Sorry it has taken me so long to update, especially after I had thought it
wouldn't.
::PuterPatty glares at muse:: Legoals was very tight-lipped about this chapter.
Legoals: At least, I don't have the loose lips of my brother.
PP: LEGOALS! I thought I told you not to mention that; al's not supposed to
know—Oh, hi al. Um, yeah, nothing happened between Legolas and me. I swear!
Anyway, I finally resorted to denying the dratted elf his music in the car
during my commute to and from work. He loves to sing along; he's already worn
out my Nickelcreek tape. (BTW, They have a song called In the House of Tom
Bombadil! Good stuff!) Well, it worked as he finally spilled the
beans.
Okay, there's really a point to this. Like some important things to note:
For last chapter-
Ithilien made a good observation in her review for last chapter. (I think al
alluded to this, too.) Looking back, I agree Celebhil's conclusion that Legolas
was leaving may have been a bit of a stretch. While writing that chapter, I was
more concerned about Talathion's reaction. (You should have seen how badly the
warder over-reacted in the first draft.) Anyway, logical story-lines are very
important to me, so I thought I would try to provide you with some reasons as
to why Celebhil jumped to the conclusion that Legolas was leaving Middle-earth.
First of all, Celebhil is a very observant elf, but unfortunately his
observations are a little odd. (Remember the ears from the first chapter.)
Secondly, the sea-longing makes Legolas very unstable, so the thought that
Legolas would leave at a moment's notice would be in the very forefront of both
Celebhil's and Talathion's minds. Plus, Celebhil wants Legolas to depart
so that his suffering will end; I think he saw what he wanted to see. Well,
that's it; pretty lame defense, I know. I tried to go back and rewrite a couple
of lines to make it seem more plausible, but I quickly realized it would take a
lot more revision than I had patience for at the time. Anyway, look for
Celebhil to address his mistake in the future and hopefully that will clear
things up some more.
On this chapter-
Much thanks goes to Ithilien! She has given me the opportunity to play off a
point she made in Cry of the Gull.
In a nutshell: Aragorn knows that the Paths of the Dead go near the sea. By
asking Legolas to ride with him on that road, he realized he would be
endangering his friend as Galadriel sent a message to Legolas earlier to beware
the cry of the gull.
Ithilien's story does a beautiful job exploring why Aragorn would put Legolas
in that position. There's angst, action, friendship, a pinch of humor, a
healthy dose of Elladan and Elrohir, and features much Gimli and Aragorn and of
course, Legolas. Again, if you have not read that story, you are missing out on
the best missing scene fic ever. Go, read it now! But come back here when
you're done. : )
::Legoals taps PP repeatedly on shoulder. PP relinquishes the keyboard to
him.::
Legoals: Hey YellowSun, Elessar=Aragorn, the "scruffy" man from the movie.
::Legoals gives control of keyboard back to PP, but eyes her suspiciously::
Okay, Legoals thinks I've got a severe case of Brethilitis, so I will shut up
now. As always, thanks to Melian and al for beta'ing. Enjoy and please give
feedback! (I indulged and did a little self-insertion; see if you can spot it!
Flame away if you wish.)
Disclaimer: All characters and places belong to or inspired by Tolkien.
(A) Star is binding me
Chapter VI – Choices
The road from Edhilbar to Minas Tirith was a long but well-traveled and maintained path, so Talathion had no problems reaching his destination just two hours after dawn of the next day. The endurance and speed of his elvish steed had been much the reason for the swift journey, and he leaned over to pat Linteiâ on her shoulder in gratitude as he brought her to a halt on the crest of the last hill overlooking the White City.
For a city of Men, it was handsome. Talathion could clearly see the seven distinct circles, defined by walls made of white stone that had been rebuilt and fortified over the past seven years by the work of men and dwarves. Storm-grey eyes glimpsed the faintest hint of green peeking around the towers of the Citadel in the topmost circle—the garden of the Queen of Gondor, the work of his prince.
Talathion sighed as he remembered the joy Legolas had shown as he planted the trees and flowers that filled the garden. He remembered also the joy he had felt as he watched Legolas gently place the seeds and bulbs and young saplings in the ground. The prince had given much time and thought to what would be included in the garden and to its layout. Legolas had been sure to include all of the queen's favorites—cyclamens and elanor and niphredil—as well as the king's athelas and those flowers, shrubs, and trees to which he himself took a fancy. Talathion had been amazed by how fast the apple and cherry trees had taken root and grown even though cold stone surrounded them. He was furthermore quite surprised by the delectableness of the pastries and jams that were made with their fruit by the ladies of the queen's house; it was one of the only things to which the warder looked forward whenever he accompanied the prince on his visits to the king and queen.
Linteiâ stirred beneath Talathion, shaking him from his recollection of a happier time. Unlike her rider, the horse was anxious to reach their destination.
"I know, dear girl. You desire rest and perhaps one of those apples yourself. But need I remind you? It is still early spring; the trees do not bear fruit yet," Talathion said, as he patted Linteiâ once more and allowed her to resume a steady canter.
As they approached the gates to the White City, Talathion drew himself up to sit tall upon his horse. To outside eyes, he would look proud and confident, on the verge of arrogance and aloofness, the epitome of elvishness. Talathion was experiencing something quite different on the inside however; he was tense and nervous and rigid, everything an elf should not feel. He loathed coming to cities of Men, and this one was certainly no different. But what choice do I have?
"Who seeks entrance to Minas Tirith, and what is your business?" one of the guards inquired as Talathion paused before the gates.
Talathion pulled back the hood of his cloak in response to the guard's question.
"Prince Legolas!" the younger of the guards exclaimed before the elf could voice his answer. "Your arrival is unexpected, but the king will be very pleased to see you, I'm sure. It is quite unusual for you to come alone though. Where is that keeper of yours?" he asked with slight distaste in his voice. "And what of Arod? Is he well?"
Talathion scowled at the error of the man, in fact at the ignorance of all men. They remember a horse's name, but when it comes to elves, they are blind. He had been mistaken for Legolas more times than he could count whenever he found himself in the company of men. It was even worse in the company of the females of the race, for they were unrelenting in their attempts to gain the attention of the elf prince. Pointed ears and golden hair, that is all they ever see.
"I am that keeper," Talathion said coldly, gracing the youth with his most severe elvish glare. "I have great need to speak with your king."
"Forgive the error, Lord Elf." Talathion turned his gaze to the other guard who now spoke. "Garmund speaks hastily at times. Please proceed," the older guard said, as he pulled back the gate to allow the elf entrance to the city. "Garmund will ride ahead to bring news of your arrival to the Citadel."
Talathion nodded curtly to the man. Perhaps I should have elected for the Glittering Caves, he thought as he passed through the gate wrought with steel and mithril. Indeed, he had at first considered seeking the aid of Gimli, but time was of the essence and it was at least a week's ride to Aglarond. And surely it would take at least a month to return, for Legolas has still not found success in convincing the dwarf of the efficiency of having one's own steed. Talathion drew his lips tightly together in an effort to suppress a smirk as a vision of Arod bucking Gimli into the river of Edhilbar entered his mind. That would certainly do the trick.
"A-apologies, m-my lord," Garmund sputtered out as he spurred his horse into a gallop, visibly shaken by the expression on Talathion's face and clearly anxious to distance himself from the dour elf.
A wry smile managed to break out on his features, and Talathion increased his efforts to prevent any further display of amusement as laughter threatened to burst forth. If there was one thing the elf liked about the race of Men, it was that he could intimidate many of them, especially the younger ones. Moreover, it was becoming increasingly easy as of late. So easy that Talathion no longer had to give thought or expend any effort in accomplishing such. Many times, the elf only had to glance in their general direction and the men would become so nervous that they would start to fidget and try to find something remotely interesting to study or anything that desperately needed their immediate attention. Talathion found this took much of the fun out of the entire experience. Alas, I will find no such ease when I face the king and neither will I find enjoyment then.
With that final thought, Talathion urged Linteiâ into a quick pace as they traveled through the gently sloped streets of the White City. Soon he came to the Citadel in the top-most circle of Minas Tirith, where a man dressed in regal attire was waiting for him.
"Greetings, Lord Talathion," the man said, sketching a bow as the elf descended from the horse. "In the name of King Elessar, I welcome you to the White City. May—"
"Yes, yes, greetings indeed," Talathion interrupted, making no attempt to conceal his haste and irritation. "There is neither time nor need for pointless formalities." His tactic worked, as the man was clearly flustered by his abrupt manner. "I must speak to your king," he said as he gave the man a hard stare.
"Ah...yes. Ah...ah–Garmund will see to your horse--take it to the stables, give it fresh water, everything that is necessary," he replied, trying to avoid silence.
In the corner of his eye, Talathion saw the reluctant movements of the young guard as he came out from his hiding place behind his horse. Garmund kept his head down as he timidly approached the elf, leading his horse by the bridle. The young guard reached to take the reins, only to realize the horse had none. Talathion struggled to hold his stern expression.
"Lead the way and she will follow you, or your horse at the very least," Talathion instructed. "She is quite taken with him."
Garmund made brief eye contact with him then, and nodded as he turned and started to walk away.
"Do not get too attached. We will leave shortly, as soon as my business with the king is complete," the elf told Linteiâ.
The other man gave Talathion a series of several looks—first was the quizzical look in response to the elf's parting words with his horse, soon followed a look of curiosity to what his business with the king might be, and then finished with one of trepidation.
"King Elessar is currently in a meeting with the Council, my lord. It will last the entire morning. I will inform him of your arrival when there is a recess, but I'm afraid the earliest you will be able to speak with him will be this afternoon, perhaps during the noon meal if he is willing," the man said, with only the slightest hint of confidence in his voice.
Talathion realized that he must be one of the king's mindless secretaries. "The matter is urgent. Inform him now," he ordered, resuming his cold unwavering gaze at the man.
"But-but, my lord, the king is in—"
The elf intensified his glare. "Inform him now." He repeated the command very slowly, making each word distinct.
"Yes, ah–of course," the secretary said, turning quickly and entering the Citadel. Talathion followed closely, continuing to bore holes into the man's back. "Perhaps you would like something refreshing to drink or something to eat while you wait? I could have the cooks make you some breakfast. I'm sure they have some of the venison sausage left over; it was quite delicious. The king brought the magnificent animal down himself, just a few days ago...."
The man's obvious need to fill the air with senseless drivel as they walked through the broad corridors greatly annoyed Talathion. "I require nothing but the ear of your king."
A brief look of horror crossed the secretary's features but dissipated slightly as the man understood the elf's meaning. He stopped and turned when they finally came to a set of ornate oak doors. "Wait here," he said, placing a hand on Talathion's chest, then quickly removing it once he realized he had done so.
The secretary opened one of the heavy doors just enough to slip into the room, but it was sufficient for Talathion to glimpse the king sitting at the far end of the large table. He looks as jaded as Legolas does in such meetings. Talathion stood stiffly, listening to the chatter inside the chamber. The doors were thick and solid but not so much as to render elven ears useless. Talathion heard the man who had been speaking pause temporarily and then continue his dissertation about the necessity to appoint someone to oversee some collection of moneys to be used for some thing or another. It all seemed rather trivial to the elf.
Finally, the door opened slightly and the secretary came out. "King Elessar knows of your presence. He will see you at the first chance he gets. Now how about that room or some food?"
"Nay; neither," Talathion snapped, shaking his head. "I will wait for him in the garden," he said, turning briskly and walking towards the doors at the end of the hallway that he knew would lead into the sanctuary.
"As you wish, my lord," the voice of the secretary called after him, clearly relieved to be rid of the elf for the time being.
As Talathion passed through the doors of the stone Citadel and entered the garden, he breathed in the fresh air and relaxed ever so slightly. He knew not how long he would be made to wait. He had half the mind to storm into the meeting and force the king to listen to him then and there. Such an extreme measure, however, was ungainly and inappropriate behavior for an elf, and Talathion knew that he would be lucky if the king did not reprimand him for the treatment his guards and secretary had received when they finally did speak. Nay, it was better to wait. Besides which, he needed the time to collect his thoughts on what exactly he would say to the king.
Talathion meandered along the dirt paths that wound throughout the garden. Even in early spring the garden was wondrously beautiful. Several of the shrubs and flowers were already in full blossom. The mingled fragrances filled the air, assuring all who sought respite there of warmer weather and longer days. Several robins and wood thrushes alighted on the tree branches, and their songs joined with the distant babble of water from the stone fountain in the center of the yard to bid welcome to the spring. As he passed one of the apple trees that he had helped Legolas plant several years ago, Talathion reached out a hand to touch the smooth bark and his tranquility was suddenly surmounted by sadness. A memory of the prince penetrated his thoughts.
He had been part of the small group of elves who had accompanied King Thranduil to the edge of Eryn Lasgalen to welcome Legolas back from the War of the Ring. The trees had carried the news of his forthcoming return to the Wood-elves, murmuring excitedly of the homecoming of their beloved elf. All waited with immense anticipation as the young prince finally came into sight. Even from that distance, Legolas' own eagerness was evident to them as the white steed upon which he rode, though weary from long travel, was urged by his rider to run faster and faster towards the wood. Legolas was barely able to contain himself when he finally reached the small party of elves, jumping down from the horse and rushing over to greet his sire. King Thranduil had no better luck controlling his exuberance as he enveloped his youngest son in a great bear of a hug, refusing to release him for several long minutes. That alone had been enough to bring the warder to near tears, tears of great joy for the safe return of his prince from the perilous quest he had embarked upon, but also tears of great sorrow at the realization that he would never share a similar moment with his own recently departed son. When the king finally freed his son from the strong embrace, Legolas greeted the other elves who stood by and then approached his warder. Talathion watched as a hand reached out to stroke a much-loved beech tree, but where there should have been delight and happiness to be home, to be under the trees of his youth, to feel the familiar texture of wood, there was nothing. It was at that moment that the warder noticed the change in his prince. His eyes were different—distant and a little bluer, with bitter wisdom and sadness floating beneath the surface of their dark pools. Talathion recognized the signs, and he knew then he had lost his prince to the sea.
"How fares Legolas?"
The soft melodic tone carried to his ears and released Talathion from the memory. Though he had not heard the approach of the one who voiced the question, he knew who it was.
"I would not be here if all was well, my lady," he said, turning and bowing low to the Arwen Undómiel, Queen of Gondor and Evenstar of the Elves.
"You bear ill tidings?" the queen asked, strolling over to sit upon a small stone bench surrounded by jonquil of the brightest yellow. Talathion watched as her delicate hands reached out to touch the flowers and noticed for the first time the subtle glow she still emanated. The queen looked up expectantly at the warder, waiting for an answer to her inquiry.
"Legolas departs for the West," Talathion simply replied.
"Truly he will be missed, but the news is not so ill or unforeseen."
"It is ill to me," Talathion said, censuring the queen's attempt at consolation. "And unforeseen? Nay, but Legolas is far too young."
"All elves are eventually called to Aman; it is their fate, else their light fades forever," Arwen reasoned.
Talathion grunted in response, for though some truth rang in the queen's words, he judged them to be faulty on one matter. All elves, Arwen Undómiel? Are you not one who has forfeited that right, that gift? And why? For the love of this man, the same man responsible for Legolas' plight? Foolish are you to choose this path and foolish was Legolas to follow him then.
"We make our own choices Talathion, and those who hold us in their hearts must learn to live with those choices, whether they accept our reasons or not," the queen said softly, gracing the warder with a look of understanding.
Realizing that he had been glaring at the queen, Talathion turned away, put his hands on his hips, and heaved a sigh. "I came to discuss Legolas' situation with the king, my lady. Did he send you to pacify me, or are you here for some other reason?"
Arwen rose and walked with deliberate steps over to where he stood. "This is my garden Talathion," the queen scolded, holding his gaze with dark eyes. "I will not be spoken to in such a manner, nor will I allow my people to be treated with the disregard you have shown them. You will conduct yourself as a member of the Eldar race while you remain within these walls, within my city."
Talathion knew not what to say, so agape was he by her reprimand. True, he knew Arwen not well, as only in the past seven years had he spent any considerable amount of time in her presence. Never had he imagined, however, that the Evenstar could possess such fury. Alas, she is indeed the daughter of Elrond.
The queen touched his shoulder gently. "You are cast in shadow, Talathion," she continued, her voice returning to the soft soothing tone with which she normally spoke. "I hope peace finds you."
With those parting words, the queen exited the garden and Talathion was left to consider her words in solitude. He knew they were meant to bring him comfort, but they had delivered none. He only felt more pain and more bitterness. Already tense, Talathion grew even more so as he heard the door behind him open and fall shut, and then the sound of footsteps drawing near. He took a deep breath and turned to begin the next round.
"Your visit is a pleasant surprise, Talathion," the king greeted him with false sincerity.
"You need not insert the 'pleasant' for my sake, Elessar," Talathion hissed.
The corners of the king's eyes crinkled in amusement. "Well met, Master Elf."
Talathion only nodded.
"What brings you to the White City? Surely there is more on your agenda than upsetting the king's subjects and offending the queen. Perhaps I can scrounge up some children for you to terrorize?"
"Point taken, Elessar," Talathion conceded. "I came to inform you that Legolas answers the call of the Sea."
The king sighed audibly and turned his gaze upward to the sky. "We knew this day was coming, yet it does not lessen the gravity of the news. When does he depart?" he asked, lowering his gaze to meet the warder's once again.
"I know not for certain. He may have left already, though I think I was successful in stalling him. He made his decision known only to Celebhil. I believe he intends to leave with as much secrecy as possible." Although hostility and anger simmered underneath, Talathion kept his demeanor calm as he told the king all he knew.
"Legolas was never one for fanfare," Elessar chuckled, and then grew serious again. "I cannot fault him for leaving without saying farewell. He has given his friendship so completely that it would break his heart to do so. I'm sure he has struggled to come to this decision in the first place," the king said, his voice trailing off. "Thank you for bringing this news, Talathion," he finished as his focus returned.
"I did not come in the guise of a carrier pigeon, Elessar. I came as a last resort to stop him from leaving."
The king's eyebrows knitted his confusion. "He has struggled against this for far too long already. Surely you must see that answering the call of the sea is his only option. Why would you seek to restrain him from doing so?" he questioned.
"What would you know about Legolas' struggle?" Talathion spat.
"The light that fades does not go unnoticed to me, Talathion," Elessar said softly. "This struggle must end."
Talathion's animosity towards the king boiled over with those words. "It is a struggle that should have never begun."
"If you mean that I am solely to blame for his plight, then you are mistaken. Legolas was well aware of the danger he placed himself in. He knew the cost."
"He was blinded by foolish adulation for you," Talathion said, eyes narrowing, years of pent-up resentment finally pouring forth. "Just as you have blinded Arwen. You have raped them both of—"
"Enough!" The king yelled and began to walk away. He stopped abruptly and returned to stand in front of Talathion, his eyes flashing. "Do not speak of that which you know nothing about," he warned.
"Then let me say this, Elessar." Talathion paused, considering carefully his next words. He knew he had overstepped his bounds and was endangering the purpose for which he came. But he detested the king, for he had gained much after the War of the Ring while Talathion had lost everything. Here stood the heir of Isildur, raised in the House of Elrond, who had brought about the destruction of the One Ring and sealed the fate of the Elves, who had betrayed his foster-father and their people when he had taken the Evenstar to wife, dooming her to a mortal existence. Here stood the one who had led Legolas into the clutches of the sea, thus shattering his world completely. "Do you think Legolas truly desires to depart these shores?" Talathion began, barely controlling his rage. "Though the call of the sea consumes much of his soul and his heart, a piece of him is still devoted to this land and the dwarf...and to you." Talathion's words were brimmed with revulsion. "It will tear his heart to pieces if he leaves. Do you truly believe he will find peace in the Undying Lands? To live with this decision, to leave without fulfilling his vow to this land and to you, he would come to hate himself, and it will destroy him. Can you live with that knowledge?"
The king stood silent for several long moments as he weighed the truth of Talathion's words. "His suffering will only grow worse if he remains."
"But at least he would have the dwarf's friendship and your friendship to sustain him," Talathion said, softening his tone to match the king's. "Legolas regards you highly for reasons I do not understand. He will listen to you; he will stay if you ask him."
"I cannot ask that of him. I will not ask that of him."
"It is too late, Elessar. All this was set in motion seven years ago when you asked him to accompany you on the Paths of the Dead," Talathion said, and dared to rest both hands on the king's tense shoulders. "Legolas is spiraling out of control. You owe it to him to bring some sort of stability back to his life," he ordered, shaking the man. "Make your choice, Elessar."
The king threw off Talathion's hands and held the elf in a hard stare. "I will find Legolas and speak with him, but I will not ask him to stay. I go only to bid farewell to a friend so that he can find peace at last."
Talathion sighed. He would have to be content with that...for the time being at least.
Legolas stood at the edge of the trees, concealed safely in the thick green undergrowth of the wood, and scanned the glade for the woman. No sign did he find of her presence. Surely I did not imagine her, for her song was too real. Legolas chuckled silently to himself, remembering the long day he had spent trapped in the willow tree watching her. The sheer boredom he had felt had been far too real for it to have been a dream. It had been nearly as painful as listening to Gimli talk about his rocks. It had definitely been real.
The prince waited and watched a few minutes more, then slowly advanced out from the cover of the trees and into the clearing. He walked towards the willow in the center of the glade. As he drew closer and his angle of sight changed, he could see evidence that the woman had finally found success in starting a fire. Or perhaps she received help, he thought, remembering her difficulty with the task. Legolas bent down to inspect the blackened earth and noticed bones lying on the ground on the far side. He moved to examine those instead.
He was able to discern that they were the remains of a rabbit and were only a day old. The discovery puzzled the elf. He wondered how the woman had obtained the rabbit. Certainly she was not able to catch and kill the animal herself, as the only weapon she possessed was his white knife. Not even an elf had the speed and agility to accomplish such a thing. There was only one explanation that he could think of: someone had provided her with the meal.
Legolas shrugged the pack he carried off his back and placed it on the ground next to the fire pit. He found the situation to be rather amusing. He had returned to the glade to leave some food for the woman, for it had been obvious that she was in need of something other than the lingonberry blossoms to satisfy her hunger and sustain her body. What made the situation humorous in the prince's mind was the fact that someone else had beaten him to it.
However, the existence of that "someone else" worried Legolas slightly. Though elves considered land to belong to no one, the prince's people understood that this glade was special to him, and therefore avoided coming to his haven unless invited. Even the patrols steered well clear of the place, for the glade was deep in the wood, far from the roads used by men to travel throughout Gondor. It had not surprised the prince when he had been the one to come across the woman two days ago without first hearing about her location from one of the forest marshals. In fact, he had been quite relieved that it had been he who rediscovered her. Had Talathion found her...?
The woman had troubled the warder and he was greatly agitated with Legolas for the prince's lack of response to both her actions and her escape. Talathion had been certain to make this known to the prince. Legolas had no explanation for why he had been impaired when she "attacked" him. He smiled as he remembered how he had been able to pass it off as the effects of sea-longing. That reason always managed to silence the warder and get him off his back. The prince did feel guilty for using that excuse, for he knew it pained his warder deeply, but Talathion was becoming excessively overbearing as of late and Legolas had had little patience for him that day.
In the week that had passed since her escape, Legolas had given much contemplation to the two incidents—her discovery and her "attack." He still had no explanation for what he had experienced when they had first found her. A part of him wished to experience it again, not only so he could gain more understanding as to what has caused the phantasm, but also because he had found the experience to be quite pleasurable—sensual and enlightening at the same time. Legolas had little more success in determining a reason for his ineptitude to defend himself when the woman had taken his knife and held it to his throat. He rationalized to himself that his non-response had occurred because he had felt no fear. The prince never considered his life to be in danger even though she had held the cold sharp steel firmly against his neck. He realized now an instinctive understanding had passed through him that she meant him no harm, only that she greatly feared for herself, for her life. She had just awakened in a strange place, surrounded by strange elves; he could not fault her for her actions, nor could he have justified making any forceful moves against her. She did not desire help from the elves, and Legolas believed that she did not belong there in the first place.
The elf sighed, deciding he had done enough introspection for one day. He elected to leave the food for the woman even though there was no sign that she would return to the glade, for she had taken his knife and cloak with her wherever it was that she had gone. If she did come back, she would probably have need of the sustenance.
The likelihood that someone outside their elven community had managed to come this deep into the wood and escape detection by the elves who patrolled the borders still troubled the prince. Even if the person meant no harm and indeed was looking after the woman, it still made him feel uneasy. Therefore, Legolas deemed it necessary to check the perimeter of the glade for any clues to who this person might be. It took him nearly an hour to complete the task and when he was finished, he had learned nothing more. All he found were several indications of footprints leading into the glade from the south and scattered throughout on the soft earth. He was able to determine that all the footprints belonged to the same person. They were petite and many were found in areas where he had witnessed the woman walk. He concluded their creator was the woman.
Legolas traced the most recent footprints to the bank of the stream but soon lost the trail on the rocky ground. He shook his head in defeat. He had never liked tracking; the task was much too tedious for his tastes. He preferred to let others perform the chore. Perhaps Aragorn needs a vacation from the city.
Legolas rose from his crouch and shrugged his shoulders. His feeling of unease lingered still, but he was anxious to return to Edhilbar. He missed Arod and regretted the inattention he had paid his friend over the past few days. He also knew he had neglected his duties as prince once again this spring, though he had been determined not to. He was glad he had at least performed the ceremonial sowing of the first seeds. He had been hesitant at the beginning, as it had been many long years since he had participated in the ceremony and never had he led the ritual. He was thankful that Celebhil had been there to support him, and Daewen too. He had feared that he would feel nothing during the ceremony. But the feel of the soil between his fingers reminded him how much he once loved this land and how much he still desired to stay in Middle-earth. The call of the Sea grew loud and he knew not how much longer he could resist it, but performing the ritual strengthened his resolve to remain in Arda for as long as he could bear. He had a village to lead, a land to restore, and friends to cherish.
The elf shook his head again, this time in annoyance at his susceptibility to be so pensive. If Gimli were here, he would be threatening to cleave my head open with his axe. Legolas did not like where his thoughts threatened to travel. He had had enough struggles with the call of the Sea lately.
Legolas removed his boots, trousers, and tunic and waded into the stream. Though it was the source of his pain, the coolness of the water held the uncanny ability to draw him out of his thoughts, or at least bring order to them. He stopped in the middle of the stream and stood with eyes closed, allowing the water to rush over his torso and wash his mind clean. The elf focused only on physical sensations. Rays of yellow sunlight warmed his face and his shoulders, providing an arousing contrast to the cooler temperature the rest of his submerged body felt. Thick mud squished between toes as they played in the pliable substance. Occasionally a passing fish would find its curiosity sparked and draw near to inspect the elf, creating tiny eddies around him as they swam between his legs. A smiled alighted on Legolas' face and his eyebrows lifted in response to one who was so bold as to nibble briefly on his flesh. He waved his arms to shoo the fish away and then stretched them out on both sides of his body. His open hands barely broke the surface of the stream, and he felt the pull of the current against his palms. The consistent flow of the water lulled his mind into a quieter state, and he felt at peace.
Something caught against the fingers of his right hand, disrupting the elf's meditation. Legolas opened his eyes and discovered that it was a dark brown feather, long and broad, that had caused the disturbance. He held it up and examined it closely. A hawk's feather, he easily determined, and turned around so the current of the stream pressed at his back. He dropped the feather into the blue water and watched as it floated away down the stream until it finally disappeared from his sight.
Legolas heard a new song join the musical babble of the water and he jerked around. Only a little farther up the stream, he saw the woman walking along the bank of the stream towards him, humming softly. It did not appear that she saw him, but it would not be long until she did. Legolas looked to his left where his clothes lay folded neatly along the bank, then to his right where the trees stood offering a different sort of cover. Legolas had a decision to make. He could make a move to recover his clothes, but then the woman would surely spot him. He was not sure how she would react to discovering a wet, naked elf in her midst and he was quite reluctant to find out. His other option was to slip into the wood, unnoticed but unclothed. Whatever choice he made, he needed to make it soon.
At least Edhilbar is nearly empty. Perhaps I will be spared from the agony of this tale, he thought as he swam silently to the shore and disappeared into the trees.
TreeHugger: So you're the one stealing all of Elrond's red hankies. I promise--things will start to take on a little lighter feel when Legolas and the woman finally start to interact. But not for long as the angst-fest will resume. The end I have in mind is...well, you'll see. ::wicked grin:: Celebhil does indeed get around, the randy little elf. Eep – I didn't remember that Legolas sang the South for Boromir. (True confession: I have only read LotR in its entirety once.) I'm glad I'm driving you nuts about the woman. It's so fun. You'll find out soon enough...or not. Talathion is obviously battling some demons, so he's behaving a little irrationally; he does, however, say "hi" to Taglinna and wonders what he's been up to lately. coughcoughUpdateSoonTreeHuggercoughcough.
Mija: Thank you!
Al & Legolas: Legoals is very evil; I'm so annoyed with him right now. The laptop sits on the stand beside my bed waiting for that numskull of an elf to wake me up in the middle of the night like he use to and tell me the next parts of the story, but all he's been doing lately is drooling all over my pillow. He is so unlike his brother. Legolas doesn't drool, does he? I, too, am glad our favorite elf got to have a little fun last chapter. It didn't last long though, did it? I'm afraid it's only going to get worse for him. Hey Legolas! You want to know what's really cool? Not only do we eat Kit Kats the same way, but apparently you like to drink fuzzy navels and I'd kill to drink anything from your navel. We are so MFEO!
jenolas: I hope Legolas can find some peace soon too, but 'fraid not. At least not for a while anyway. I'll pass your kind words about the planting ceremony onto Melian as most of it came from her brilliant mind. Can I expect a new story from your brilliant mind soon?
Melian: Poor Talathion indeed! I didn't realize how much of this story would focus on him and his struggle to come to terms with Legolas' sea-longing. There is much in store for him as well. But I've already teased you with that, haven't I? Thanks again for the inspiration and help with the planting ceremony. Palantir? What's that? I've just been using this crystal ball thingy to try and predict when you're going to post a new chapter.
Ithilien: LOL-something tells me she isn't average female roaming around nekkid in the woods either. Hmmm, a metaphorical character...? Fascinating! I like where your mind is headed, but my lips are sealed (against Legolas' ;D). You will find out eventually who she is and why she is here. I promise. You did nail it—-I found it interesting to think Legolas might experience really bad sea-longing during spring for that reason. Thanks again for letting me explore the whole "Aragorn responsible for Legolas' sea-longing" thing.
YellowSun: I'm glad you like Josh, er, I mean, Celebhil. What do you think of Toby, er, I mean, Talathion? (Did I get that right?) Thanks for the flame!
