A/N: Ah!... I like this chapter much more than I did the last. Though, descriptions are mostly based on my imagination alone; I had only the vaguest idea of where it was heading when I started writing it and, of course, it's a bit short. All in all, I'm rather happy with it. So, I guess it'll be a happy chappy! (*3h57m32s later...* - I have now hit the bottom of lameness... ;P - picture Gandalf in Moria) Somehow, in the end of the chapter a little something from my Portuguese class managed to infiltrate... *spooky!* I'll just have to study less for school... LOL! =)
Random thought: it's so weird writing words like 'themselves', etc! All I can think of is elves! oO?!
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Chapter VIII - Of Parchments And Dreams
The next day, Legolas was feeling well rested and his spirits seemed to have lifted to the heights of Taniquetil itself! He rose early in the morning and made his way to the same room in which he had been the night before, hoping to find some breakfast. Instead, he found Silima starting to eat her own. There was no one else he knew, so he made his way to her.
"Mára'rin, herinya [good morning, my lady]. Do you mind if I join you?"
"Mára'rin, my Prince. Not at all, I would very much appreciate the company. How are you feeling this morning? I trust your leg is better?"
"I feel as good as new! 'Tis as if all fatigue has been driven back by this radiant place! And, please, just call me Legolas. Would you happen to know where I can find the twins? Or perhaps lord Elrond?"
"Very well, Legolas. I don't know about the twins, but the Lord is in his study. I can take you there, if you'd like."
"Thank you. Just let me eat something too and I'll be ready to go."
They ate and had a friendly talk. Afterwards, Silima took the Prince to the first floor. She was leading him in about the very same direction that his room was in, but made a right turn in the hallway before reaching his door. Legolas was surprised he had not noticed this corridor, even though it must have been well lit the day before, since beautiful torches graced the walls on both sides. It was not really what you'd call a corridor, but some sort of a small hall, behind which a door, with two stone columns siding it, laid. To it, Silima went and knocked softly. An almost imperceptible reply of "Minno [enter]" was heard from inside, choked by the room's wall, and so they did.
A large room greeted them, richly decorated with old tapestries covering the walls. Things there were of many different cultures. Pieces crafted by the Noldor of Eregion, perhaps even by Celebrimbor himself, metal and precious stones worked into gracious forms. Stone statues, probably of Noldorin origin as well; flags and swords of Men there were also, and even Dwarven-made pieces, in which the skill that only their kind possessed was well evident. These had most likely came from Moria, the great underground Dwarven mansions they called Khazad-dûm in their own tongue. Once, in the Dark Years, there had been great friendship between Elves and Dwarves. Not any more, though.
Other walls had nothing but bookshelves filled to the ceiling with old tomes to adorn them. Legolas thought that some of those must surely be older than him. Indeed it was so, for some of the books dated back to the First Age of the world, when Man was young. In many cases, the knowledge was lost to all, for the languages and symbols used in them were now forgotten, even by the elders and the lore-masters. Shelves there were full of rolled parchments, probably maps or stories never copied or organised into books, yellowed by age. Legolas was amazed at the amount of knowledge contained in one single room and wished for the opportunity to read and learn some of it.
A large balcony covered the Southern and Eastern sides of the room and, to the West, a smaller door opened to another division. The furniture was all in wood and carved with much skill in shapes of fair Elven maidens, young plants or plain curves and curls. Lord Elrond was sitting by a plain desk, ornamented only with some well-placed curves on its legs, reading one of the old books with interest. When the pair entered, however, it was not long before he had raised himself and walked the short distance in between to greet them.
Silima greeted the Lord and then excused herself, leaving the two alone in the study. Mirkwood's Prince and Rivendell's Lord sat down by the same desk Elrond had been earlier, and talked about many things.
They had not discussed over half of their business, however, when they were suddenly interrupted by a clear bell ringing - it was midday already and they had not noticed how time had passed so quickly. They went not to eat, though, and carried on their conversation.
They spoke of Taur-e-Ndaedelos and of Dol Guldur, of Minas Tirith and Minas Morgul, of the old days and of those to come. They spoke of Elves, Men and Dwarves and of the new shadow that was threatening to cover Ennor once more. In the end, it was decided that Rivendell would send aid to Mirkwood, to try and clear the woods of what evil they could. Imladris would also be in charge of sending a war party to the Hithaeglir, in hopes of clearing the road that connected East to West from Orcs and what other fell creatures that might inhabit the dark places protected by the white peaks. With this settled, Elrond addressed Legolas on a new subject.
"We have spoken here of many of the dangers that threaten us in these days and many things concerning these have been decided already. However, there is one more thing of which I would speak to you. My son Elladan tells me that you have come to know of our other guest's identity, is that not so? Lady Gilraen and her son?"
"Aye, my Lord, it is as you say. I am aware that the child - Aragorn is it not his name? - is the heir of Isildur, as I am fully aware of the dangers and the importance around him. The dark Lord's forces shall do everything to see him destroyed. I have already given my word to Elladan, and now I give it to you as well. I assure you, my Lord, that I shall keep it secret and do what I can to make sure it remains so."
"I thank you. Years ago, me and my counsellors decided it was best to keep Aragorn and his mother here. I would raise him as my son, but he would have need of a new name. It is vital that his presence here goes unnoticed by the Enemy. His heritage, as well as his family history, shall be hidden, till the time comes when he will be ready to face it, and he shall be named Estel, Hope, until then."
"I understand, my Lord, and I agree that it was indeed the best course of action."
With that, they ended their conversation and exited the room.
Legolas went outside; he felt he had need of fresh air, after spending so much time indoors. He really didn't like these diplomatic duties all that much, but he knew just how important things like these were and, therefore, did them gladly. However, there were some times, much like this one now, in which he simply wished he was not the King's son. Then, he wouldn't have to be half a day in talks with a great Elven Lord, containing himself to let nothing transpire, but a mask of serenity, understandment and good-manners. It was draining, psychologically speaking of course.
The day was like the ones before it. Nothing had changed. The sun still shone and the rivers still flowed and the birds kept singing over it all as always. Legolas let himself be carried away by the peacefulness around him - he decided that on this day, he would do nothing more. So, he lay quietly on the smooth green grass and entered the world of dreams.
He was dreaming of many different things when a new beautiful figure came to his mind. He looked at it and inexplicably knew who it was, but, strangely, at the same time, could not really see it. If asked, he would not be able to describe or tell anything about it as a matter of fact - it simply was. This figure spoke not and remained at a certain distance from him, but Legolas somehow knew she was smiling.
"Ai, Lindómawen! Tulalyë nyenna ata. Tella lú, úmë haryanényë i lú na hantal, quimellë, tíralan or ni. Utanuvalyë elyë sín? Man nályë, herinya? [You come to me again. Last time, I had not the chance to thank you, lady, for watching over me. Will you not reveal yourself now? Who are you, my lady?]"
She did not reply, nor had the time to, for just then Legolas was awoken from his slumber by a presence from the real world, a very disturbing presence at that. Someone was shaking him awake, rather harshly, and Legolas could not help but to slightly groan, for once again he had parted with his Lindómawen too soon for his liking.