This is a very short chapter. Sorry about that. There are not many chapters left! (I think. It's hard for me to know because I am now off the outline I had made and am purely winging it!)
The sun had set hours ago. Aragorn was tired, but he wished to check on his love. Having just arrived in Mirkwood, the ranger looked a mess (as usual.) His long hair was tousled and knotted from the wind. His clothes once again bore the unmistakable mark of travel. They would need to be cleaned. But not yet.
Lady Tathren had told Aragorn that Arwen wished to see him upon his arrival. He would have gone to her even if she had not requested he do so.
So, Aragorn had given Elsa over to Tathren's care and then at once set off to the room Tathren had told him Arwen was staying in.
Slowly, Aragorn opened the door to her room must enough for him to slip through. She was sleeping, as he had hoped. He would not wake her, having full knowledge of the fact that she would reprimand him in the morning for not doing so.
He just wanted to gaze at the fair Evenstar in her peaceful slumber. Aragorn touched his right hand to his lips and then blew a kiss over to the lady he loved. Then, just as quietly as he had entered, Aragorn backe out of the room and went to get his own rest.
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Before the sun had even had a chance to rise, Elsa was at Legolas' side grasping his still hand. She had wanted to see him immediately after she had arrived, but somehow she had been persuaded otherwise.
"My lady," Sadron the healer siad gently, placing a comforting hand on Elsa's shoulder, "do not look so troubled. He will waken."
Elsa nodded and forced a weak smile of thanks.
"Have you even eaten before you came here?"
"No. But I cannot eat while he lays here in peril. When will we know if he will live?"
"If he wakens before this evening, he will live. Fear not. I have complete confidence he will waken before this evening's supper."
"How can you be certain?"
Sadron chuckled lightly. "Please, my lady, go and have breakfast. I'm sure the prince would like to see you in good health when he recovers."
Elsa opened her mouth to protest, but Sadron gently urged her to the door.
"Come back after your stomach is filled."
Elsa sighed. "Thank you," she said quietly and then turned away. She noticed the sun had begun to rise. She watched for a few moments entranced by the beauty. Then her stomach growled and she decided to head for breakfast. She began wandering aimlessly around Mirkwood. She didn't know where to go, but she didn't care because she needed a good walk anyway.
Just as Elsa was beginning to toy with the idea of asking someone where to go, Arwen emerged from a room looking tired and worried and still wearing her clothes from the past night.
"Elsa!" Arwen hurried to her friend and gripped her arms. "You made it. Wasn't Aragorn with you?"
"He was. But when we got in last night he left me right away to find you."
"But he is here?"
"Yes. Are you worried for him?"
Arwen let her breath out to relax. "I was. I wanted to speak with him. I will later. I'm going to check on Legolas if you'd like to join me."
"I've been to see him already. Sadron - was that his name? - said Legolas will be awake by tonight."
"He thinks Legolas will be ok?"
"Yes."
"Well, then. How do you feel about breakfast?"
"My stomach thinks it's a wonderful idea. Do you know where to go?"
"Yes. Come with me."
The two elves began walking together at a leisurely pace. As they walked, Arwen told Elsa about Legolas' parents and that Tathren was also now the Lady of Mirkwood.
Elsa remarked that Tathren was quite a lady. Arwen laughed and nodded her agreement. She then went on to tell Elsa the exciting news she had been dying to tell someone ever since her meeting with Tathren early that morning: The war was off!
Elsa stopped in her tracks and looked at her friend in disbelief. She then burst out laughing.
A surge of joy flooded through the two friends and they ran merrily all the way to the dining hall.
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