CHAPTER 34
BACK ON THE ROAD
Arwen narrowed her eyes, while her delicate fingers manipulated a small, sizzling blade to the old man's neck. She traced a minuscule cut, right over the swelled skin, while she wiped the little blood that came out with a clean cloth. Nohemy's concerned eyes closely followed every one of her movements; she could not help in any way but holding a lamp very close to her father's head.
Then, Arwen proceeded to squeeze around the swelling with her fingers, trying to push out the diminutive thorn embedded in the center. The old man cringed in pain, and Nohemy was tempted to stop everything; but Arwen's reassuring eyes convinced her otherwise, and she decided to be patient.
Finally, after much struggle, the thorn's whitish head peeked out of the man's flesh, and Arwen caught it with the tip of the knife, immediately extracting it from the man's neck. She held it up between her thumb and index; the thorn was thin but long, its head was white, but the tip revealed to be black and filled with poison. - "Sporophila" - Arwen said - "just what I suspected"
The man fell back on the bed, an expression of relief in his weary face; it was like if a huge burden was taken from his shoulders right then, a burden he had been carrying for many years. Arwen turned to look at Nohemy, who was just glad that everything was over - "Worry about your father no more Nohemy; these thorns slowly poison their hosts for months and even years, but once they are removed, they can cause no more harm. I can assure you that your father will feel better from now on."
Nohemy tossed the lamp to the ground and threw her arms around Arwen's neck, embracing her effusively. - "Thank you Milady! How can I ever pay you?"
Arwen loosened the embrace and took the young woman by he shoulders - "You already did my friend, you already did." - she said looking in her eyes, a satisfaction smile gracing her serene features.
Nohemy then gave her a quizzical look -"How did you know what it was?"
Arwen put away the knife and wrapped the dammed thorn in the cloth she had been using - "I once observed Aragorn doing the same thing to an ill man, if everything goes well, he should be on his feet and walking in a matter of days."
"Aragorn?"
"Yes; he is.... my husband"
"Husband? .... Oh! You mean the King of Gondor; I suppose he is the reason why you can't love Legolas freely." - Nohemy said, hit by a wave of realization.
Arwen froze at her comment, completely surprised by her perceptiveness, and limited herself to nod.
"It must be strange to be divided between two loves, I do not envy you."
Arwen smiled sadly to her - "Indeed, it is strange. But what surprises me now is how perceptive you are. You are a very good listener Nohemy."
Nohemy made a face - "Good listener? I suppose you are right. Nean says I am way too curious, nosy, to be exact; and that one day I am going to get in trouble because of this"
A mischievous twinkle appeared in Arwen's eyes - "Nean eh? You two seem to bicker a lot, don't you?" - she said, remembering the first time she had seen them arguing at Kron's house.
Nohemy snarled and laughed - "He has such a stiff neck attitude! We cannot have a decent conversation, we always end up arguing."
Arwen continued - "He seems to be a good young man. Have you been friends for long?"
"Oh yes! Forever; we know each other since we were kids. He has always been a good friend, maybe my best friend"
Arwen raised her eyebrow, meditating on her words - "You care for him? Even if you always fight?"
"Yes. Why?"
"Uhhm... nothing. He is very handsome, isn't he?" - Arwen said, her eyes shinning with mischief.
Nohemy's face became very red - "One may say.... I never really looked at him in that way."
"Well, maybe you need to pay more attention." - Arwen said, motioning towards the door - "I have to go now, my friend, I feel that Legolas is already waiting for me."
Nohemy smiled at her - "Please say goodbye from me, tell him... tell him... , just tell him I wish him happiness."
Arwen smiled knowingly - "I will Nohemy. Now take care, it has been a pleasure to know you." - She said opening the door.
Right at that moment Nean was arriving at the door, a bouquet of wild flowers in his hand. Arwen grinned openly and stepped ahead - "Young Nean! What a delightful coincidence, we were talking about you."
Nean frowned, a little bit surprised - "Truly Milady? What were you saying?"
Arwen giggled at his response - "Do not worry, only good things. - She said, still grinning. Then, she turned her attention to the flowers in his hand. - "Oh! What a beautiful floral arrangement. Did you do it yourself?"
Nean nodded.
"You are quite skillful! Fortunate is the lady for whom you went all the trouble of gathering and arranging this"
"I wish I had thought of you when I was picking the flowers, Milady; I would have arranged one for you too. Unfortunately, these were put together while thinking in someone else" - Nean said bowing to her; then he looked at Nohemy intently - "I need to speak with you Nohemy".
"What is it Nean?" - Nohemy asked with concern.
"I would like to speak to in private, please, it is important." - the young man said, his heart pounding inside his chest.
Arwen's grin widened and she walked pass the sturdy Gray Cliff's man - "I will give you some privacy' - Then, without turning around she asked - "Nean, is Legolas ready?"
"Yes, I think he is waiting for you in the main terrace, down there" - Nean said, pointing to a large terrace that hung at the edge of the cliff, right above the biggest waterfall. Arwen looked down and saw Legolas' golden mane flowing with the cliff's eternal breeze. He was sitting right at the edge of the terrace, looking, it seemed, at the waterfall below.
"I shall go now" - he said solemnly - "I wish you all wellness and prosperity, and I thank you dearly for your help" - She said walking down to meet Legolas.
Both Nean and Nohemy said their goodbyes to her, but when they were just about to enter the house; Arwen turned around and called for them.
"One last thing!" - she said smiling - "Nohemy, one last advice I leave you as gift" - Nohemy nodded, and listened carefully to her words. Arwen took a deep breath - "Keep your eyes well open in your search for a good life; sometimes we can find happiness were we least expect it" - Then, her gaze moved to Nean's rough face - "Young Nean! All I can wish you is good luck. May the wishes of your heart be granted" - She said, and winked to him playfully.
The couple responded to her in the same way, and at the same time - "Thank you, Lady" - they chorused together, and then entered the house, Nohemy's eyes filled with curiosity, and Nean's filled with hope.
Arwen smiled to herself triumphantly and walked down the bridge to meet Legolas.
............................................
Legolas was sitting at the edge of the terrace; his face calmed and serene lifted up to feel the morning warmth of the sun, half a smile in his mouth. His eyes were closed and he was still, very still. Arwen found him like that, and wondered what had made him so meditative. She decided not to interrupt, and came near him silently.
Legolas was listening to the sound of the waterfall below; delighted by the soothing effect it had on him. The steady sound of the waterfall had awakened a sweet memory in his mind; and so he listened intently, reviving every moment of that memory. So submerged he was in the sound, that he did not sense Arwen approaching; and yet, he did not startle when she placed a warm hand over his shoulder; since he immediately knew who it was.
Arwen spoke first, softly - "Are we ready"
He answered just as softly - "Yes" - and turned around to look at her.
"How did everything go?"
Arwen looked up to Nohemy's house - "Do not worry for her, my heart tells me that her life will be better from know on; and happiness will soon come to meet her."
Legolas smiled knowingly - "My heart tells me the same, she deserves it"
"Indeed. She sent her greetings to you." - Arwen said. Legolas only nodded in acknowledgment and turned his head to listen to the waterfall.
"You seem to be quite distracted. Would you tell me what thoughts trapped your mind in such a way?"
Legolas stood up to face her and replied playfully - "What would you give me in return for my deepest thoughts?"
Arwen looked at his deep blue eyes and heard herself say - "How about a kiss? Would it be good enough price?"
Legolas clenched his jaw, lost at the sight of her face and her words - "Tempting; but it won't be necessary; I'll tell you what is in mi mind, for it is not mine, it is ours to share."
Arwen half-closed her eyes and listened.
"I was not so much thinking, as I was listening to the song of the waterfall. It reminds me of the sound of the mighty waves crushing against the shores; the music of the ocean. Have you heard it Arwen? Have you seen the vast immensity of a blue as pure as your eyes, shinning under the sun? Have you felt it's warm, flavorful breeze caressing your face?"
She closed her eyes, trying to imagine what he described - "No, have you?"
"Once; during my mad conquest of the southern territories, me and my men chased a horde all the way to the Bay of Belfalas; before I knew what had happened, we were already facing the most magnificent sight one can ever imagine; the sea. I will never forget that time, my entire being begged me to get rid of my weapons and my armor, to dive in and swim forever, deep into the blue infinite, until becoming one with it."
"But you didn't"
"My heart had greatest yearns at the time."
"Yearns that still remain" - Arwen said, almost absently.
"Yes" - He answered.
She caressed his chin with her palm and planted a long, tender kiss upon his soft lips. He wrapped an arm around her, slowly bringing her closer to him, and savoring the sweetness of her sincere kiss. She reluctantly parted from him; and he interrogated her with his eyes - "Do not look at me with such oddity, Legolas Greenleaf, I promised a kiss in return of your thoughts; I pay my debts."
Legolas held her tighter - "I can get used to this, you know?" - He said, amused with her wit.
She glanced briefly at his face before burying her face in his chest - "I know what you mean, believe me."
They remained holding each other silently for a few moments; Legolas running his fingers softly through her ebony locks, until Arwen decided to speak - "Tell me more about the ocean, Legolas; maybe you can show it to me some day."
Legolas carefully disentangled from the embrace - "I will tell you more about it on the way to Gondor, we have a long path to travel, we should get going."
Arwen was suddenly brought back to reality - "You are right"
Legolas took her hand and guided her to the entrance of the city. The horses and the provisions awaited ready at the top of the stairs. - "How did you manage to make the horses climb the stairs?" - Legolas smiled and replied simply - "All I can tell you is that it wasn't easy."
........................................
They left the Gray Cliffs and rode northbound with the sun on their right. The forest was thick and irregular, but the horses were strong and agile, perfect for the territory. Then, they turned east; according to Legolas calculations, they would cross the Ithilien Bridge shortly after noon; and would arrive to Gondor with the sun sinking in the west.
As they rode, Legolas talked to her about the ocean; describing with words that seemed more like ancient poetry, the beauty and majesty of the sea he had seen. Legolas' kind, and beautiful voice, speaking such passionate words made Arwen's heart's yearn for him grow stronger inside of her. She realized for both her amusement and dismay that the feelings he was awakening inside of her were perhaps too strong. Realization settled, and right then she learned that she truly loved him.
However, her thoughts about him were shadowed by a threat in her heart. Both of them felt the same threat, the same evil; and both of them suffered the fear and anxiety that it brought in silence. Something was wrong, very wrong; and they both could feel it deep inside the fibers of their noble hearts.
West from there, too far away even for their keen eyes to perceive, a column of smoke arose from the fields around Minas Tirith
.......................................
Well, I hope you enjoyed this little chappy. I know not much happens in it, but I kind of like it. What do you think?
A massive action sequence is coming in the next few chapters, and those are very hard to write; so bare with me if it takes me a little longer to post. I expect this battle scene to be quite long, at least two or three chapters long.
**Note to Precious Jewelle: my fav. Friend is Phoebe; she is sooo weird! She absolutely cracks me up every time she speaks. But I love them all, Chandler is my second fav.
Bueno amigos, until next time.
Blessings to you all.
Elwe
BACK ON THE ROAD
Arwen narrowed her eyes, while her delicate fingers manipulated a small, sizzling blade to the old man's neck. She traced a minuscule cut, right over the swelled skin, while she wiped the little blood that came out with a clean cloth. Nohemy's concerned eyes closely followed every one of her movements; she could not help in any way but holding a lamp very close to her father's head.
Then, Arwen proceeded to squeeze around the swelling with her fingers, trying to push out the diminutive thorn embedded in the center. The old man cringed in pain, and Nohemy was tempted to stop everything; but Arwen's reassuring eyes convinced her otherwise, and she decided to be patient.
Finally, after much struggle, the thorn's whitish head peeked out of the man's flesh, and Arwen caught it with the tip of the knife, immediately extracting it from the man's neck. She held it up between her thumb and index; the thorn was thin but long, its head was white, but the tip revealed to be black and filled with poison. - "Sporophila" - Arwen said - "just what I suspected"
The man fell back on the bed, an expression of relief in his weary face; it was like if a huge burden was taken from his shoulders right then, a burden he had been carrying for many years. Arwen turned to look at Nohemy, who was just glad that everything was over - "Worry about your father no more Nohemy; these thorns slowly poison their hosts for months and even years, but once they are removed, they can cause no more harm. I can assure you that your father will feel better from now on."
Nohemy tossed the lamp to the ground and threw her arms around Arwen's neck, embracing her effusively. - "Thank you Milady! How can I ever pay you?"
Arwen loosened the embrace and took the young woman by he shoulders - "You already did my friend, you already did." - she said looking in her eyes, a satisfaction smile gracing her serene features.
Nohemy then gave her a quizzical look -"How did you know what it was?"
Arwen put away the knife and wrapped the dammed thorn in the cloth she had been using - "I once observed Aragorn doing the same thing to an ill man, if everything goes well, he should be on his feet and walking in a matter of days."
"Aragorn?"
"Yes; he is.... my husband"
"Husband? .... Oh! You mean the King of Gondor; I suppose he is the reason why you can't love Legolas freely." - Nohemy said, hit by a wave of realization.
Arwen froze at her comment, completely surprised by her perceptiveness, and limited herself to nod.
"It must be strange to be divided between two loves, I do not envy you."
Arwen smiled sadly to her - "Indeed, it is strange. But what surprises me now is how perceptive you are. You are a very good listener Nohemy."
Nohemy made a face - "Good listener? I suppose you are right. Nean says I am way too curious, nosy, to be exact; and that one day I am going to get in trouble because of this"
A mischievous twinkle appeared in Arwen's eyes - "Nean eh? You two seem to bicker a lot, don't you?" - she said, remembering the first time she had seen them arguing at Kron's house.
Nohemy snarled and laughed - "He has such a stiff neck attitude! We cannot have a decent conversation, we always end up arguing."
Arwen continued - "He seems to be a good young man. Have you been friends for long?"
"Oh yes! Forever; we know each other since we were kids. He has always been a good friend, maybe my best friend"
Arwen raised her eyebrow, meditating on her words - "You care for him? Even if you always fight?"
"Yes. Why?"
"Uhhm... nothing. He is very handsome, isn't he?" - Arwen said, her eyes shinning with mischief.
Nohemy's face became very red - "One may say.... I never really looked at him in that way."
"Well, maybe you need to pay more attention." - Arwen said, motioning towards the door - "I have to go now, my friend, I feel that Legolas is already waiting for me."
Nohemy smiled at her - "Please say goodbye from me, tell him... tell him... , just tell him I wish him happiness."
Arwen smiled knowingly - "I will Nohemy. Now take care, it has been a pleasure to know you." - She said opening the door.
Right at that moment Nean was arriving at the door, a bouquet of wild flowers in his hand. Arwen grinned openly and stepped ahead - "Young Nean! What a delightful coincidence, we were talking about you."
Nean frowned, a little bit surprised - "Truly Milady? What were you saying?"
Arwen giggled at his response - "Do not worry, only good things. - She said, still grinning. Then, she turned her attention to the flowers in his hand. - "Oh! What a beautiful floral arrangement. Did you do it yourself?"
Nean nodded.
"You are quite skillful! Fortunate is the lady for whom you went all the trouble of gathering and arranging this"
"I wish I had thought of you when I was picking the flowers, Milady; I would have arranged one for you too. Unfortunately, these were put together while thinking in someone else" - Nean said bowing to her; then he looked at Nohemy intently - "I need to speak with you Nohemy".
"What is it Nean?" - Nohemy asked with concern.
"I would like to speak to in private, please, it is important." - the young man said, his heart pounding inside his chest.
Arwen's grin widened and she walked pass the sturdy Gray Cliff's man - "I will give you some privacy' - Then, without turning around she asked - "Nean, is Legolas ready?"
"Yes, I think he is waiting for you in the main terrace, down there" - Nean said, pointing to a large terrace that hung at the edge of the cliff, right above the biggest waterfall. Arwen looked down and saw Legolas' golden mane flowing with the cliff's eternal breeze. He was sitting right at the edge of the terrace, looking, it seemed, at the waterfall below.
"I shall go now" - he said solemnly - "I wish you all wellness and prosperity, and I thank you dearly for your help" - She said walking down to meet Legolas.
Both Nean and Nohemy said their goodbyes to her, but when they were just about to enter the house; Arwen turned around and called for them.
"One last thing!" - she said smiling - "Nohemy, one last advice I leave you as gift" - Nohemy nodded, and listened carefully to her words. Arwen took a deep breath - "Keep your eyes well open in your search for a good life; sometimes we can find happiness were we least expect it" - Then, her gaze moved to Nean's rough face - "Young Nean! All I can wish you is good luck. May the wishes of your heart be granted" - She said, and winked to him playfully.
The couple responded to her in the same way, and at the same time - "Thank you, Lady" - they chorused together, and then entered the house, Nohemy's eyes filled with curiosity, and Nean's filled with hope.
Arwen smiled to herself triumphantly and walked down the bridge to meet Legolas.
............................................
Legolas was sitting at the edge of the terrace; his face calmed and serene lifted up to feel the morning warmth of the sun, half a smile in his mouth. His eyes were closed and he was still, very still. Arwen found him like that, and wondered what had made him so meditative. She decided not to interrupt, and came near him silently.
Legolas was listening to the sound of the waterfall below; delighted by the soothing effect it had on him. The steady sound of the waterfall had awakened a sweet memory in his mind; and so he listened intently, reviving every moment of that memory. So submerged he was in the sound, that he did not sense Arwen approaching; and yet, he did not startle when she placed a warm hand over his shoulder; since he immediately knew who it was.
Arwen spoke first, softly - "Are we ready"
He answered just as softly - "Yes" - and turned around to look at her.
"How did everything go?"
Arwen looked up to Nohemy's house - "Do not worry for her, my heart tells me that her life will be better from know on; and happiness will soon come to meet her."
Legolas smiled knowingly - "My heart tells me the same, she deserves it"
"Indeed. She sent her greetings to you." - Arwen said. Legolas only nodded in acknowledgment and turned his head to listen to the waterfall.
"You seem to be quite distracted. Would you tell me what thoughts trapped your mind in such a way?"
Legolas stood up to face her and replied playfully - "What would you give me in return for my deepest thoughts?"
Arwen looked at his deep blue eyes and heard herself say - "How about a kiss? Would it be good enough price?"
Legolas clenched his jaw, lost at the sight of her face and her words - "Tempting; but it won't be necessary; I'll tell you what is in mi mind, for it is not mine, it is ours to share."
Arwen half-closed her eyes and listened.
"I was not so much thinking, as I was listening to the song of the waterfall. It reminds me of the sound of the mighty waves crushing against the shores; the music of the ocean. Have you heard it Arwen? Have you seen the vast immensity of a blue as pure as your eyes, shinning under the sun? Have you felt it's warm, flavorful breeze caressing your face?"
She closed her eyes, trying to imagine what he described - "No, have you?"
"Once; during my mad conquest of the southern territories, me and my men chased a horde all the way to the Bay of Belfalas; before I knew what had happened, we were already facing the most magnificent sight one can ever imagine; the sea. I will never forget that time, my entire being begged me to get rid of my weapons and my armor, to dive in and swim forever, deep into the blue infinite, until becoming one with it."
"But you didn't"
"My heart had greatest yearns at the time."
"Yearns that still remain" - Arwen said, almost absently.
"Yes" - He answered.
She caressed his chin with her palm and planted a long, tender kiss upon his soft lips. He wrapped an arm around her, slowly bringing her closer to him, and savoring the sweetness of her sincere kiss. She reluctantly parted from him; and he interrogated her with his eyes - "Do not look at me with such oddity, Legolas Greenleaf, I promised a kiss in return of your thoughts; I pay my debts."
Legolas held her tighter - "I can get used to this, you know?" - He said, amused with her wit.
She glanced briefly at his face before burying her face in his chest - "I know what you mean, believe me."
They remained holding each other silently for a few moments; Legolas running his fingers softly through her ebony locks, until Arwen decided to speak - "Tell me more about the ocean, Legolas; maybe you can show it to me some day."
Legolas carefully disentangled from the embrace - "I will tell you more about it on the way to Gondor, we have a long path to travel, we should get going."
Arwen was suddenly brought back to reality - "You are right"
Legolas took her hand and guided her to the entrance of the city. The horses and the provisions awaited ready at the top of the stairs. - "How did you manage to make the horses climb the stairs?" - Legolas smiled and replied simply - "All I can tell you is that it wasn't easy."
........................................
They left the Gray Cliffs and rode northbound with the sun on their right. The forest was thick and irregular, but the horses were strong and agile, perfect for the territory. Then, they turned east; according to Legolas calculations, they would cross the Ithilien Bridge shortly after noon; and would arrive to Gondor with the sun sinking in the west.
As they rode, Legolas talked to her about the ocean; describing with words that seemed more like ancient poetry, the beauty and majesty of the sea he had seen. Legolas' kind, and beautiful voice, speaking such passionate words made Arwen's heart's yearn for him grow stronger inside of her. She realized for both her amusement and dismay that the feelings he was awakening inside of her were perhaps too strong. Realization settled, and right then she learned that she truly loved him.
However, her thoughts about him were shadowed by a threat in her heart. Both of them felt the same threat, the same evil; and both of them suffered the fear and anxiety that it brought in silence. Something was wrong, very wrong; and they both could feel it deep inside the fibers of their noble hearts.
West from there, too far away even for their keen eyes to perceive, a column of smoke arose from the fields around Minas Tirith
.......................................
Well, I hope you enjoyed this little chappy. I know not much happens in it, but I kind of like it. What do you think?
A massive action sequence is coming in the next few chapters, and those are very hard to write; so bare with me if it takes me a little longer to post. I expect this battle scene to be quite long, at least two or three chapters long.
**Note to Precious Jewelle: my fav. Friend is Phoebe; she is sooo weird! She absolutely cracks me up every time she speaks. But I love them all, Chandler is my second fav.
Bueno amigos, until next time.
Blessings to you all.
Elwe