Chapter Sixteen - Bitter Departures
Legolas had often heard Melriadora describe the beauty of the Isle, but he had never imaged it could be this glorious. He sat at a place high above the rest of the Isle, watching the sunrise over the misty lake. Below him he could hear young Apprentices cleaning up the last remains of last night's celebration. He smiled at the memory of it. What a party! He had never in all his life seen its equal. He had been the only male of course, Melri had told him that he was the first in over three thousand years. He had spent his entire night with Melriadora, dancing, talking, or just celebrating. The burden that had haunted Melriadora had been lifted and he was relived, for it had been a heavy burden, almost to heavy for her to bear.
"Legolas?" Melriadora had approached him so softly he had not noticed her until she spoke.
He stood, "Melri." He greeted, kissing her hand, then her lips, which tasted sweet in the morning breeze. "Good morning."
Melriadora gave him a weak smile, "Good morning." Her voice sounded full of sorrow.
This sadness startled Legolas, she had been so happy last night. "Melri? Is something wrong?" He asked, gently leading her to sit beside him.
Melriadora's sightless eyes lowered, and she turned her face from him. "The Magic of the Isle will only allows you to stay but a little while. I came to ask you when you were planning on leaving."
Legolas stared at her in shock, "When I--?" He took her hand, "Melri, I had hoped you would return with me to Mirkwood." He said, studying her with hope.
Melriadora's brow furrowed with troubled thoughts. "If I leave the Isle for the love of a man I can never return." She said flatly.
He took her hand in his, her words were like daggers bearing straight into his heart. "I love you, Melri. I love you more then life itself. I cannot go on without you." Angry tears laced his eyes, the pain at leaving Melriadora once more stung him like a mortal wound. "You are my heart, Melri!" He grabbed her arm, holding it tight, the pain of losing her again hit him and came out in passionate words. "I am haunted by the memory of the feel of your flesh, your taste, your smell, everything about you is in my very blood!" He took a shaking breath. "We share a soul, Melriadora! Without you, I can never be what I was before, I can never be whole again." He held back tears, placing his hand on her cheek. "Why will you not ever stay with me?" He asked, his heart throbbing with pain.
Tears were flowing down Melriadora's cheek and onto his hand, she was crying. "You cannot ask me to chose!" She begged. "I wish Reymara had killed me so I would not have to say goodbye to you!" She took a shuddering breath. "But I must. We decided long ago, our paths were different. You must continue on yours." She lowered her head, trying to regain control. "I am the Guardian of the Isle. I must stay to protect the Isle or I will put it in danger. Without the Guardian our enemies would strike at us like never before." She closed her sightless eyes. "Please, Legolas. Forget me. Live your life as if you never knew me." She was crying harder now, her breath was shallow. "Please, forget me Legolas! I love you so much that I cannot bear to live without you, but I must. Knowing that you are living a good life will make that easier. Promise me Legolas!" She lost all her composure and wept openly.
Legolas could not bear to see her like this, he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as she wept. He rocked her back and forth, laying his head upon hers, his own tears falling into her hair and hers wet his tunic. She shook with sorrow and pain as he held her tightly.
"I cannot bear to see you cry Melri." He told her, "But I will not forget you. I can never forget you." He said, brushing the tears from her cheek.
She struggled to regain some control and had stopped weeping, but still sat in his embrace.
"Prince Legolas?" An Apprentice appeared on the hilltop. "Priestess Melriadora? The boat is ready for the Prince." The girl looked nervously at the two of them.
Melriadora sat up, wiping her eyes, "Thank you Kayta." She stood and turned to Legolas. "You should go. On the shore there is a horse that will take you back to Mirkwood in half the time."
Legolas stood, and took Melriadora's hand, "Come with me." He pleaded.
Melriadora's face crumpled, but she kept her composure. "You know I can't." She put her hand on his cheek, "Safe journey."
He took her hand and pressed something in it. "I will treasure you always." He promised her. With that, he followed the young Apprentice to the boat.
Melriadora ran her hand over the smooth metal. The necklace. He had once again given it to her as a sign of his love. She kissed it, and the weight of her decision hit her. She had once again been forced to deny her heart for the safety of the Isle. She sank to her knees, tears streaming down her face as she clutched the necklace in her hand. Goodbye had been harder this time then ever before. She buried her head in her hands, "I love you Legolas." She whispered as his boat slipped into the mist. "I will carry you always."
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Legolas sat in the boat feeling as if his entire world had been taken from him. The mists swirled around him, separating him from his love. All he could see was her face in the swirling clouds that enveloped the boat. He felt lost, as if he no longer had any purpose. He knew he would never again be truly happy without Melriadora.
He turned his head back toward the Isle even though he could not see it any longer. "I love you Melriadora." He whispered, his heart slowly breaking into a thousand pieces, his eyes glittering with tears. "I will love you forever." He called into the mists.
* * * * * * * * * * *
When Prince Legolas returned to Mirkwood his Father only had to take one look at him to know his beloved son's heart was broken. Thranduil greeted his son warmly but was worried about the deep sadness he saw in his son's face. There was something missing in his son, as if he was just an empty shell missing part of his soul.
Legolas had been home for three days and he had not seemed to get any better. Try as Thranduil might to cheer his son, nothing helped. Thranduil was worried. Legolas seemed to be becoming engulfed in sorrow and would waste away to nothing if he did allow his heart to mend.
Thranduil had ordered a celebration for his son's return that night, he had made sure that all of his son's old companions were there and had his best wine laid out for all to share, but Legolas did not come down for the celebration. After making many apologies to his guests he went to find his son. He needed to talk to Legolas. He had to plead with his son to come out of his sorrow.
He went to his son's quarters and knocked, when Legolas did not reply he catiously pushed the door open. His son was staring out his window looking towards the Isle lost in thought.
"Legolas?" Thranduil asked, "Legolas, my son?"
Legolas turned, his eyes met his father's. "Father, I did not hear you come in." He greeted.
Thranduil watched his son with concern, "You missed your celebration Legolas."
Legolas turned away, his blue eyes troubled as they looked out over Mirkwood. "I do not have anything to celebrate Father." He said quite seriously.
Thranduil went to his son, placing a hand on his shoulder, he had not been openly affectionate towards his son in many, many, years. Legolas was quite old now, and had acquired much wisdom in his travels. Thranduil often thought proudly that his son was a wiser Elf than he. Legolas was not tempted by wealth and power as he often was.
"Legolas, what is it that troubles you so?" He asked.
Legolas turned to his Father, his eyes sparkling with unshed tears. "Father, how is it you stand to be parted from Mother for so long?" He asked.
Thranduil then knew what was troubling his son so, but instead of relief, his worry grew deeper. Thranduil hesitated before answering the question. "Knowing that she waits for me in Valinor helps." He said. His brow furrowed, he also knew that his focus on wealth and wine deepened greatly after his wife left. "Legolas, I am not the best example of living without a beloved." He admitted.
Legolas sighed and once again his attention turned to the woods beyond. "I should never had made love to her, it would have spared us both this pain." He looked at his Father, brow furrowed, greatly burdened. "And yet, I regret it not. Does that make any sense?"
Thranduil gave his son a sad smile; he knew his heart would not mend. "You are in love, my son, such things never make sense." He then gave his son a rare embrace, a tender moment between Father and son. Thranduil did not believe that his son, without Melriadora, would last. The Prince was fading fast, and Thranduil could do nothing. He would have to let the fates decide his son's future.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Lyssa, Lady of the Isle, was worried. It had been one week since Legolas Greenleaf had left the Isle and Melriadora had not come out of her chamber since. Others had come to see her many times to try to mend her heart, but they all left reporting the same thing. She did not seem to want her heart fixed. She just stayed in her chamber, staring out across the lake with sightless eyes that seemed to see beyond the mists, fingering her necklace.
Well, Lyssa had left her to her thoughts long enough. It was time that the Lady of the Isle to take this matter into her own hands. She reached Melriadora's chambers and didn't even bother knocking. She found Melriadora sitting at the window.
"Melriadora, why do you remain here?" Lyssa asked, bluntly.
Melriadora looked startled, "To serve the Isle." She answered.
Lyssa smiled, that was a bad answer and Melriadora knew it. "The Isle does not benefit from your suffering child." She sat beside the elven woman. "Tell me."
Melriadora was still surprised, "You know why. I am the Guardian of the Isle. Who would protect you if I leave?"
"But your heart is not here." Lyssa pointed out.
Melriadora stood, angry, "No, my heart lies with Legolas. He has had a piece of it all my life. I finally left my whole heart with him back in the bed we shared in Rivendell." She faced the Lady. "But what choice have I? You said yourself, I protect the Isle, and if I cross those mists to stay in the arms of my lover I can never return! What choice have I?" She demanded.
Lyssa stared at her for a moment. "Melriadora, you have completely the task that was foreseen for you and have served as Guardian for over two thousand years. You have served the Isle well, and I now release you from your vows. You are no longer Guardian."
Melriadora's eyes widened, "But who will serve in my place?"
"Young Kayta served well and showed braver beyond the other Apprentices. She will serve in your place. The world is going to the race of man now, it is fitting." Lyssa placed her hand on Melriadora's arm. "You have earned your rest."
Melriadora's eyes filled with unshed tears, "I may go then?"
"Go." Lyssa hugged her former Apprentice. "Go to him! It is what you have wanted all along. Go, be happy." She then studied Melriadora for a moment, "You will have a strong daughter. Though she will have the blessings and the skill of the Isle, I will not call for her. This is my gift to you."
Melriadora stepped back and bowed, "Thank you Lady." She then quickly grabbed the bag she never unpacked. "I must make haste to Mirkwood!"
* * * * * * * * * * *
Legolas once again sat in his old tree, staring out at the horizon. It seemed strange that only six months had past since Melriadora had come to Mirkwood once more. He wished he could turn back time to the moment he saw her push back the hood of her cloak. He smiled bitterly; he knew he would not have changed anything. He had been sitting up here for four days, waiting for his life to leave him. He could not go on without Melriadora. She was embedded too deep in his soul. He wondered how she faired far away in the Isle. He hoped she was well, and not suffering for he did not think ill of her. He could never do that.
Legolas sighed and closed his eyes, leaning back against the tree. It would not be long now. Surely he would not be forced to suffer much longer.
Suddenly, he sensed something approaching. He was not interested and tried his hardest to ignore it, but whatever it was kept pulling at him, nagging him, unrelenting. He finally opened his eyes to look out across the horizon. What he saw made his heart leap in his chest. Could it be?
He stood, straining forward to see. It was a woman on horseback in a dark cloak, allowing the horse to chose it's own path, her golden hair shined in the light like a glittery crown.
"MELRIADORA!" Legolas leapt from the tree and ran with all his strength to meet her, his heart pounding in his ears like a roaring waterfall.
She jumped from the horse into his arms. He pulled her close to him, tears of joy streaming down his face. He looked at her and saw the same in her eyes. He kissed her, the sweet taste of her lips lingering on his. "Melri, my love!"
"Oh Legoas!" She buried her face in his shoulder, taking in his scent. She pulled her head back to speak, which was difficult considering he could not find the will to stop kissing her. "Legolas," She said between kisses. "I could not stand to be apart from you."
"Nor I you." He said, kissing her again. "Nor I you."
"For you I would surrender all the Gifts of the Isle, all the power they offer, I would lay down my very life for you. I cannot bear to be apart from you." She cried, her heart pounding in time with his.
"You are here to stay then?" Legolas asked, praying on her answer.
She nodded, her eyes glittering, "I go wherever you go. You are my home."
Legolas swallowed hard and closed his eyes blissfully. He had waited so long to hear her say that. He opened them again looking into her sightless eyes, they were still the same light blue eyes as before, her quest had changed her, but it had only made him love her more. He took her hand in his own and kissed it.
"Will you marry me?" He asked, gazing hopefully on her lovely face.
Melriadora's face broke into a smile, she placed a hand on his cheek. "Nothing would give me more joy then to finally be your wife." She said.
He beamed and kissed that hand, then scoped her up into an embrace, lifting her clear off her feet and spinning her with joy. He let out a whoop of happiness that would echo in his heart for an eternity. So, hand in hand, Legolas and his Melriadora went into Mirkwood, laughing with happiness, their hearts filled with love for one another. They were both finally complete.
* * * * * * * * * * *
A/N- All together now! AWWW!!!!!!!!! So cute it makes me want to puke! Is anyone else jealous? Hahahahaha! Okay, so since this is the last chapter I may as well post the epilogue too! Wow, I wasn't expecting to post this much today!
Legolas had often heard Melriadora describe the beauty of the Isle, but he had never imaged it could be this glorious. He sat at a place high above the rest of the Isle, watching the sunrise over the misty lake. Below him he could hear young Apprentices cleaning up the last remains of last night's celebration. He smiled at the memory of it. What a party! He had never in all his life seen its equal. He had been the only male of course, Melri had told him that he was the first in over three thousand years. He had spent his entire night with Melriadora, dancing, talking, or just celebrating. The burden that had haunted Melriadora had been lifted and he was relived, for it had been a heavy burden, almost to heavy for her to bear.
"Legolas?" Melriadora had approached him so softly he had not noticed her until she spoke.
He stood, "Melri." He greeted, kissing her hand, then her lips, which tasted sweet in the morning breeze. "Good morning."
Melriadora gave him a weak smile, "Good morning." Her voice sounded full of sorrow.
This sadness startled Legolas, she had been so happy last night. "Melri? Is something wrong?" He asked, gently leading her to sit beside him.
Melriadora's sightless eyes lowered, and she turned her face from him. "The Magic of the Isle will only allows you to stay but a little while. I came to ask you when you were planning on leaving."
Legolas stared at her in shock, "When I--?" He took her hand, "Melri, I had hoped you would return with me to Mirkwood." He said, studying her with hope.
Melriadora's brow furrowed with troubled thoughts. "If I leave the Isle for the love of a man I can never return." She said flatly.
He took her hand in his, her words were like daggers bearing straight into his heart. "I love you, Melri. I love you more then life itself. I cannot go on without you." Angry tears laced his eyes, the pain at leaving Melriadora once more stung him like a mortal wound. "You are my heart, Melri!" He grabbed her arm, holding it tight, the pain of losing her again hit him and came out in passionate words. "I am haunted by the memory of the feel of your flesh, your taste, your smell, everything about you is in my very blood!" He took a shaking breath. "We share a soul, Melriadora! Without you, I can never be what I was before, I can never be whole again." He held back tears, placing his hand on her cheek. "Why will you not ever stay with me?" He asked, his heart throbbing with pain.
Tears were flowing down Melriadora's cheek and onto his hand, she was crying. "You cannot ask me to chose!" She begged. "I wish Reymara had killed me so I would not have to say goodbye to you!" She took a shuddering breath. "But I must. We decided long ago, our paths were different. You must continue on yours." She lowered her head, trying to regain control. "I am the Guardian of the Isle. I must stay to protect the Isle or I will put it in danger. Without the Guardian our enemies would strike at us like never before." She closed her sightless eyes. "Please, Legolas. Forget me. Live your life as if you never knew me." She was crying harder now, her breath was shallow. "Please, forget me Legolas! I love you so much that I cannot bear to live without you, but I must. Knowing that you are living a good life will make that easier. Promise me Legolas!" She lost all her composure and wept openly.
Legolas could not bear to see her like this, he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as she wept. He rocked her back and forth, laying his head upon hers, his own tears falling into her hair and hers wet his tunic. She shook with sorrow and pain as he held her tightly.
"I cannot bear to see you cry Melri." He told her, "But I will not forget you. I can never forget you." He said, brushing the tears from her cheek.
She struggled to regain some control and had stopped weeping, but still sat in his embrace.
"Prince Legolas?" An Apprentice appeared on the hilltop. "Priestess Melriadora? The boat is ready for the Prince." The girl looked nervously at the two of them.
Melriadora sat up, wiping her eyes, "Thank you Kayta." She stood and turned to Legolas. "You should go. On the shore there is a horse that will take you back to Mirkwood in half the time."
Legolas stood, and took Melriadora's hand, "Come with me." He pleaded.
Melriadora's face crumpled, but she kept her composure. "You know I can't." She put her hand on his cheek, "Safe journey."
He took her hand and pressed something in it. "I will treasure you always." He promised her. With that, he followed the young Apprentice to the boat.
Melriadora ran her hand over the smooth metal. The necklace. He had once again given it to her as a sign of his love. She kissed it, and the weight of her decision hit her. She had once again been forced to deny her heart for the safety of the Isle. She sank to her knees, tears streaming down her face as she clutched the necklace in her hand. Goodbye had been harder this time then ever before. She buried her head in her hands, "I love you Legolas." She whispered as his boat slipped into the mist. "I will carry you always."
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Legolas sat in the boat feeling as if his entire world had been taken from him. The mists swirled around him, separating him from his love. All he could see was her face in the swirling clouds that enveloped the boat. He felt lost, as if he no longer had any purpose. He knew he would never again be truly happy without Melriadora.
He turned his head back toward the Isle even though he could not see it any longer. "I love you Melriadora." He whispered, his heart slowly breaking into a thousand pieces, his eyes glittering with tears. "I will love you forever." He called into the mists.
* * * * * * * * * * *
When Prince Legolas returned to Mirkwood his Father only had to take one look at him to know his beloved son's heart was broken. Thranduil greeted his son warmly but was worried about the deep sadness he saw in his son's face. There was something missing in his son, as if he was just an empty shell missing part of his soul.
Legolas had been home for three days and he had not seemed to get any better. Try as Thranduil might to cheer his son, nothing helped. Thranduil was worried. Legolas seemed to be becoming engulfed in sorrow and would waste away to nothing if he did allow his heart to mend.
Thranduil had ordered a celebration for his son's return that night, he had made sure that all of his son's old companions were there and had his best wine laid out for all to share, but Legolas did not come down for the celebration. After making many apologies to his guests he went to find his son. He needed to talk to Legolas. He had to plead with his son to come out of his sorrow.
He went to his son's quarters and knocked, when Legolas did not reply he catiously pushed the door open. His son was staring out his window looking towards the Isle lost in thought.
"Legolas?" Thranduil asked, "Legolas, my son?"
Legolas turned, his eyes met his father's. "Father, I did not hear you come in." He greeted.
Thranduil watched his son with concern, "You missed your celebration Legolas."
Legolas turned away, his blue eyes troubled as they looked out over Mirkwood. "I do not have anything to celebrate Father." He said quite seriously.
Thranduil went to his son, placing a hand on his shoulder, he had not been openly affectionate towards his son in many, many, years. Legolas was quite old now, and had acquired much wisdom in his travels. Thranduil often thought proudly that his son was a wiser Elf than he. Legolas was not tempted by wealth and power as he often was.
"Legolas, what is it that troubles you so?" He asked.
Legolas turned to his Father, his eyes sparkling with unshed tears. "Father, how is it you stand to be parted from Mother for so long?" He asked.
Thranduil then knew what was troubling his son so, but instead of relief, his worry grew deeper. Thranduil hesitated before answering the question. "Knowing that she waits for me in Valinor helps." He said. His brow furrowed, he also knew that his focus on wealth and wine deepened greatly after his wife left. "Legolas, I am not the best example of living without a beloved." He admitted.
Legolas sighed and once again his attention turned to the woods beyond. "I should never had made love to her, it would have spared us both this pain." He looked at his Father, brow furrowed, greatly burdened. "And yet, I regret it not. Does that make any sense?"
Thranduil gave his son a sad smile; he knew his heart would not mend. "You are in love, my son, such things never make sense." He then gave his son a rare embrace, a tender moment between Father and son. Thranduil did not believe that his son, without Melriadora, would last. The Prince was fading fast, and Thranduil could do nothing. He would have to let the fates decide his son's future.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Lyssa, Lady of the Isle, was worried. It had been one week since Legolas Greenleaf had left the Isle and Melriadora had not come out of her chamber since. Others had come to see her many times to try to mend her heart, but they all left reporting the same thing. She did not seem to want her heart fixed. She just stayed in her chamber, staring out across the lake with sightless eyes that seemed to see beyond the mists, fingering her necklace.
Well, Lyssa had left her to her thoughts long enough. It was time that the Lady of the Isle to take this matter into her own hands. She reached Melriadora's chambers and didn't even bother knocking. She found Melriadora sitting at the window.
"Melriadora, why do you remain here?" Lyssa asked, bluntly.
Melriadora looked startled, "To serve the Isle." She answered.
Lyssa smiled, that was a bad answer and Melriadora knew it. "The Isle does not benefit from your suffering child." She sat beside the elven woman. "Tell me."
Melriadora was still surprised, "You know why. I am the Guardian of the Isle. Who would protect you if I leave?"
"But your heart is not here." Lyssa pointed out.
Melriadora stood, angry, "No, my heart lies with Legolas. He has had a piece of it all my life. I finally left my whole heart with him back in the bed we shared in Rivendell." She faced the Lady. "But what choice have I? You said yourself, I protect the Isle, and if I cross those mists to stay in the arms of my lover I can never return! What choice have I?" She demanded.
Lyssa stared at her for a moment. "Melriadora, you have completely the task that was foreseen for you and have served as Guardian for over two thousand years. You have served the Isle well, and I now release you from your vows. You are no longer Guardian."
Melriadora's eyes widened, "But who will serve in my place?"
"Young Kayta served well and showed braver beyond the other Apprentices. She will serve in your place. The world is going to the race of man now, it is fitting." Lyssa placed her hand on Melriadora's arm. "You have earned your rest."
Melriadora's eyes filled with unshed tears, "I may go then?"
"Go." Lyssa hugged her former Apprentice. "Go to him! It is what you have wanted all along. Go, be happy." She then studied Melriadora for a moment, "You will have a strong daughter. Though she will have the blessings and the skill of the Isle, I will not call for her. This is my gift to you."
Melriadora stepped back and bowed, "Thank you Lady." She then quickly grabbed the bag she never unpacked. "I must make haste to Mirkwood!"
* * * * * * * * * * *
Legolas once again sat in his old tree, staring out at the horizon. It seemed strange that only six months had past since Melriadora had come to Mirkwood once more. He wished he could turn back time to the moment he saw her push back the hood of her cloak. He smiled bitterly; he knew he would not have changed anything. He had been sitting up here for four days, waiting for his life to leave him. He could not go on without Melriadora. She was embedded too deep in his soul. He wondered how she faired far away in the Isle. He hoped she was well, and not suffering for he did not think ill of her. He could never do that.
Legolas sighed and closed his eyes, leaning back against the tree. It would not be long now. Surely he would not be forced to suffer much longer.
Suddenly, he sensed something approaching. He was not interested and tried his hardest to ignore it, but whatever it was kept pulling at him, nagging him, unrelenting. He finally opened his eyes to look out across the horizon. What he saw made his heart leap in his chest. Could it be?
He stood, straining forward to see. It was a woman on horseback in a dark cloak, allowing the horse to chose it's own path, her golden hair shined in the light like a glittery crown.
"MELRIADORA!" Legolas leapt from the tree and ran with all his strength to meet her, his heart pounding in his ears like a roaring waterfall.
She jumped from the horse into his arms. He pulled her close to him, tears of joy streaming down his face. He looked at her and saw the same in her eyes. He kissed her, the sweet taste of her lips lingering on his. "Melri, my love!"
"Oh Legoas!" She buried her face in his shoulder, taking in his scent. She pulled her head back to speak, which was difficult considering he could not find the will to stop kissing her. "Legolas," She said between kisses. "I could not stand to be apart from you."
"Nor I you." He said, kissing her again. "Nor I you."
"For you I would surrender all the Gifts of the Isle, all the power they offer, I would lay down my very life for you. I cannot bear to be apart from you." She cried, her heart pounding in time with his.
"You are here to stay then?" Legolas asked, praying on her answer.
She nodded, her eyes glittering, "I go wherever you go. You are my home."
Legolas swallowed hard and closed his eyes blissfully. He had waited so long to hear her say that. He opened them again looking into her sightless eyes, they were still the same light blue eyes as before, her quest had changed her, but it had only made him love her more. He took her hand in his own and kissed it.
"Will you marry me?" He asked, gazing hopefully on her lovely face.
Melriadora's face broke into a smile, she placed a hand on his cheek. "Nothing would give me more joy then to finally be your wife." She said.
He beamed and kissed that hand, then scoped her up into an embrace, lifting her clear off her feet and spinning her with joy. He let out a whoop of happiness that would echo in his heart for an eternity. So, hand in hand, Legolas and his Melriadora went into Mirkwood, laughing with happiness, their hearts filled with love for one another. They were both finally complete.
* * * * * * * * * * *
A/N- All together now! AWWW!!!!!!!!! So cute it makes me want to puke! Is anyone else jealous? Hahahahaha! Okay, so since this is the last chapter I may as well post the epilogue too! Wow, I wasn't expecting to post this much today!