Disclaimer: All characters and places belong to or inspired by Tolkien.

El gwedh enni
(A) Star is binding me

Chapter V – Departures


Celebhil walked slowly along the edge of the forest and looked out over the large field where several elves were busy tilling the soil. His elven senses reached out around him, for still he felt the eyes following his every movement. He knew not to whom they belonged, but he had his suspicions. He had been aware of the presence for some time. Had he not been on his constant guard, the presence would have gone unnoticed and the one tracking him would have succeeded in their efforts. Nonetheless, Celebhil had been expecting this; he would have been foolish not to.

"If you think to retaliate for yesterday morning, think otherwise. I know you are up there," he called out to the trees overhead. He heard the disappointed release of breath that originated from a branch high above him. Celebhil smiled. One could not so easily ambush him.

The elf jumped down from the tree and landed directly in front of him.

"Legolas?" Celebhil felt his eyes growing wide, the unexpected appearance of the prince startling him. "What were you doing up there?"

"Exactly as you thought, though it is clear you were expecting the trick to be of someone else's design," Legolas answered, raising an eyebrow. "It appears I missed out on something. I wish to know what happened yesterday morning that one would seek revenge on you."

Celebhil shook his head and waved his hand as if to push the matter away. "Nothing that would concern you. Have you come to help with the planting?" he asked hastily, trying to steer the course of the conversation away from his escapades of the night before last.

"Do not change the topic, my friend," Legolas replied, leading the elf into the field. "I know you well. Who was it this time? Daewen? Or perhaps Mordil?"

"I never kiss and tell," Celebhil answered, shaking his head slowly and feeling his cheeks twinge with a pink he was sure rivaled that of the blossoms on the trees. It never ceased to amaze him how perceptive the prince was. "You know that."

"I am also aware that you never just kiss," Legolas said knowingly as a smile spread across his face, finally finding its release.

Celebhil laughed at the accuracy of his friend's words. "True," he said at last. "Can we leave it at that?"

"I see no reason not to."

Celebhil bowed graciously, the prince's decision granting him reprieve from the interrogation.

"For now at the very least," Legolas added with a twinkle in his eye. "Tell me, how does the planting progress?"

"Very well," Celebhil answered, ignoring the prince's first words and bending down to pick up a handful of dark moist dirt. "The soil grows more fertile each year. It will be a good harvest come fall," he pointed out as he allowed the dirt to filter slowly from his lightly clenched hand.

Legolas reached out, catching it in his own hand, and studied it for a long moment. Celebhil stood, studying the prince in like manner, and wondered what thoughts journeyed through his mind. His patient silence was soon rewarded.

"Arda still speaks of great evil. This land will not easily forget the devastation that was wrought here. It will be many long years before it truly recovers and regains its real beauty."

Celebhil sighed, but it did little to remove the sudden weight the elf felt on his shoulders. He is seeking for a reason to stay. Or perhaps a reason not to. "But we shall see this beauty fully restored, will we not Legolas? It is our shared passion."

His reassuring words succeeded in drawing the prince out of the confines of his thoughts.

"The elves will long endeavor to heal Arda of the wounds she has sustained."

Celebhil found himself saddened by his friend's choice of words. "We, Legolas. We."

The prince gave him a quizzical look.

So this is the role I must play today, friend? It seemed that whenever the call of the sea grew louder for Legolas, Celebhil's burden to ease the pain of the prince grew equally heavier. Sometimes he wished he had never given his word to the dwarf that he would do all he could to keep Legolas from answering the call, for it was clear the prince suffered greatly. As do those who are witness to that suffering. "We shall endeavor," Celebhil gently urged.

"As I said," the prince replied icily.

"Yes, of course," Celebhil placated. As per usual, the prince would find no comfort in his words.

"I am sorry, my friend," Legolas said softly, and Celebhil realized he had failed to keep the sting of his friend's words from showing on his features. "You mean only to help, but I am afraid in this you cannot. Still, know that the gesture is appreciated."

"I know, Legolas. It simply grieves me to see you endure this year after year, for each year it seems to me to be more difficult to resist. I do not know why you stay, or even how you find the strength to do so. My sister remained but a month before she departed for the West, and even in that short time the call had long grown heavy upon her. For you to have lasted seven years…I admire you, Legolas. But I also feel sad for you."

"Please Celebhil, I do not require your pity," the prince said sharply, as anger threatened to boil over once more.

Celebhil sighed again, his gaze straying up towards the clear blue sky, following a hawk as it hunted its prey. Legolas cannot endure the call much longer, and it is a good thing, for I can endure little more of his moodiness. "It is not pity, Legolas. Though I wish I could help, you have already reminded me that I cannot, and so neither now nor ever will I offer such." The words flew out of his mouth, and as soon as he heard their biting tone he wished to have them back. Legolas was his dearest friend. He had had the privilege of sharing his first time hunting the spiders of Mirkwood with the king's youngest son. He remembered how guarded he had been in the company of the prince. The night before the hunt, his older brother had told him all sorts of stories about the fury of the Woodland King, and had warned the young elf that all the king's sons had inherited this trait. Celebhil had been prepared to live the next five hundred years of his life in the dark dungeons of the palace when he saw his arrow embedded in the spider's throat, killing it just seconds before the prince's arrow found its mark in the same creature. But it was Legolas who had been eager to congratulate him on his first ever kill, and Celebhil knew immediately that his brother had greatly exaggerated, and had probably taken much pleasure in doing so. Legolas and he had been nearly inseparable ever since, comrades guarding each other's backs on hunts deep in the gloomy forest, friends delighting under the trees of the Greenwood, joint authors of bedlam in Thranduil's halls. A mere one hundred years separated their dates of conception, but now it seemed to Celebhil that something more separated them, something as vast as the sea.

Celebhil found it his turn to apologize to his friend. "Forgive me, Legolas. I did not mean what I said. Perhaps it is best that we abandon this matter before we find ourselves hurting each other with more than just words," he said, shaking his head at their thoughtlessness.

"It is not your fault," Legolas said, but nodded to show he accepted his friend's apology and agreed that the matter should be dropped.

"Neither is it yours," Celebhil spoke quietly.

They continued their walk through the field in silence. Not since their first meeting had Celebhil felt so uncomfortable in the presence of the prince. He was reluctant to breach the silence for fear that anything he brought up would eventually lead to another heated discussion of the sea-longing. Yet he also feared to allow the silence to continue, as no doubt it provided Legolas the opportunity to focus on its unending call.

As he continued to keep pace with the prince's long strides, Celebhil ran through the list of possible "safe" topics in his head. The spring planting is obviously ruled out as well as the feast, for it was clear he was not able to enjoy that. Perhaps the dwarf? The friendship between the elf and the dwarf was quite intriguing to Celebhil. He had not believed Legolas when the prince had confided in him that he had become close friends with one of the dwarves from the Council of Elrond. Legolas was adamant though, which only made Celebhil distrust his story even more; he had been a friend to Legolas for far too long to allow Thranduil's son to pull one so easily over him. It was not until the dwarf came to visit Legolas in Eryn Lasgalen and Celebhil saw for himself the deep trust and loyalty between the two unlikely friends that he truly believed. He found that he actually enjoyed Gimli's company, for the dwarf demonstrated great respect for the Eldar race and could relate for hours the splendor and grace of the Lady of the Wood. Celebhil had never met Galadriel nor had he been so fortunate to behold her beauty, yet he felt like he had held both honors whenever the dwarf lost himself in exposed thoughts, reciting poetry and singing love songs almost worthy of the elves in his gruff voice.

Celebhil felt the edges of his mouth curve upward into a tight smile. Legolas was right, the dwarf can hold his ale, but Dorwinion wine is another matter altogether. Thranduil had been in quite the rage when he found two abstemious yet very gleeful elves and one clearly intoxicated dwarf gathered around several empty bottles of his best vintage. It had been well worth the weeklong punishment, however.

Celebhil was even more entertained by the sober tales that Gimli would tell of his adventures with Legolas during and after The War of the Ring, though there was no doubt in his mind that most of them were embellished for the sake of the dwarf's ego and the elf's embarrassment. King Thranduil, of course, was not as eager to accept Gloin's son as elf-friend, but no one could deny the uncanny ability the dwarf possessed to distract Legolas from the call of the sea.

Celebhil shook his head minutely and dismissed the option. It was the presence of the dwarf that improved Legolas' state of mind, but talk of their friendship would only serve to remind the prince that one day he would have to leave Gimli behind.

He was about to resort to making some comment about the weather when he heard a familiar voice call out in greeting to the two elves. Legolas looked over at him and gave him a sly smile before quickly turning back to the elf approaching them.

"Have you come to sow the first seeds in the ground, Legolas? We would be honored if you would do so," Daewen said as she embraced the prince. Legolas returned the embrace, shooting Celebhil another furtive glance.

"It was not my intention, although I am here now, and so it would be my pleasure," Legolas replied.

Celebhil watched as the young elf maiden took the prince's hand in her own and led him away. Daewen's jet black hair was braided in a single plait, which swayed back and forth as she moved gracefully yet swiftly towards the stacks of burlap sacks that contained the various seeds that were to be planted in this field. He was slightly disappointed that she did not let her hair hang loose as it had been the night of the feast; he loved to watch her long tresses blow freely in the wind, concealing her face, waiting patiently for him to brush them aside and reveal her beauty. He watched the two elves chatting casually, Legolas clearly more relaxed than he had been just a few moments ago. He smiled when he heard that the prince's laughter join with that of Daewen. She had a talent for doing that—making one forget about their troubles. She has talent for other things as well. The salacious memory jolted Celebhil from his thoughts, and he moved to join his two friends before Legolas could have the chance to ask Daewen for details of what had happened after the feast on spring's eve.

Other elves took notice of Legolas' arrival and drew near to observe the ceremonial planting of the first seeds. It was indeed a special occasion for never had the prince been present to perform the task. Daewen's lissom fingers untwined the leather cords of one of the sacks and carefully placed four kernels into Legolas' awaiting hand. The prince stood there silent, blue eyes examining amber seeds. Celebhil could sense Legolas' unease as he looked to Daewen for instruction on what to do next.

"This way, Legolas. Mordil has the soil prepared," she said, taking his other hand and leading him towards the awaiting elf.

Celebhil followed them closely. As they approached Mordil, the elf rose from his crouch and stepped aside, nodding only to Legolas and Daewen. When all the other elves had gathered around the four in the center of the field, Daewen motioned to Legolas that it was time to begin the ceremony.*

Celebhil smiled as the prince bent down and traced a perfect circle in the black earth, then a line through the center, and then another in the opposite direction, the axes meeting at the ideal angle. He was filled with a sense of pride and joy that Legolas, his friend and his prince, would perform now this ritual.

Legolas paused. His eyes drifted slowly up from the ground and gazed pleadingly into Celebhil's. Again, Celebhil noted the air of uncertainty about the prince. Looking to Daewen and then to Mordil, the prince's friend lowered one knee to the soft earth. The two elves obeyed his silent request and kneeled as well, bringing completion to the circle.

"We ask all of Arda to grant life to these seeds." The prince spoke with careful veneration as he gave each of the three elves a kernel.

Daewen took the seed from Legolas and placed it softly in the dirt where rigid line met smooth arc. "From the East comes Laurelin's last seed. As Arien guides it each day across the sky, it brings the fire that is the spark of life." Her voice, tender and mild, was carried lightly on the wind.

To her right, the deep voice of Mordil resounded through the field. "From the North rise the great Ered Mithrin, whose hard rock is worn down by the north winds and washed here by River Anduin bringing new earth to cradle and nurture new life." Mordil's head was lowered in reverence as his strong fingers set the seed firmly in its place. The elf then raised his head and looked across to Celebhil.

It was his turn, though he was hesitant to voice his part. Placing the seed in the earth, Celebhil spoke his words. "From the South come the rains born from far away Belegaer, the milk of the mother from which all living things suckle." A hollow deep in his stomach replaced the elation he had felt throughout the ritual as he noticed Legolas' gaze turn empty at the mention of the Great Sea.

He closed his eyes, willing the silence to end, willing the torment to end.

Finally, the voice of the prince graced his ears, though soft and remote it was.

"And from the West blow the winds from faraway Aman, the sweet air from the Valar to remind all of Middle-earth from whence we came." The words traveled slowly as they left his mouth.

Celebhil watched with cheerless eyes as Legolas' fingers played in the earth, setting deep the seed to sow, covering it ever so gently with black soil. His hands touch the earth as if it were the last time he will ever feel the flesh of Arda.

A chorus of jubilant voices shook him from his thoughts, and Celebhil rose his own in like manner, smiling weakly. Arda had been eager for the new life and had accepted the seeds with great joy. The ritual was over. Elves dispersed to continue the planting that the four had begun and only Legolas, Daewen, Mordil, and Celebhil remained gathered around the ceremonial circle.

"Thank you, Legolas. Never has the ceremony been so special for me. I am glad you were here to share the experience," Daewen said, giving the prince a light kiss on his cheek before turning to Mordil and motioning for him to follow her. Mordil nodded to the prince once more, flashed Celebhil a cold look, and then moved to join Daewen in distributing seeds to the other elves.

"Will you stay?" Celebhil asked, shaking off Mordil's not-so-subtle warning. Despite the brief melancholy Celebhil had detected in him towards the end of the ceremony, Legolas seemed now to be at peace. Daewen had done much to stabilize the prince's state of mind with her soothing presence, and Celebhil's spirits had lifted because of it. He looked forward to being able to spend the rest of the day with his friend, sharing in the task of bringing forth life.

"Nay," Legolas answered.

The negative response caught Celebhil off guard. He could see no reason why Legolas could not remain. "Are you certain?" There was nothing he could do to mask his disappointment.

Legolas nodded his head in confirmation. "There are other matters to which I must attend," he explained, and his gaze turned distant. Celebhil grew suddenly worried over what those other matters might be. "Do you have provisions to spare?" the prince inquired after a brief pause.

"Yes. We have brought plenty." Questions raced in Celebhil's mind. Where is Legolas going that he would have need to take food with him? Indeed, why he is even concerned about such I do not know, for that is much unlike him. Celebhil became aware that Legolas was looking expectantly at him. "Help yourself," he said listlessly, pointing towards the west side of the field where several packs lay distributed on the ground.

The prince nodded his thanks and made to leave.

"Is everything all right, Legolas?"

Legolas stopped mid-stride and turned. "Yes, all is well," he replied, confusion in his voice. "How long will you be here?"

"The work will progress swiftly. We should finish in this field by nightfall. We will move on to the last on the morrow," Celebhil said perfunctorily.

"And then you will return to the village?"

Celebhil nodded, feeling even more perplexed by their conversation.

"Good. I...I must depart, but be assured that I will see you again...soon," Legolas said and resumed walking away.

Again? Soon?

Celebhil could find no words to bid the prince farewell. Instead, he stood as still as a statue and watched him go, disbelieving. His friend of nearly two thousand years was departing and he would do nothing to stop it. The prince paused, turning towards him once more. Celebhil felt his eyes boring deep holes into him. He watched, not knowing what to do or what to say, when finally Legolas raised his brows ever so slightly and cracked a grin.

"Both?"

Celebhil smiled. He was going to miss the prince.

~~~


She lay cradled in the soft grass, still hands resting on a full belly. It was an unusual feeling, but a welcomed one.

Yellow rays of soft sunlight caressed her face, warming every inch of her body. Her eyes fluttered shut, lulled to near sleep by the musical speak of water. Quietness satiated her being, bringing with it a deeper awareness.

She could feel it. The earth spoke of healing, of new life, of a promise to become whole once more.

Her hands strayed down to her sides, and slender fingers mingled with the grass they found there, then strayed further to play in the earth from which the tender blades shot upwards towards the light of Sun.

She could hear it. The song spoke of healing, of new life, of a promise to become whole once more.

Her ears were gifted with music, soft but joyful, carried from a distant place, sung by a chorus of beautiful voices and echoed by all life in the forest.

She sensed it—the healing, the new life, the promise to become whole once more.

~~~


Talathion's eyes scoured the room, looking for anything that might be considered amiss. The bed was suitably made, the linens fresh and unslept in. Fresh flowers sat in a vase upon the stand beside the bed, filling the air with their sweet scent. All eight candles were distributed evenly throughout the room, each in their appropriate place, though their wicks had yet to taste fire. The dark blue curtains made of soft velvet and laced with deep red embroidery were drawn back, allowing bright sunlight to fill the space. His bow and quiver are missing, though nothing does that tell me. His gaze shifted to the desk in the corner and then to the head of the bed again. If he has gone, then he has left no note of farewell. Talathion winced at the thought, berating himself for his pessimism. Legolas would not leave without saying his proper goodbyes. He moved out of the doorway and crossed over to the hearth. Upon the mantle sat many of the trinkets and tokens the prince had received as gifts over the years. Talathion scanned the line of objects; the finer pieces were of elvish design, but there were others that were made by the crude hands of man and dwarf. None were missing. And that can be considered a good omen, he thought, fingering a figurine of an elf and a dwarf seated upon a horse carved out of dark stone that glittered in the sunlight.

He left the room, satisfied that everything was as it should be, yet disappointed that he had found no clues to the prince's whereabouts. He crossed the bridge over to the east side of Edhilbar and noted the unusual stillness of the village. It was to be expected, however, as only a few elves remained behind during the height of the spring plantings to guard the village and see to its daily matters. Occasionally he would encounter another elf, and when he did so, he asked if they had seen or heard anything of the prince. Always came the same reply: "nay."

Talathion considered for a brief moment stopping to question Teldo, both about Legolas and the woman, but the healer had already told all he could about the mysterious woman and the warder doubted the prince would have willingly met with the healer had he returned to Edhilbar. Thus, he passed by the Healing House, concluding that no information could be gained from its resident.

The stables were not far from where he currently was walking, and there he judged his success in finding some answers to his questions to be most likely. Only half the usual number of horses were in the stables, for the rest were lending their strong backs to the elves carrying supplies for the planting teams. Talathion nodded his greeting to the two elves busy cleaning out the empty stalls and proceeded to walk to the large stall at the very back of the structure. Again his eyes made quick assessment of the items within, and when he was certain that everything was as it should be, he turned his attention to its inhabitant.

The horse had heard the approach of the elf and stood by the door of the stall, waiting patiently. Talathion patted his broad muzzle and opened his hand to reveal a sugar pellet to the horse, who promptly lapped up the offering.

"Well, my friend, what can you tell me of Legolas?"

The horse simply eyed the elf and seemed to say to Talathion, "you are not my elf. If you want me to tell you what I know, you will have to persuade me to do so."

Talathion laughed, but retrieved another sugar pellet from his pocket and held it out for the horse. "You are as stubborn as he is, Arod."

The horse took the second offering and nuzzled the elf in thanks. Talathion scratched behind the horse's ears, and then brought out a third sugar pellet. This time, however, he only showed it to Arod before placing it on the door of the empty stall behind him.

"You will have to tell me what you know first," he told the horse, as he opened the door and entered. He removed the soft brush hanging on the wall and began to work the stiffness out of the horse's shoulder muscles. Arod scuffed his hooves, for he was unused to Talathion's pattern, but soon he grew accustomed to the rhythm and began to enjoy the attention.

"Legolas has taken good care of you over these last seven years, better care than he has for himself at times. There have been few days that the prince has not personally seen to your daily grooming," Talathion said as he continued to brush the horse in long firm strokes.

The horse's only response to the elf's spoken thoughts was a blink of a large brown eye.

"He did not attend to you yesterday or today," Talathion observed.

Arod simply blinked again, then snorted in protest as the elf ceased his ministrations.

"Peace, Arod. I have learned little of what I need to know. I must speak to Legolas. Know you where he is?"

Talathion grunted as the horse gave him only a bothered stare.

"He will leave you behind as well."

At the elf's words, Arod thrashed his head to the right and snorted once more.

"The north fields...of course. Celebhil knows where the prince seeks his solitude," Talathion said as he silently chastised himself for being so blind before to the detail. He opened the stall door and retrieved the sugar pellet, giving it to the horse.

Talathion latched the door and crossed over to the stall where his own his horse resided. The mare greeted him with playful nudges.

"Cease, Linteiâ," he gently scolded as he mounted the steed. "We can waste no time."

Talathion urged the horse into a swift canter, one purpose in his mind. Reason told him all was well, as well as could be at the very least. But a shadow had cast itself upon his heart, and he feared the very worst. I will not be left behind again.

So intent was he on reaching the north fields, yet so fixated on the broodings in his mind, that he did not realize he had reached his destination until Linteiâ halted abruptly at the edge of the field. He dismounted the horse in one single motion and stormed over to the young elf kneeling on the ground.

"Talathion, I…wh-," Celebhil stuttered.

"Where is the prince?" the warder interrupted, his voice fervent.

"Not here," Celebhil said, shaking his head as he rose from the ground and brushed the dirt from his hands on the front of his tunic.

"What?" The talent of youth for ambiguity.

"Not here," Celebhil repeated more forcibly, taking the elder elf by the arm and leading him off the field and into the trees from where he had just emerged. "I wish not to raise the alarm of others."

"I must know where Legolas is," Talathion pleaded. "Alarm? What is wrong?" he said as an afterthought as his mind digested Celelbhil's words.

Celebhil stopped and considered the elf. "He has left," he finally whispered, his head cast down.

"Nay," Talathion gasped. "It cannot be."

"It is true." Celebhil's head shot up and his green eyes locked onto the warder's. "You must come to accept this."

"It is not his time," Talathion said, enunciating the last three words slowly and with great conviction.

"In this, you are correct." Celebhil's confirmation startled the prince's warder. "It is well past his time."

Talathion glared at the elf. "When did he leave? And in which direction?"

"No."

"Excuse me?" Talathion was stunned by the young elf's denial.

"No," Celebhil said once more, his voice more solid, his gaze unwavering. "Legolas deserves peace. Do not try to sway him."

"He belongs here, in Middle-earth, with his people."

"Listen to your words, Talathion," Celebhil rebuked. "Legolas belongs to the Sea, not to you."

Anger seized the warder. "I seek only to protect the prince. I do not lay claim to his life."

"Are you certain of that? For I have observed differently as of late. You seek to hold Legolas here, to bind him to this land. His light fades, Talathion. Do you want to be the one responsible for that?"

Celebhil's words stung his heart. The warder could say nothing in response.

"I am truly sorry, Talathion. Know this. I am as sad as you that Legolas has left us, but my heart rejoices that he will finally find freedom from this torment. I will not see that freedom taken from him."

With those last words, Celebhil turned and walked away from the warder, leaving him to his painful thoughts. I will not see him taken from me.

Talathion knew what he must do. He mounted Linteiâ and rode with great speed back to Edhilbar. He had little time and had debated returning to the village, but he knew he must ensure that the prince would be compelled to remain until the warder's return.

He entered the stables for the second time that day.

"The prince may leave without bidding farewell to his people, but he would not abandon you in like manner," the warder said as he opened the door to Arod's stall. "I am loath to admit it, but there is little you or I can do to hold Legolas here. Nonetheless, there are others who could stay the prince's decision."

Arod stared at the elf in confusion.

"Legolas cannot find you here. At least not until I return," Talathion explained as he began to coax the horse out of the stall with a sugar pellet.

Arod took a step out into the corridor, then stopped to consider the elf.

"I will do what I must. It is a day's journey to the White City, this you know, and at least another day to return. You must give me that time," Talathion pleaded.

The horse finally complied, crossing over to Talathion and accepting the sugar pellet.

"Go," Talathion whispered, nodding his head towards the south. Arod nuzzled the elf before trotting off in the direction he had indicated. Talathion watched until the white horse finally disappeared into the forest.

"I am left with no other option. We must ride swift, Linteiâ."

**************



Author's Notes


*I bow down to the great Melian and worship the keyboard upon which she types. She is the genius behind the planting ceremony. If it had not been for her, the ritual would have consisted only of me saying that "he planted the seeds in ritual-like motion." Pretty bland, huh? The recitations during the ceremony are Melian's words and the rest was inspired by her. Thanks nin mellon. (I'm telling you, she encompasses literary brilliance; go, read her story and see for yourself.)

There were quite a few references made in the ceremony; I'll point out the more obscure ones.
Laurelin: One of the Two Trees which shed its light on Valinor and was destroyed by Melkor and Ungoliant. 'Laurelin's last seed' refers to the Sun.
Arien: the Maia who guides the Sun
Ered Mithram: Grey Mountains
Belegaer: The Sea between Middle-earth and Aman. Basically, Legolas has a bad case of the "longings" for this.
Aman: The land in the West.
I think that does it. If I missed anything or got any of that wrong, let me know and I'll correct it.

I'm sure many of you realized that that was the battle in Mirkwood against the forces of Dol Guldor that occurred on March 15, 3019 and that Talathion was "lightly" reminiscing about in the last chapter. (Very good, TreeHugger. You get an A for the day.) Yes, this time of year is very significant for him. I'm curious if any of you have picked up on why this time of year is hard for Legolas; it's not spring allergies.

One last note before I respond to my fabulous reviewers. Jenolas has written a series of delightful ficlets about all my favorite elves. They are all quite charming. Check them out!

Response to Reviewers
First of all, I know you all rooted for the Twins to lose so that I would concentrate on this more. Oh well, just wasn't our year.

Al and Legolas: Hey al, that last chapter turned out as well as it did thanks to you; you slayed many a balrog in that one. Thanks for doing so and for beta'ing this one as well. Oh, Legolas, be careful; Legoals really shouldn't be our supervisor, he's pretty evil and he really doesn't like you—still upset that Thranduil sent you instead of him; he's really jealous of all the attention you're getting because of it. Stupid elf keeps trying to insert himself in this story. Dang-it. No hottub, just a really small bathtub, but that will work, won't it? Might be tight quarters, but I don't mind.

TreeHugger: Do you mean to say that Talathion has moved into the same neighborhood as Brethil and Tavor and Taglinna and Elu Heneb? Wow! He's honored! I'm sorry I made you cry; here, Elrond left this for you. ::hands TreeHugger a red hanky:: I'm so glad you are enjoying this, but it's not a Legomance yet, still developing. A couple more chapters...

Dragonlet: Yeah Legomances indeed! I'll update as quick as I can. I have a day off tomorrow, so it won't take as long this time around…hopefully.

Melian: Thank you, thank you, thank you! For the praise, for the beta'ing, for everything! I'm not worthy! I wouldn't let too many people know that you know something about this woman, they might come after you for the details. Should I send Legoals over to protect you? As for when Legolas and she come together...patience, my dear, patience.

Ithilien: Thanks for the compliments. I love hearing what you have to say. Not much from the mysterious woman in this chapter, but I hope your still thinking about her. Thanks for being a good cop. Legoals gladly volunteers to be the bad one.

Mija: I'm glad you're enjoying it. Keep reading!

Jenolas: Welcome aboard! Thanks for reviewing all the chapters. Don't worry; I'm trying hard not to let her become Mary Sue. Sounds like you have many of the same questions about the woman as everyone else. Good, I like that! Thanks for adding me to your favorites!

YellowSun: Legalot. Legalot! I thought I told you never to speak of him. He's even more evil than Legoals. Thanks for spending the hour to find the chapter and for reviewing. Hope you were able to follow everything. David Daniel Duganfield!!!!! LOL! I had forgotten about that. Wonder what happen to him.

Everyone else—thanks for reading, but see that button there in the left corner that says "Go." Click it and review!