Short and sweet: Thanks to all of you. I think I may have lied unintentionally. The Elrond connection does not appear in this chapter, but it is the whole next chapter. This is just Lego coming to terms with his feelings. Also, for the question of the pronunciation of 'Taureliloomis', it sounds like this: Tor-ul-il-oomis. Hope that helps, also, the pronunciation for 'Calanagariel' is: Ca-lan-a-gare-iel (now say it together a little faster,lol). Feel free to ask any questions you might have.
When the regal, blonde female entered the house of Elrond, she smiled. She had precious memories of this place and its master. It had been ages since she had last stood on the grounds of Imladris, and a bittersweet sadness crept suddenly into her heart as she thought on it.
Her reminiscence had been interrupted by the sounds of feet coming hurriedly down the stairs, and she glanced toward them. She could see the tall, fair Prince of Eryn Lasgalen as he descended the steps toward her. How like his father he was in his looks. He seemed eager to speak with her, and she wondered silently to herself if he had remembered her.
How long had it been? Ages, millennia? Judging from his gait, she supposed he had no memory of her. Why would he? She had only seen him several times, and that had been before he had come of age. Thranduil had busied her with urgent errands, which had caused her to be away for long periods of time. It seemed the few times she was home, the young prince had been away. She had departed long before she could have the chance to know him. Though she knew little of him, it was easy to sense a sorrow radiating from him.
"You are here for Kalen"?
Calanagariel released a surprised gasp. She had known that he would speak of her dear one, but to hear the name come from his mouth startled her. He spoke as though he knew her; he had to know her, else he could not know her name. Kalen had spoken to him, though how long ago she knew not. Still, it was a hopeful sign.
"Yes, How is she? I must see her at once".
Legolas motioned for her to follow.
"I do not know, but I am on my way there now".
There was little speaking as they walked down the corridor of the main hallway, and for unknown reasons, she was glad for it. When they had reached the door, Calanagariel opened it without hesitation before Legolas could protest. There was a sound of scurrying and one of the healers met her at the door, a crystal jar of ointment in hand. The Elven healer grimaced and without explanation began to shut the door on Calanagariel and Legolas.
"I will not be shut out from seeing my daughter" Calanagariel said sharply and forced the door open with her boot and then turned to Legolas.
"Are you coming"?
With stunned silence he stood, smiling inwardly at the woman's forcefulness. So this was the source of Kalen's strength. Nodding his head, he followed behind her as she stepped into the room.
"You may leave us. We will handle the rest" calanagariel ordered and walked to Kalen's bedside. The healer huffed, handing the jar of ointment to Legolas, and then departed.
Her strength had failed her, only having done so one other time in her existence, and she frowned. Her heart was aching as she surveyed the damage done to her daughter.
"Will you do that, or should I"?
Legolas motioned that he would accept the task of tending Kalen's wounds, and began applying the ointment as Calanagariel sat by the bed.
"I am to blame for this" she said and took Kalen's hand into her own. "I have sent my child into harms way".
"No, my Lady. The fault rests solely on me. I was not there when I was needed and arrived later than I should have".
Calanagariel chuckled, her frown turning to a smile.
"Kalen has befriended a male? I suppose I should not be surprised. She has always done things her own way". Her smile had faded, and a question, having presented itself to her, danced on the tip of her tongue.
"Tell me, how does it make you feel when you see Kalen in this state"? She had a sense that she knew, but needed to hear it come from his mouth. Though he would probably not understand exactly what she asked, for he probably did not know the answer himself, his heart would reveal all in his voice.
Feel? How did he feel? Could she not sense that he was consumed by guilt? It seemed obvious to him that she should know this, and looked at her quizzically.
"I do know understand. I have already stated that I 'feel' responsible".
"No" she said and smiled. "I am old in years beyond yours, and I have senses that you cannot know. What I ask is, how you feel here". She placed her long fingers on the place where his heart lie in his chest.
"I see. I do not think it possible to explain the feelings that are within me. My heart is crushed, though, I cannot pinpoint an exact reason why. Perhaps it is that I have grown fond of Kalen in the short time that I have known her, or perhaps it is that I feel I have failed her. I know she will regain her physical health, but what of her mind? I have not the words to equate with this feeling of loss" he said and bowed his head.
Calanagariel smiled. The heart does not lie, even if it belongs to one who does not realize what it speaks. She touched his hand; offering her comfort to him, and releasing him of any wrong he felt he had done.
"Do you suppose it is possible that you love her"?
Legolas smirked and furrowed his brow.
"I am far to old to find love now, and besides, would I not know my own heart"?
"Perhaps Eru has granted you this chance, late as it may be. He works in wonderous way, My Lord. Do not exclude the possiblity so quickly" she said and stood from her seat.
But the thought had been in his mind, he knew it, and could not deny it to himself. It was wholly possible that Illuvitar had given him something that had been denied him for all of his long years. It was beyond him to question the purpose and methods of Eru's ways, for they were his own and known only to him.
"I suppose that I do. Love her, I mean. It has been something I have been struggling with for days now, and I could not be sure".
Calanagariel leaned down to kiss Kalen's bruised cheek and then raised up, turning to Legolas as she did so.
"When she wakes, she should see your face and know your heart. Before that time though, you should know it yourself. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to speak with Lord Elrond about the matter of regaining our cup" she said, starting for the door and turning to Legolas before she walked out. "And My Lord, do not wait too long to tell her your feelings. We will be departing from Rivendell when she is well enough for the journey". She turned and walked into the hallway, closing the door behind her.
He was alone with his thoughts, and he could not bring himself to gaze away from her face. Beautiful still, even with the cuts and bruises that marked her. How was it possible to have these feelings after only a few days? He had fought them successfully at first, but they were returning to him with multiplied strength, and had done so before he had realized it. Seeing her here now, lying quietly in her imprisoned sleep made him realize that he would have to confront those feelings before he could bring them to her at her waking. He would sort out his confusion, for it seemed that she would not be waking for quite some time.
