a decanter of wine. "Alede's not here. Would you like something to drink? I imagine you've had a long dusty road."
Out of the corner of his eye, Legolas saw the look of relief on Gimli's face. He knew the dwarf did not approve of Alede or wish for them to meet again.
Or does he just not approve of what she does to me, Legolas wondered.
"Thank you," he answered Radagast. "Rivendell's wine has always been some of the finest." He pulled the strange silver goblet from his pack and set it on a table. "Where is Alede?"
Because Radagast was facing away from him, Legolas did not see the smile on the old wizards face. Nor did he realize how impatient he sounded for one of the Eldar.
"Oh, she's preparing for her wedding," Radagast said casually, setting wine glasses in front of the guests.
"Wedding?" Legolas froze and forced himself to ignore the emotions that rose up and threatened to choke him.
This is what he had wanted all along, for her to fall in love with someone else, to forget him and find her own happiness.
Then why did it feel so wrong?
"I am pleased that she's found someone to make her happy," Legolas said, keeping his voice very neutral since all eyes including Gimli's were turned upon him. "Whom does she marry?"
"Oh . . . some smithy," Radagast drawled casually as he sat down.
"Smithy? One of the gold smiths here?" Legolas asked puzzled.
"Nay," Elrohir cut in, flashing Radagast a mischievous smile behind Legolas' back, "some smithy in the town of Bree. Huge fellow, looks like a bear. He has biceps as big as your thighs, Legolas. He could probably break you in half with one hand."
Legolas ignored the wave of irritation he felt at Elrohir's words. "Are you saying he's human?"
"Yes."
"Alede is marrying a human? Is that wise?"
Gimli laid a hand on Legolas' arm and the prince realized that he's spoken rather tersely. "I mean," he said more calmly, "I would hate to see her suffer from marrying a mortal."
Radagast shrugged. "It is probably not wise. But who are we to stop her? Alede is certainly old enough to make her own decisions and she needs to find some happiness in this world."
"Though I doubt she'll get it from that bear of a man," Elrohir said cryptically.
"What do you mean?"
"I say, Legolas," Radagast interrupted, getting up and walking over to the desk, "this is an odd goblet you've got here. Let's have a look at it."
Legolas exchanged a glance with Gimli and the dwarf nodded back. He too sensed that something lay behind their innocent words. Handing the goblet to Radagast he allowed the subject to be changed and told them the details of his encounter with the hobgoblin.
~ ~ ~
"Fascinating, positively fascinating," Cyrus declared. He was holding the goblet up to the setting sun letting the rays illuminate the symbols around it. "And this, Master Dwarf," Cyrus held out the bubble of glass that Gimli had loaned him to magnify the etchings with, "is the most ingenious invention I've ever seen. I am most impressed."
Radagast looked up from the book he was searching through to grunt in satisfaction over Cyrus' remark. Maybe the old fool was loosening up a bit.
"The symbols appear to be writing. But it is no language that I know of," Legolas said. "Can you make anything of it?"
"Hmm . . . yes or maybe not," Radagast said, putting the book down and going to stand beside his friend. "They are runes for certain. Look here, Legolas, Elrohir, does this not remind you of the Quenya symbol for 'ië'?"
Legolas took the goblet and studied the runes indicated, holding it so that Elrohir might see it as well.
"There is some similarity, yes . . . and this . . ." Legolas pointed to another, "could almost be an 'n' and an 'ó'. But I can not make out the rest."
Gimli crowded near them, though he did not know Quenya. The others occasionally called out other runes that they recognized. Sometimes they could decipher a whole string of runes, but they spelled out no word that any of them recognized.
And sometimes they did.
"I am certain that this word is 'nórë' though it is spelled differently," Legolas said.
"And the word after it could be 'lumbule'," Elrohir pointed out.
"What does that mean?" Gimli asked when everyone else went quite still.
"Land of shadows," Legolas said quietly.
"Land of shadows?" Gimli echoed. "Where or what is that?"
"I am not certain," Radagast mused. "Though I have heard the name somewhere before. I do not think it bodes well . . . it appears that you were wise to bring this to us, Legolas. "Though I wish your father were here, Elrohir, or Gandalf. He was far more educated in languages than I."
"He was far more educated than either of us, in most things," Cyrus added.
When Legolas looked up at him quizzically, Cyrus explained, "I'm afraid we're rather 'second rate' wizards compared to Gandalf. But we'll do our best, won't we Radagast?"
"Mmm? Oh yes," Radagast said looking up from the goblet. "We'll decipher this eventually."
"And while you are deciphering it, I will show them to their rooms," Elrohir said. He turned to Legolas and Gimli as he led the way out of the library. "You may have your pick. We have no other guests in Rivendell now. There was a time . . ." He trailed off sadly and said no more, giving them the wide Elvin shrug.
~ ~ ~
Gimli tossed his pack onto a chair in the elegant chamber he'd been given and stretched wearily. He never wanted to see the back of a horse ever again. Perhaps he'd talk with Legolas about walking back to Gondor. They'd done it before . . .
Movement to his left made Gimli start, but it was only Legolas out on the balcony.
"Most people use the door," Gimli grumbled, "instead of climbing about on the balconies like tree squirrels."
"The balconies are connected," Legolas said with a chuckle. But his smile faded quickly, replaced by a worried frown.
Gimli pulled his dusty outer jerkin off and joined Legolas on the balcony.
"Elrohir was baiting you," Gimli stated without preamble.
"I know," Legolas said quietly leaning against the balcony rail and staring out over the valley. "But I do not know why."
"It seemed more than his usual teasing."
The Elf nodded. "I thought so too. And Radagast was hiding something as well, but again, I know not what. They seemed very nonchalant about Alede's marriage to a mortal. I would think her father would be concerned for her sake."
"Unless the wedding is not really taking place."
Legolas turned and leaned his hip on the balcony. "What do you mean?"
"Perhaps it is a ploy to make you jealous."
Legolas snorted, not wanting to admit that it had worked. "And what purpose would it serve?"
"It is obvious, is it not? The old wizard wants a prince for a son in law."
Legolas actually laughed at that. "I am the youngest son of a large family and the ruler of a far from prosperous kingdom. It hardly seems a good bargain."
Gimli shrugged. "You are not a pauper and you are certainly famous enough."
Legolas sighed as he considered the possibilities. He didn't know any of these people well enough to know what their motivations might be. Elrohir was a trusted friend. But friendships formed on the battlefield often held surprises in peacetime.
Legolas had been both dreading and looking forward to seeing Alede again. Because of it he had pushed his stallion rather more than he'd needed to. Not that the great horse had minded. But he knew that Gimli had suffered. There had been several debates on the way because of it.
Gimli watched the emotions crossing his friend's face worriedly. "Legolas, what . . . No, never mind." Embarrassed, the dwarf stumped back into his room. He never asked the Elf personal questions. If Legolas wanted him to know, he would tell him.
There was an awkward silence for several moments and then Legolas spoke quietly, knowing what it was that the dwarf asked. "I shared song with her, Gimli. It is the most intimate of acts among my people . . ."
"I know what it is," Gimli said, halting and turning around. "I remember what you did when you clunked me over the head with that axe."
"I thought I'd injured your mind. I was . . . It was not what you thought."
Gimli chuckled and walked back out. "I know that. It vexed you well enough at the time though. But I thought that only those betrothed to each other shared song. Are you and Alede . . ?"
"Nay. But there is a bond between us that I cannot explain . . ."
"I can," Gimli said sourly. "She has bewitched you and you believe yourself to be in love with her."
"Nay, that is not what I believe. I know that I do not love her. I wish that I could, for she is sweet and she deserves love."
"So, you shared song with her out of guilt?"
Legolas shook his head. "I thought that it would help us both. I wanted to share part of myself with her because I am very fond of her, even if I don't love her. And she . . . steadies me when I am with her. Unfortunately, I need that right now . . ." Legolas trailed off, ashamed of what he was admitting, ashamed that he needed someone.
"Curse those gulls!" Gimli said with sudden vehemence. "If I'd know the effect they'd have on you, I'd have knocked them from the sky that day. You are not the same Elf who went on the quest with us. We both should have listened to Galadriel's warning more carefully."
"Aye, but it is too late for that now. I must deal with what I have become and try to overcome it."
"It is not such a fault to rely on a friend, Legolas. Though you seem to think that it is."
"Not a fault perhaps, but a weakness."
"Ahh . . ." Gimli replied knowingly, "I should have realized that it was your stubborn Elvish pride that was causing the trouble. Many a times it has gotten in the way of your clear thinking."
"I seem to remember a certain tavern fight that was caused by Dwarvish pride, my friend," Legolas replied with a grin. "If I had not come along to rescue your hide, you might still be hanging on that meat hook in the kitchen . . ."
"We're not talking about me," Gimli blustered. "We're talking about you! Elves! They think they are perfect."
"In comparison to the rest of the denizens of Middle Earth, we are."
"Would you stop changing the subject?!" Gimli shouted.
"Very well. What were you saying?" Legolas asked smoothly.
"I was saying . . . I was . . . Curse you Legolas! You made me forget what I was saying!"
Legolas nodded. "You have just proved my point."
"Point? What point?" Gimli sputtered.
Legolas grinned at his friend. He knew that Gimli would try to even up the score later on, but for right now he had won that round. He also saw someone who might answer some of his questions on the path below. He patted Gimli on the shoulder.
"Let us discuss this further when you've had a chance to rest your weary mind."
"Weary mind!?" Gimli jabbed a fist in the direction of his friend, but Legolas nimbly swung over the balcony rail, dropping down to where he had seen Elrohir. "I'll give him a weary mind," Gimli muttered. Then looking over the rail he shook his head. "Why did they even build staircases here, if no one uses them?"
~ ~ ~
"Elrohir! A word, my friend? I was hoping I might speak with you privately."
The prince of Rivendell stopped and turned to face Legolas.
"I told Alede once that I'd black your eye should we meet again," Elrohir said without preamble, anger flickering across his fair face.
Legolas was brought up short. But before he could question that comment, Elrohir continued.
"But I see in your eyes that you already suffer enough and need no help from me. For that I am sorry."
"I do suffer. But I had hoped that Alede . . ."
"Alede suffers as well, my friend. And it is because of you! How could you be so thoughtless?"
"I never meant to hurt her, Elrohir. You must believe that. But I cannot force my heart to feel that which it is unable." Legolas paused. "She did not take it well, then?"
"Well?! Legolas, I feared for her life! Do not forget that she has a few drops of Elvin blood in her veins. It is not impossible that she could die of grief!"
The younger prince's knees nearly buckled upon hearing those words.
"By the Valar, no!"
"Her father was beside himself with worry, but she would speak to no one. I have never seen her so despondent. She ceased to eat and spent all of her time huddled on her balcony. It was not until I cornered her one day and forced her to tell me what was wrong that I began to understand . . ."
Legolas passed a hand over his face in a gesture of agony and remorse. "I had no idea that she would take it so severely. Did she tell you that I had . . . shared song with her?"
"Yes. You know I look on you as a brother," Elrohir put an arm around Legolas' shoulders, giving him a reproachful squeeze. "How could you have done something so foolish? Alede does not have the instincts for such an act that you and I do."
"I wanted to share part of myself with her," Legolas said his face pinched in regret. "I had thought that sharing song might help us both. You know her, Elrohir. You know how vulnerable she can be. She gives so much of herself without holding anything back. I thought that I could do the same for her, but . . . I could not."
Elrohir nodded as Legolas trailed off shaking his head sadly.
"I can guess the agony you must have been suffering because of her unschooled song and because of the sea. But could you not at least have communicated with her? To end it so abruptly with no explanation . . ."
Legolas' head came up. "The letters! Did you not receive the letters?"
"What letters?"
"I sent a letter to both of you. One was an explanation to her and the other was a plea for you to watch over her."
Elrohir shook his head. "We received no letters. I certainly did not and I know Alede would have told me if she had."
Legolas groaned. "No wonder Alede suffered! If I had but known," he lamented miserably. "By the Valar, what have I done to her?"
Elrohir remained silent while Legolas mastered his emotions. After a moment the young prince spoke again.
"It must be animosity that her father holds for me then. I could see that he hid some emotion. And if my warrior never delivered the letters, then what befell him?" He looked worriedly to the south as if hoping to see some answer.
*Sweet Alede! What have I done to you?!*
"I know not what happened to your messenger," Elrohir said. "No one has come here from Ithilien. How long ago was this?"
"Fourteen years. He was one of my father's warriors. He hoped that moving to Ithilien would ease his restlessness. But in the end, the sea called to him. I asked him to deliver the letters on his way to the Havens. I wonder what tragedy befell him, for I know he would have completed his mission even if he tarried in Middle Earth."
"I cannot help you there," Elrohir replied. "But I looked after Alede without your prompting. I am very fond of her."
Legolas nodded bitterly. "As she is of you. I cannot imagine what she must have felt not knowing the reason for my silence . . ."
"She is very much in love with you Legolas," Elrohir said quietly.
"I know," Legolas' voice was thick with emotion. "But she deserves someone who can love her in return, for I cannot."
Elrohir shook his head sadly. "Then I am sorry for you both. Her feelings for you are not trivial, Legolas." Elrohir shifted as a new thought occurred to him. "You do not find her unattractive because she is not Elvish, do you?"
"Nay! She is sweet and comely and as brave as a warrior. And above all, she has the most compassionate nature that I have ever known. You should have seen her with my father!"
A smile tugged at the corner of Elrohir's mouth. "Then what is the problem, my friend?"
"You have not felt the sea longing," Legolas said bitterly. "When Alede and I are together, I can barely hear it. Even before we shared song she was a distraction of sorts. And afterward . . ." Legolas' voice trailed off in memory.
Elrohir waited patiently, wanting an answer to the mystery that had puzzled him for so long as well.
Legolas shook his head. "The sea longing is a poison. It affects all that I do, all that I think. I do not wish to contaminate Alede with it. As much as I fear for her life, should she still be broken hearted, she deserves someone better than myself. I can only bring her misery right now."
"But if she blocks the call of the sea . . ?"
Legolas shook his head at Elrohir's unfinished question. "She deserves to be loved Elrohir, not used. It would hardly be fair to use her for my own selfish needs, would it?"
"Ahh," Elrohir shook his head wryly, finally understanding that which hindered the young prince. Legolas felt himself incomplete and unfit because of what the sea longing did to him. Knowing the fierce pride of Mirkwood's royal family, Elrohir knew that Legolas would never consider accepting Alede's help. By pushing her away, he thought to protect her from himself. Ironically, Legolas' urgent desire to protect her at his own cost was proof of his love for her. But Elrohir knew better than to continue arguing with the young prince. Legolas might be more open-minded than the King of Mirkwood but it was still Thranduil's blood that ran through his veins. Wood Elves were known to be hard headed anyway and this particular royal family took it to new heights.
What Legolas did not realize was that Alede was equally as stubborn and she would not think twice about helping someone she loved. Elrohir had no doubt who would win in the end.
Legolas broke into his thoughts as the young prince spoke again. The frown on his face betrayed his worry.
"Do you think that Alede is still in danger? Is she still so broken hearted that she might . . . perish?"
Elrohir was slow to answer. "I do not know Legolas, for no one can truly know the mind of a woman. Their emotions are as deep and mysterious as the ocean. But . . . she seems to have learned to live with her grief."
"Then what is really happening? Why does Alede marry a mortal? Please do not tell me she seeks such temporary companionship."
Elrohir crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against a wall. "I think Radagast hoped to make you jealous with the story of her marriage and it appears to have succeeded," he teased.
"I am not jealous, merely concerned," Legolas said curtly, ignoring the amused look on Elrohir's face. "It was Gimli's opinion that the marriage was not real. But I would hope to have the truth from you."
Legolas gave Elrohir such an earnest look that the older prince shifted uncomfortably and dropped all pretence of jest.
"I traveled to Bree a few weeks ago to deliver a letter from Radagast. Alede had gone for supplies, but stayed when she discovered the town smithy seriously injured. She has been living in his house for the past few months . . ."
"Has he taken advantage of her?" Legolas interrupted quickly, worry coloring his voice.
"Nay. But he claims to have fallen in love with her. I overheard his marriage proposal. While Alede does not intend to marry him, he is very persistent in his addresses to her and has no regard for Alede's wishes. I do not think he is an evil man, but he seems a bit thick-sculled about women. You know how some humans treat their women, as if they aren't quite bright enough to have thoughts of their own? I am a little worried that he might try to force her."
"Then why did you not bring her home with you?" Legolas asked heatedly.
"I tried. But Alede felt compelled to stay with him until he was fully healed . . . Legolas! Where are you going?"
"She is very naïve in the ways of men," Legolas called over his shoulder. "It would not occur to her that he might force the issue. If she does not agree, he may try rape as an incentive. Alede might marry to save her reputation. You should not have left her there to deal with him on her own."
"But where do you go?" Elrohir asked, hurrying to catch up with him.
"I ride to Bree. Gimli is weary, but if you will allow him to stay here, I will go alone . . ."
~ ~ ~
In the end, Elrohir and Gimli both persuaded Legolas to wait until morning, though the prince was loath to do it. Legolas sat through diner in the great hall unable to concentrate on the conversation of the two wizards. His mind kept going over the conversation with Elrohir.
Once again he had hurt Alede. *I would give my life to spare her grief!*
Radagast choose that moment to bang his fist on the table in his argument with Cyrus, bringing Legolas' mind back to the present.
"I am convinced that it has magical properties," Radagast said angrily. "It has a certain feel to it . . ."
"Feel?" Cyrus exclaimed. "What kind of scholarly approach is feeling? I'm ashamed of you Radagast! I think it is simply a goblet, made for some special occasion. There are many lands that we have not explored where they may have superior crafting techniques. But to be sure, there are certain alchemist tests I could perform . . ."
"LEGOLAS!" Gimli suddenly exclaimed, making everyone jump.
The Elf turned to him in some irritation since the dwarf's outburst had caused him to nearly choke on his wine.
"Why are you drinking from that goblet?" Gimli asked in horror, his eyes directed at the Elf's hand.
"What? I . . ." Legolas suddenly broke off as he looked at the wine glass in his hand. It was none other than the mysterious silver goblet. "But how . . ?" He set it down so abruptly it overturned, spilling out the dark wine like a pool of blood upon the table.
Everyone jumped up from their chairs and ran over to him.
"It is glowing," Elrohir exclaimed.
"But I don't understand," Cyrus said in alarm. "We left it sitting on the desk in the library . . ."
"It was not here when we began the meal," Gimli stated. "There was only one goblet set at Legolas' plate and now there are two."
"Did anyone bring it in?" Elrohir asked. "I saw none of the servants carrying a goblet . . ."
"How do you feel Legolas?" Radagast interrupted urgently.
"I am well," Legolas answered a little shakily. He too was certain that there had been only one goblet, a plain one when he sat down. Suddenly he grasped the front of his tunic. "Ai!" Reaching inside, he pulled out the talisman that Alede had given him so long ago. It was hot enough that it nearly burned his skin. Holding it up to the light by its cord, he saw the tiny bundle of herbs within writhing and twisting as if they boiled.
"By Elbereth," Radagast breathed looking at the tiny talisman. "This is Alede's work is it not?"
Legolas nodded.
"It has just deflected a powerful spell. See how it writhes, Cyrus?" Both wizards leaned in to look at it as the contents slowly stilled and when Legolas once again touched it, found it cool. The symbols on the goblet dimmed until it was just plain silver.
Cyrus looked quite shaken. "But how could the goblet have gotten in here?"
"Teleported, I would imagine," Radagast said grimly. "I guess that settles the question of whether or not it is magical." He looked down gravely at Legolas. "Now we just need to figure out what kind of magic it is. There is none that I know of that can cause an object to wield such tremendous power except dark magic."
Legolas tucked the talisman slowly back into his tunic and then glanced at Gimli. The dwarf heaved a sigh and shook his head slightly. Legolas nodded. He agreed with the dwarves unspoken thought.
*What have we gotten ourselves into this time?*
~ ~ ~
A/N: And finally the moment we've all been waiting for . . . find out what happens when Legolas and Alede meet again in chapter 12, "Impelled by Longing" coming soon! :D