Chapter 17

          Legolas tapped his foot against the back of the bench they all sat upon. Arwen kept her head down, looking at her hands. Elladan just kept staring at the painting facing them. The painting was of an ancient elven woman. She had blond hair that fell to her waist and was blowing behind her. Her eyes were pale blue and were staring right at them. It was a painting of the Lady Galadriel. She was watching them from the painting with a secretive smile spread upon her thin lips.

          Before he knew it, Elladan was on his knees in front of the painting, sobbing. He felt that this entire ordeal was his fault. If he had not distracted Mylea, she would be safe. He looked up into the eyes of Galadriel and prayed silently for Mylea.

          Arwen went to her brother and grasped him in her arms. She slowly helped him off his knees and sat him back down on the jade bench.

          "Elladan, do not do this to yourself. It was not you, she makes her own choices. We both know this." Arwen spoke.

          Legolas did not say anything but looked over at Elladan with a small feeling of animosity. He partly did blame Elladan for this, but was not going to make an accusation that would only cause them all torment.

          Elrond walked out quietly at that moment and looked from one sorrowful face to the next. He put a hand on Legolas' shoulder.

          "Legolas it was good that you brought her here. She is alive for now children, but she has yet to show us if she cannot truly recover. She is asleep and I do not know how long or if ever she shall wake. Do not lose your hope and prayers, she needs them."

          Elrond gave a small encouraging beam and then turned and went towards the outdoors. The three elves still sat on the bench and followed him with their eyes.

          A day or so passed by very sluggishly, and still no wake of Mylea. They kept watch and waited, Legolas had fallen asleep a few times at her bedside. Arwen would clean her face every morning with warm water and Elladan would read a passage from one of Mylea's favorite novels aloud to her.

          As the sun started to set on the second day horse hoofs could be heard prancing their way to Rivendell. Elrond was amazed to see not only Lord Aragorn, Gimli, Gandalf, Haldir, but Eomer as well. He greeted them as they came to a halt and dismounted.

          "Where are your men Lord Eomer?" Elrond asked.

          "The ones that have survived made it back to my homeland. But I accompanied Lord Aragorn when I heard that the Lady Mylea was harmed. I daresay I have not met her before, but I hear that she is a beautiful creature to look upon."

          "She is indeed, but I fear that she still has not awoken." Elrond spoke grimly.

          "She has not spoken…not even opened her eyes?" Aragorn asked.

          "I am afraid not."

          "Oh what a tragedy…the poor lady, she was very good to me." Gimli spoke sincerely sad.

          "She is a kind spirit…Legolas, Arwen, and Elladan are inside if you wish to speak with them."

          They all nodded and entered Elrond's home. Aragorn ran to Arwen who stood in shock to see him. He lifted her from her feet and held her tightly. She kissed his forehead and then gave him the only good smile she had left in her.

          Gimli and Haldir walked to Legolas and each gave him a heartening pat on the back.  Legolas greeted each of them then retired back to Mylea's side.

          Gandalf stood at the end of the bed and looked at Mylea. She looked like she was so peaceful. Her face, though it had many small scars, was still glowing. The red in her hair shimmered in the light of the setting sun. It reminded Gandalf of when she had came to them as a child. She had the same look on her face and scars upon her skin.

          Elrond called everyone in to eat. It was half past seven and dinner was prepared. After a bit of coaxing, they all emerged with Legolas lagging behind. They each took a seat at the long golden table and tried to be as merry as possible.

          Mylea started to stir in her silk sheets. She then opened her eyes slowly and pulled herself up from the bed. She tried to stand up, but it took some effort. Her back still repressed her form being in top form. She finally got herself up and glided across the cold floor and made her way to the dining hall. She poked her head around the corner watch a moment in great amazement.

          She had never seen the table filled with so many different faces. Never had a dwarf sat at the table in her entire existence. She smiled to herself as she saw Arwen and Aragorn next to each another, holding one another's hand. Then she glanced at Legolas, he was frowning and was staring off into a different dimension.

          Haldir turned and felt that he as well as everyone else was being watched, he spotted a pair of emerald eyes peering around the corner. He smiled and stood and walked to Mylea.

          "Haldir…"

          "It is good to see you awake my lady, now let me lead us into the hall. I am sure I am not the only one who has been awaiting your arrival."

          Mylea smiled and took his hand. He led them into the light of the lanterns and the glittering table.

          "Everyone, another guest has arrived." Haldir spoke excitedly.

          Everyone turned and faced them. Elladan dropped his jaw and Legolas jumped from his seat. Arwen cried with happy tears, and it seemed even Elrond was a bit overwhelmed by her presence.

          "Mylea…I cannot trust this vision before me." Legolas spoke grasping her hands.

          She lifted a hand and grinned. Then she touched his face affectionately.

          "I am here." She spoke with a ringing in her voice.

          Legolas pulled her towards him softly and she gladly fell into his arms. She closed her eyes and embraced him. At that moment everyone got up from the table and gathered around. They all took their turns hugging and greeting Mylea.

          Elrond looked on with relief; he had his adopted daughter back. He cherished every smile and laugh that she made as much as he did his own children's. Soon Mylea broke through the crowd around her and came to Elrond. She smiled and embraced him.

          "Thank you…father." She whispered quietly into his ear.

          At this Elrond smiled in spite of himself and felt complete. As all the happiness in Middle Earth surrounded them, a sudden dark feeling crept back into Elrond's mind. He knew what was coming but was not going to ruin that happy moment. He just watched intently and planned to wait until it was time to share his feelings with the others.