Argh!! Three stories at once! It's all the plot bunnies fault!! Evil Creatures!!!!!!!! Bold print-blaah- means elvish is being spoken….
Chapter 32--The Message
Aragorn, Arwen, Sandi and the Hobbits were delighted to see Legolas when he came to dinner. Arwen stood and walked over to him. She hugged him. "I grieve with you, my dear friend," she said.
"Thank you, Arwen," Legolas said. He and Jaisia took their places at the table, Lilith was absent, she had went back to the tribe earlier that day. Dinner was very relaxed and everyone talked, getting caught up on all the news from the shire.
"Sam has important news," Pippin said. "Tell them, Sam."
Blushing, Sam stood. "Um, I asked Rosie to be my wife and she said yes. We are getting married next spring and, uh, we would be honored if you would come. That includes your folk, Jaisia," he said.
"That is fine news. I will be there, Sam," Legolas said.
"So will I! I love weddings!!" Jaisia said.
"Indeed and we will be there as well. Congratulations, Sam," Aragorn said.
"That is wonderful, Sam," Arwen said and Sandi smiled and nodded. Everyone's hearts felt a bit lighter.
Legolas suddenly thought of Gimli and his spirits fell again. He stood. "Please excuse me," he said and left before anyone could stop him.
Jaisia sighed. "Damn, he was better for awhile," she said.
"Gimli and Legolas were very close despite their bickering. It will take time for his grief to fade," Arwen said. "We must be patient."
"I understand, but I worry, elves can die of grief. I can not let him do that," Jaisia said.
"Legolas is strong, give him time," Arwen said.
Jaisia nodded reluctantly. "I guess I should just leave him alone for awhile," she said.
"That is probably best," Arwen said. They continued their meal with less talk.
Legolas went out to the garden by the pond and sat on the cool grass, staring up at the stars. "Gimli, my friend, my brother, I will miss you and I will remember. May Elbereth watch over you," he whispered and allowed the tears to come.
Later Jaisia found him asleep, lifting him into her arms she carried him back to his room like a parent would carry a child.. She laid him on his bed then kissed his forehead and left the room.
Legolas woke up and was startled to find himself in his chamber. He had no idea how he'd gotten there. "I had better get ready to go down to breakfast. I imagine Jaisia will be here for me soon," he muttered. He heard hooves clattering and then someone knocked on the door. Legolas couldn't keep from smiling. "Come in, Jaisia!"
Jaisia came in. "How did you know it was me?" she pouted.
"Lucky guess and the sound of your hooves against the stone floor," Legolas said.
"Phooey, that is not fair, Jaisia grumbled. "Are you ready to go to breakfast?"
"Go ahead, I will be down after I change my clothes," Legolas said.
Jaisia eyed him. "Are you sure?" she asked.
"I promise to show up," Legolas said.
"All right, I will see you downstairs, sweet cheeks, just remember if you do not come down I will come up and carry you down," Jaisia said and left, closing the door behind her.
Legolas did show up and they'd just finished eating when a guard entered and bowed. "There is a messenger here to speak to you, my Liege. He represents Queen Jacinth from Tyr Gyleth in the south and asks for an audience," he said.
"Take him to the audience chamber and give him refreshments, the Queen and I will be there shortly," Aragorn ordered. The guard bowed and left.
Aragorn assisted Arwen to her feet. "Excuse us, my friends, duty calls," he said and led Arwen from the room.
The messenger bowed politely when they entered. "My Queen sends her regards and would be honored if you would send representatives to Tyr Gyleth to discuss a possible treaty," he said. He offered a scroll. "This is a map to our fair city, sire."
Suddenly Aragorn had a wonderful notion. He took the map with a nod. "I will send my representative out in two weeks," he said.
"Thank you, sire, I will tell my Queen," the messenger said. He bowed and left.
"Arwen, I believe I have something for Legolas to do," Aragorn said with a wicked grin…..
Whew, I think this was my longest chapter yet, R/R please!!