Disclaimer: Recognizable characters, places, concepts, and events are the
property of the J.R.R. Tolkien estate.
Author's Notes: There are a few lines of Sindarin used at the end of chapter, but I'm sure the grammar is completely horrendous. If you cannot stand mutilated Sindarin, skip straight to the translation, which follows shortly after. Also, my italics aren't showing up on the fanfic website--- sorry.
Rated for angst. This chapter is G/PG.
And now to my reviewers! Thank you all so much for responding. I have found that the longer I wait between updates, the more reviews I get...hmmm...perhaps I should wait a week or so before posting Chapter 10?
*Esgalromen: Here's the update, there is more Legolas in this chapter, of course.
*Dragon-of-the-north: One of the best fanfic spouses Thranduil's ever been given? Thank-you! And yes, I suppose Thranduil's untidy...nobody's perfect!
You were thinking of the right quote, but don't feel that you must "bury [your] nose in Legolas' breakfast.." Have his spoon too! Or better yet, sit in on today's breakfast!
*EMerald QUeen: Mmm! Excellent cookie! *wipes crumbs from face* Glad you like Aldandil and Legolas so much.
The story: Legolas picked it out. He can't read very well yet, so he didn't bother to check the title. Aldandil suggested something better, but the kid insisted on "The History and Development of the Tengwar". Definitely long and boring.
Elves headed to Valinor: Since my story takes place around TA 1200, the Hollin Elves have already left (if I'm correct, they left shortly after the forging of the One Ring---do correct me if I'm wrong). I haven't picked a specific group of Elves for Thilómë to travel with. Since the Elves began to wane and leave in the Third Age, I figured there would be a group leaving every now and then.
As for Thilómë's choice, it's quite complicated really. She does feel empty, but her view on departing for the West is different than, say, Galadriel's or Elrond's. I suppose you could liken it to the way a person who believes in a good afterlife views death: the afterlife might be great, but you're in no hurry to get there. As for the fact that they'll probably all meet again, keep in mind that there would most likely be a gap of a few thousand years. That's quite a long time, even for an Elf. Also, she has a very young child---one that she thought she was going to lose.
*Sammy: Here's some more fic for you. Eat up.
*Katherine: I hope your keyboard isn't permanently damaged! *hands her a tissue* Now, now...this chapter isn't quite so miserable!
*Galadriel Lorien: Celebrían doesn't leave until TA 2510, which would be a little late. At the time of my story, Elrond and Celebrían are still quite happy together! There's a note to EMerald QUeen about the Elves that are traveling. I'm glad you liked the chapter; hopefully this one will be just as good.
*Queen of Shadows: *hands her a tissue too* Settle down, honey...Legolas's momma's still in the decision making stage...
~*~~*~
Bilbo's Quote: "Books ought to have good endings." Book II: Chapter 3.
Remember, I have developed a love for reviews! Your questions and comments are always welcome!
-Aranel
aranels@hotmail.com
~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~
Chapter 9~*~Fire and Water
Thilómë lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. Thranduil had gotten up almost an hour earlier, asking patiently if she wanted him to stay. She had waved him away, knowing there was an important breakfast being held before Galdor's departure, but now she wished that he was near.
How many mornings had she woken to find him next to her, sometimes still asleep, other times awake, smiling at her? And those good morning kisses! It was as though he had slipped into her dreams, and when she came into full consciousness, he was still right there!
What would it be like to wake up alone? It had happened, when Thranduil had to travel for diplomatic reasons, or when she herself went visiting. It was lonely...but to wake up that way every morning, for days on end?
Sighing, Thilómë rolled over, pulling her husband's pillow to her face. She inhaled deeply, catching the scent of his hair. Could the smell of the Sea or the fragrance of all the flowers of Aman ever take its place?
~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~
Thranduil walked swiftly into the sitting room, already in a hurry. He had lingered too long in the bedroom, worrying about his wife, and now he was running late for breakfast. Why had they planned to have a fancy breakfast? It practically ruined the whole day. He shook Aldandil's shoulder, surprised his son wasn't awake already, "Aldandil. Wake up."
"Hmm?" Aldandil blinked his eyes, focusing them. Sunlight streamed in through the glass of the west wall. This was positively his favorite room in the whole palace, the only one with large windows. A section of the cavern wall had been carefully removed and replaced with glass and wooden framework, allowing a beautiful view of the forest.
"You've slept late," Thranduil gave his son a slight disapproving look, "I'm having breakfast, come and join me after you're dressed." He looked down at Legolas, who was still asleep, "And please get your brother dressed too, all right? Your mother will probably join us rather late."
"Of course," Aldandil nodded, "Is Naneth all right?"
Thranduil drew in a long breath of air, glancing out at the sunlit trees outside. After a moment he looked back to his son, "She's been feeling very strained lately, and Lord Galdor's visit has not helped. Don't be concerned, we can talk later." Realizing breakfast would begin in minutes; he gave Aldandil a quick smile and headed out of the room, "I'll see you in a while."
~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~
Pushing away the blankets, Aldandil lifted Legolas off of his lap. "Awake! Awake!" he sang, rising to his feet.
"No!" Legolas whined, sliding onto the pile of blankets on the floor. Mornings were not his favorite part of the day. He grabbed at the blankets, pulling them over himself.
Laughing, Aldandil picked his brother up, "Someday you'll be taunting those words in someone's ears too, muindor."
~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~
Nursemaids! That's what they needed for times like these. Aldandil dug through the garments, bedclothes, and blankets folded on a shelf. He glanced at Legolas, who was half awake, "Where does Naneth keep all your normal clothes?" A nursemaid would know. A nursemaid would know this room inside out. If only Naneth wasn't so adamantly objected to such people.
Getting no answer, he looked at his little brother again. Legolas was practically asleep again. Aldandil took a few overly high steps towards him, raising and curling his hands in mock ferocity, "Legolas! I'm a Balrog, and I'm coming to get you!" The story of Glorfindal and the Balrog was one of Legolas's current favorites, although the Elfling preferred to drastically change the ending to his own liking. Aldandil took a few more exaggerated steps towards his brother, mildly growling. He wasn't sure if balrogs growled or not, but that was beside the point.
As fast as lightening, Legolas snapped to attention. Sleepy or not, balrogs had to be avoided at all costs. He slid from his bed to the floor, dashing out of the room half-dressed and screaming.
"Legolas!" Aldandil rushed behind him, "No shrieking!"
~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~
"...lovely in late summer," Galdor raised a glass of juice to his lips. He glanced at the numerous faces gathered at the table, aware that no one seemed very interested in hearing about his visit to Imladris. He was glad to be leaving Mirkwood in a few hours. The whole place seemed to be turned on its head: the queen was despairing, the king had absolutely no interest in the Imladris tidings, and their children seemed...hmm? Well, they certainly didn't seem royal, that was for sure. Also, he found their strange dismay in the topic of traveling to the Blessed Realm positively insulting.
"I'm sure of it," Thranduil nodded absently. How much longer was this breakfast going to drag on? Thilómë hadn't shown up at all, not even to wish Galdor a parting farewell; and he was getting a bit anxious to check on her.
Galdor, realizing he had the attention of a few court members at the table, decided to go on, "Yes, Lord Elrond has some fantastic gardens. Beautiful flowers, some I did not even recognize. And most of them last the whole.."
"Ai! ai! A balrog! A balrog!" Legolas tore into the room, eyes wide, headed straight for his father, "Ada! He's going to get me!"
Galdor looked up from his glass of juice to see Thranduil's younger son running frantically, a flash of white undergarments and blond hair. His eyebrows rose nearly halfway up his forehead. First the episode in court, and now this! How much more of this would he have to endure?
Only seconds behind his brother, Aldandil skidded to a stop when he reached the dining hall. The table was surrounded by important looking Elves, and a lavish breakfast was spread out. What on Middle-Earth were they all doing there?!
Thranduil caught his younger son, then sighed, looking up towards his older son, "Aldandil."
Aldandil looked from person to person, realizing that they were all staring at him, waiting for an explanation. He ran his tongue over his teeth, trying to think of a decent apology, "I'm quite sorry." He caught Lord Galdor's scrutinizing gaze, and wished he had some of his father's wit, "I was completely unaware that you were all gathered here." What kind of excuse was that? Legolas had just charged into the room in his unmentionables screaming about a Balrog. It was rather funny, really. Aldandil recalled the shocked expressions on everyone's faces and felt his mouth contorting into a smile. He covered his grin with a hand, "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Please, forgive me. It was a careless mistake, and I am completely at fault." He rambled through a few other self-demeaning comments, blaming himself and relating the circumstances.
"All right," Thranduil held up his hand, managing to keep quite a straight face, "That should suffice. Now, please, take your brother back to his room. It will not be necessary to grace us with your presences again."
Galdor nearly snorted, watching as King Thranduil draped his small child in a counselor's wrap and handed him to his older (and quite obviously irresponsible!) son. Woodland Elves indeed! It would be quite a relief to get back to Imladris.
"Legolas!" the Elf who had provided his wrap called out as Aldandil carried the Elfling out of the hall, "Sing us a quick song about your Balrog before you go. Then perhaps Lord Galdor will forgive you for interrupting his special breakfast."
The little Elf looked around at all the people at the table. The reality of what he had just done had started to sink in, and he was beginning to feel rather embarrassed.
"Go on," Aldandil whispered in his brother's ear.
Legolas sucked on a few of his fingers, wondering what to sing. All he could remember of the Balrog song was that it contained the word 'Balrog'. After another slight jar from Aldandil, he opened his mouth:
Daer Balrog na adel anim!
Tua amin! Tua amin!
Ta na um! Ta na naurui!
Tua amin, Ada!
Sin a nen an lle! Nen o sîr.
Ta na mesc! Namaarie Balrog!
Singing the last line, Legolas waved slightly, adding an action to his song.
"Would tossing water on a Balrog actually work?" one of Thranduil's counselors raised an eyebrow.
Thranduil shrugged, picturing a dripping wet Aldandil, "It would work on his Balrog."
~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~
Translation:
A great Balrog is behind me!
Help me! Help me!
It is evil! It is fiery!
Help me, Daddy!
Here is water for you! Water from the river.
It is wet! Farewell Balrog!
(Not very good, I know...but keep in mind that the equivalent of a 4 year old made it up off of the top of his head.)
Author's Notes: There are a few lines of Sindarin used at the end of chapter, but I'm sure the grammar is completely horrendous. If you cannot stand mutilated Sindarin, skip straight to the translation, which follows shortly after. Also, my italics aren't showing up on the fanfic website--- sorry.
Rated for angst. This chapter is G/PG.
And now to my reviewers! Thank you all so much for responding. I have found that the longer I wait between updates, the more reviews I get...hmmm...perhaps I should wait a week or so before posting Chapter 10?
*Esgalromen: Here's the update, there is more Legolas in this chapter, of course.
*Dragon-of-the-north: One of the best fanfic spouses Thranduil's ever been given? Thank-you! And yes, I suppose Thranduil's untidy...nobody's perfect!
You were thinking of the right quote, but don't feel that you must "bury [your] nose in Legolas' breakfast.." Have his spoon too! Or better yet, sit in on today's breakfast!
*EMerald QUeen: Mmm! Excellent cookie! *wipes crumbs from face* Glad you like Aldandil and Legolas so much.
The story: Legolas picked it out. He can't read very well yet, so he didn't bother to check the title. Aldandil suggested something better, but the kid insisted on "The History and Development of the Tengwar". Definitely long and boring.
Elves headed to Valinor: Since my story takes place around TA 1200, the Hollin Elves have already left (if I'm correct, they left shortly after the forging of the One Ring---do correct me if I'm wrong). I haven't picked a specific group of Elves for Thilómë to travel with. Since the Elves began to wane and leave in the Third Age, I figured there would be a group leaving every now and then.
As for Thilómë's choice, it's quite complicated really. She does feel empty, but her view on departing for the West is different than, say, Galadriel's or Elrond's. I suppose you could liken it to the way a person who believes in a good afterlife views death: the afterlife might be great, but you're in no hurry to get there. As for the fact that they'll probably all meet again, keep in mind that there would most likely be a gap of a few thousand years. That's quite a long time, even for an Elf. Also, she has a very young child---one that she thought she was going to lose.
*Sammy: Here's some more fic for you. Eat up.
*Katherine: I hope your keyboard isn't permanently damaged! *hands her a tissue* Now, now...this chapter isn't quite so miserable!
*Galadriel Lorien: Celebrían doesn't leave until TA 2510, which would be a little late. At the time of my story, Elrond and Celebrían are still quite happy together! There's a note to EMerald QUeen about the Elves that are traveling. I'm glad you liked the chapter; hopefully this one will be just as good.
*Queen of Shadows: *hands her a tissue too* Settle down, honey...Legolas's momma's still in the decision making stage...
~*~~*~
Bilbo's Quote: "Books ought to have good endings." Book II: Chapter 3.
Remember, I have developed a love for reviews! Your questions and comments are always welcome!
-Aranel
aranels@hotmail.com
~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~
Chapter 9~*~Fire and Water
Thilómë lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. Thranduil had gotten up almost an hour earlier, asking patiently if she wanted him to stay. She had waved him away, knowing there was an important breakfast being held before Galdor's departure, but now she wished that he was near.
How many mornings had she woken to find him next to her, sometimes still asleep, other times awake, smiling at her? And those good morning kisses! It was as though he had slipped into her dreams, and when she came into full consciousness, he was still right there!
What would it be like to wake up alone? It had happened, when Thranduil had to travel for diplomatic reasons, or when she herself went visiting. It was lonely...but to wake up that way every morning, for days on end?
Sighing, Thilómë rolled over, pulling her husband's pillow to her face. She inhaled deeply, catching the scent of his hair. Could the smell of the Sea or the fragrance of all the flowers of Aman ever take its place?
~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~
Thranduil walked swiftly into the sitting room, already in a hurry. He had lingered too long in the bedroom, worrying about his wife, and now he was running late for breakfast. Why had they planned to have a fancy breakfast? It practically ruined the whole day. He shook Aldandil's shoulder, surprised his son wasn't awake already, "Aldandil. Wake up."
"Hmm?" Aldandil blinked his eyes, focusing them. Sunlight streamed in through the glass of the west wall. This was positively his favorite room in the whole palace, the only one with large windows. A section of the cavern wall had been carefully removed and replaced with glass and wooden framework, allowing a beautiful view of the forest.
"You've slept late," Thranduil gave his son a slight disapproving look, "I'm having breakfast, come and join me after you're dressed." He looked down at Legolas, who was still asleep, "And please get your brother dressed too, all right? Your mother will probably join us rather late."
"Of course," Aldandil nodded, "Is Naneth all right?"
Thranduil drew in a long breath of air, glancing out at the sunlit trees outside. After a moment he looked back to his son, "She's been feeling very strained lately, and Lord Galdor's visit has not helped. Don't be concerned, we can talk later." Realizing breakfast would begin in minutes; he gave Aldandil a quick smile and headed out of the room, "I'll see you in a while."
~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~
Pushing away the blankets, Aldandil lifted Legolas off of his lap. "Awake! Awake!" he sang, rising to his feet.
"No!" Legolas whined, sliding onto the pile of blankets on the floor. Mornings were not his favorite part of the day. He grabbed at the blankets, pulling them over himself.
Laughing, Aldandil picked his brother up, "Someday you'll be taunting those words in someone's ears too, muindor."
~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~
Nursemaids! That's what they needed for times like these. Aldandil dug through the garments, bedclothes, and blankets folded on a shelf. He glanced at Legolas, who was half awake, "Where does Naneth keep all your normal clothes?" A nursemaid would know. A nursemaid would know this room inside out. If only Naneth wasn't so adamantly objected to such people.
Getting no answer, he looked at his little brother again. Legolas was practically asleep again. Aldandil took a few overly high steps towards him, raising and curling his hands in mock ferocity, "Legolas! I'm a Balrog, and I'm coming to get you!" The story of Glorfindal and the Balrog was one of Legolas's current favorites, although the Elfling preferred to drastically change the ending to his own liking. Aldandil took a few more exaggerated steps towards his brother, mildly growling. He wasn't sure if balrogs growled or not, but that was beside the point.
As fast as lightening, Legolas snapped to attention. Sleepy or not, balrogs had to be avoided at all costs. He slid from his bed to the floor, dashing out of the room half-dressed and screaming.
"Legolas!" Aldandil rushed behind him, "No shrieking!"
~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~
"...lovely in late summer," Galdor raised a glass of juice to his lips. He glanced at the numerous faces gathered at the table, aware that no one seemed very interested in hearing about his visit to Imladris. He was glad to be leaving Mirkwood in a few hours. The whole place seemed to be turned on its head: the queen was despairing, the king had absolutely no interest in the Imladris tidings, and their children seemed...hmm? Well, they certainly didn't seem royal, that was for sure. Also, he found their strange dismay in the topic of traveling to the Blessed Realm positively insulting.
"I'm sure of it," Thranduil nodded absently. How much longer was this breakfast going to drag on? Thilómë hadn't shown up at all, not even to wish Galdor a parting farewell; and he was getting a bit anxious to check on her.
Galdor, realizing he had the attention of a few court members at the table, decided to go on, "Yes, Lord Elrond has some fantastic gardens. Beautiful flowers, some I did not even recognize. And most of them last the whole.."
"Ai! ai! A balrog! A balrog!" Legolas tore into the room, eyes wide, headed straight for his father, "Ada! He's going to get me!"
Galdor looked up from his glass of juice to see Thranduil's younger son running frantically, a flash of white undergarments and blond hair. His eyebrows rose nearly halfway up his forehead. First the episode in court, and now this! How much more of this would he have to endure?
Only seconds behind his brother, Aldandil skidded to a stop when he reached the dining hall. The table was surrounded by important looking Elves, and a lavish breakfast was spread out. What on Middle-Earth were they all doing there?!
Thranduil caught his younger son, then sighed, looking up towards his older son, "Aldandil."
Aldandil looked from person to person, realizing that they were all staring at him, waiting for an explanation. He ran his tongue over his teeth, trying to think of a decent apology, "I'm quite sorry." He caught Lord Galdor's scrutinizing gaze, and wished he had some of his father's wit, "I was completely unaware that you were all gathered here." What kind of excuse was that? Legolas had just charged into the room in his unmentionables screaming about a Balrog. It was rather funny, really. Aldandil recalled the shocked expressions on everyone's faces and felt his mouth contorting into a smile. He covered his grin with a hand, "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Please, forgive me. It was a careless mistake, and I am completely at fault." He rambled through a few other self-demeaning comments, blaming himself and relating the circumstances.
"All right," Thranduil held up his hand, managing to keep quite a straight face, "That should suffice. Now, please, take your brother back to his room. It will not be necessary to grace us with your presences again."
Galdor nearly snorted, watching as King Thranduil draped his small child in a counselor's wrap and handed him to his older (and quite obviously irresponsible!) son. Woodland Elves indeed! It would be quite a relief to get back to Imladris.
"Legolas!" the Elf who had provided his wrap called out as Aldandil carried the Elfling out of the hall, "Sing us a quick song about your Balrog before you go. Then perhaps Lord Galdor will forgive you for interrupting his special breakfast."
The little Elf looked around at all the people at the table. The reality of what he had just done had started to sink in, and he was beginning to feel rather embarrassed.
"Go on," Aldandil whispered in his brother's ear.
Legolas sucked on a few of his fingers, wondering what to sing. All he could remember of the Balrog song was that it contained the word 'Balrog'. After another slight jar from Aldandil, he opened his mouth:
Daer Balrog na adel anim!
Tua amin! Tua amin!
Ta na um! Ta na naurui!
Tua amin, Ada!
Sin a nen an lle! Nen o sîr.
Ta na mesc! Namaarie Balrog!
Singing the last line, Legolas waved slightly, adding an action to his song.
"Would tossing water on a Balrog actually work?" one of Thranduil's counselors raised an eyebrow.
Thranduil shrugged, picturing a dripping wet Aldandil, "It would work on his Balrog."
~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~
Translation:
A great Balrog is behind me!
Help me! Help me!
It is evil! It is fiery!
Help me, Daddy!
Here is water for you! Water from the river.
It is wet! Farewell Balrog!
(Not very good, I know...but keep in mind that the equivalent of a 4 year old made it up off of the top of his head.)
