A/N: Hey guyz! I'm back again:) Well this is going to be a long chapter (it
was over 10 pages when I hand wrote it!). Where are you my faithful readers
and reviewers? I've missed u! Have you missed me?:) I know u have... I have
been slaving over my scanner and am finally on good terms with it I think:)
I do a lot of fantasy art (well, I try...) but I have no place to put them
on the web. Eventually I will have my own web site but until then I'd like
to have them posted somewhere...NjOy*~
**********************
Dileriyen closed the door to her room and stood silently in front of her bed. She was not in the least bit tired. As always, she paced back and forth, her mind unceasingly trying to decide the quickest road to Rivendell as Legolas had obviously had a head start. At the most it would probably take her about three days to get there but that was if in fact she did not get delayed by anything unexpected. Half an hour later, she finally got bored of these thoughts for she knew the forest pretty well and would probably have no trouble in finding the path that would take her straight to where she wanted to go. There was of course that one road which would ensure speed- the unthinkable road through Bordertown. It pained her to think about this subject which she had kept locked away in the unknown reaches of her mind for so long. On second thought, there really seemed like no other choice. For Legolas, it had to be done. If she took the road to and through her old home, she would be out of the forest in no time for she need not tarry there. Then perhaps she would be able to see him sometime this week.
Now this was a subject she would rather think about. Oh and how Dileriyen would walk through the black gates of Mordor and offer herself to Sauron just to see his sweet face again- she missed him *that* much. Come to think of it, what was she planning on saying to him once she saw him?
*Perhaps I should simply get down on my knees and beg for forgiveness. Hmmm. No, that would be a bit dramatic. Maybe I should just embrace him in a kiss before he has a chance to say anything. No, we have issues to work out beforehand. Besides, there will be plenty of time for that later...* she thought smiling as the butterflies in her stomach flew this way and that. Things had changed so much in the last few days that it was really quite overwhelming. Legolas was no longer the little boy, so to speak, but an adult- the elf she loved- and he deserved to be treated as such.
*What have I done?* she groaned as this realization dawned on her. *I am at fault yet again! Why did I ever try so hard to repress him? I see things getting clearer now and it is I who has been acting like a child and not he. Curse my blindness!*
She spent the rest of her night thinking and praying to the Valar that she might see him soon. But little did she know that she would not be seeing Legolas again for a very long time...
*********************
She flinched as thin rays of light pierced into the room. Had morning come already? The time had come for her to leave, she was extremely nervous and maybe even a little scared. Looking one last time at her room, she couldn't help but comment before she left:
"I guess this is goodbye, but only for now. You will miss me, as I will miss you but do not worry, I shall be back soon! And so will he."
Thranduil was walking down the hall just as she had left her room and was coming to wake her up but wasn't at all surprised to see her packed and ready to depart. They descended the stairs in moderate silence after exchanging 'good mornings' and Thranduil led her to a horse he had had prepared (a horse which in fact Dileriyen practically owned since the animal did not get along with any other). Everything was now in place yet it did not make parting any easier on either of them.
"I will miss you very much, you know. I feel as if I have lost you both now. Tell me, what is a father to do in such a sorry state?" Thranduil asked sadly.
"Nothing is lost yet father. You have my promise that I shall return very soon and Legolas with me. We will have our family together again no matter what for you know that it is a great pain to have us all scattered thus."
"And yet it can't be helped, can it? But your words offer me comfort and a renewed hope. I place my faith in you completely and my eyes will ever watch the rode that will lead you two back to me. Speaking of roads, which one are you planning on taking to Imladris?"
"Oh...well...the quickest and shortest one I can think of for I have no time to waste."
"Surely you don't mean to go through-"
"Yes, father, through Bordertown..."
"Dileriyen I must strongly object to this! There are many other roads you might take, perhaps not so quick but they will lead you to Imladris just the same and no doubt offer less trauma. It is unwise to put yourself through this now."
"There is no other way father and besides, I would have to go back sometime before we left anyway. I might as well do it now and get it over with. At the moment, it is the quickest road and you know I would do anything for him. Something in my heart, almost like a voice, I can not explain it but ever louder it grows. It is telling me to hurry and so hurry I must. I am ready to go and will do what is necessary."
"You don't seem to have a sword..."
"No, you know I will not touch one. I have my bow and quiver and a few daggers. That'll have to do."
"Well then, come give your old father a hug before you go!" he finally said, putting on gorgeous smile. Dileriyen smiled back as she squeezed him tightly. Letting go, she took one long look at him.
"You remind me of him so much...I would give anything in the world to have him back here with us...away from all the darkness of this world."
"Hahaha...young love. Oh the splendor of it all. I remember how Sildeniel and I met. But don't look so frightened child, I shall save that story for when you two get back. Perhaps I'll even be able to knock some sense into my son, eh?"
"Hahaha yes, that does not sound like a bad idea right now! Well... I am off then! Farewell father, I shall write to you as soon as I reach Imladris!"
"Farewell my darling! Journey safe and send my love and respect to your uncle and cousins!"
And she was off, riding like the wind on her horse Asona, a beautiful animal who had a great love for Dileriyen and for her only. Thranduil watched as the figure disappeared into the trees and couldn't help but think:
*Eru forbid they kill each other before the end of this mess.*
He headed back inside but this time, he went straight to his room. He had had no decent sleep in days and seeing as how there was really nothing else that could be done, now seemed like the perfect time to get some shuteye. Funny how children will always be children and they will almost always come up with a new way to get themselves into trouble.
***********************
When Legolas and Alhera reached Rivendell, they were received very kindly by everyone, especially Lord Elrond. Rivendell was a spectacular place to call home and Legolas greatly wished that he could be experiencing the beauty around him with Dileriyen. But she was not there and this was not the best of times to be admiring scenery and disrupting his focus. He would just have to keep his faith in the fact that they would someday have the chance to do these things together before they had to leave- another thing he couldn't bring himself to think about.
He got to see Lady Arwen once again for they had not seen each other in many years. She too had grown up and was very beautiful to look upon. She also had the disposition of an angel. He could see why Aragorn was so deeply in love with her. And yet, he could not help but think that she fell a bit short of her reputation as the likeness of Luthien. Obviously, these elves had never looked upon Dileriyen. He laughed at that; If Arwen was truly Luthien's likeness than no doubt Dileriyen surpassed even the great Luthien's beauty. He would have to tell her that someday. Than again, Legolas was truly thankful that there were no great outside forces hell bent on keeping them apart as was the case with Beren and Luthien. Of course, one could always argue that they were doing a pretty good job of that themselves. Legolas decided to dwell on this matter further but at a later time as it seemed to not be getting him anywhere at the moment. He stayed in the room that had been set out for him and watched the sunset as he awaited the next day- the day the council would commence. He had not seen Aragorn yet but somehow got the feeling that they would be seeing a lot more of each other in the days to come.
***************************
The Council of Elrond was long and upsetting. It seemed that everyone had a story to tell and not one positive thing could be said. Legolas did what he had originally been sent to do: he delivered his message and represented his people as best he could. His father would have been proud. But then, things took a turn for the worse. After a long discussion on the Ring's history and importance, it was decided that destroying it was the only option. Lord Elrond asked for someone who was willing to take on this responsibility but Legolas kept quiet. It was not out of fear that he kept his silence though. He felt he was not ready to take on such a burden. He had only a few minutes ago come to grips with its true power and did not think it right to take unto himself something that he might not be prepared to carry and thus endanger all of Middle-Earth. He resolved himself to helping in any other way that he could. It was then that he got his first glimpse of hobbit bravery as Frodo Baggins stepped forward and claimed the burden while the others squabbled foolishly amongst themselves, wasting precious time. Thus, Legolas did the only thing he could do: he offered his services as protector of the Ringbearer. He was bound by no oath as were not the others and yet he knew in his heart that he could never abandon this mission that he seemed to be destined for. The Fellowship was formed; the destination: Mount Doom, Mordor and already Legolas had made a friend: Gimli the Dwarf. They could hardly stand each other and Legolas laughed at the thought of Dileriyen putting an arrow through the dwarf's thick head if she had heard half the things he had said about elves at the Council. In fact, Legolas would have to introduce them sometime..hehehe:)
Another long day passed in this manner but Legolas was not downhearted. He felt like he now had a purpose, something to be proud of. He got his things ready for tomorrow would be a new day on a new journey- Valar knowing where his road would take him. He lacked only one thing and oh how he would give up the world to see her face...
**********************
It was very early in the morning when the Company set out, its member being: Gandalf, Aragorn, Boromir of Gondor, Gimli the Dwarf, Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, Peregrin Took, Meriadoc Brandybuck and himself. They all seemed to be getting along pretty well, except for him and Gimli who shot Legolas dirty looks whenever he got the chance. But Legolas chose to ignore him for the most part, unless he got really annoyed and lightly drummed his fingers on his bow as he gave the dwarf a maniacal stare. Thus began the journey of the Fellowship and even being only one minute out of Rivendell, Legolas felt a pang of disappointment. For some reason, though he knew he was being silly, he had expected Dileriyen to show up and kick him all the way back to Mirkwood. To be honest, it would have been a blessing. But, much to his surprise, she had not come nor sent any message. Maybe he should not have begged her so seriously not to follow him in the letter.
*How was I to know she would actually listen to me this time?!* he thought angrily. Women. Was he ever destined to be at fault? He got himself more upset as he walked on, the seriousness of what he had gotten himself into washing over him in waves. Aragorn, sensing his best friend's troubles couldn't help but smile for he knew what, or rather *who* Legolas' thoughts dwelled on. He couldn't be happier but was all too familiar with what it felt like to be away from the one he loved. He decided not to say anything to Legolas at the moment; maybe later when they could have some time alone together to talk. One thing was for sure though, he was extremely proud of Legolas' maturity and sense of responsibility which seemed to him to have blossomed overnight.
************************
Going back a bit
Dileriyen rode on and on without rest and food for one whole day. She was one very irritated elf (as we all know how she gets when she lacks sleep). She risked falling asleep on Asona by this point and decided that it was time to stop. The next day began early for her and was really no different than the first had been until she found herself in familiar territory.
This was where a part of her had died with her parents so many centuries ago. They went through the town slowly but Dileriyen's mind was already haunted by the flashbacks of the past. Houses burning, people screaming, darkness enveloping the town. Her heart bled as if it had been cut anew. She saw her mother, telling her to stay in the house while she went out to see who it was. She saw *them* as they ran over her frail body... She saw the murderer's slimy face as he drew in closer to her, daring Dileriyen to take a swing at him. She saw Thranduil, who had come to her when she needed someone the most, she saw Sildeniel slip away from the light...so much pain in her life, all those long years ago. Then finally did come her angel to rescue her. Legolas...
Asona, sensing her master's discomfort picked up speed and made her way quickly through the town but she was too late. Dileriyen had already fainted. They were out of the town minutes later and Asona carried on for a considerable distance away from it until she found a suitable tree root. She lowered herself so that Dileriyen would not fall if she suddenly came to or turned in her sleep. Rivendell stood proudly, glowing in the distance but only Asona was witness to it at the moment.
Asona watched over Dileriyen the whole night and the better part of the morning when she finally came to. It took her a while to realize where they now were and what time it was but she was grateful to Asona for everything she had done. Dileriyen was not as troubled now, only a little pressed for time as they went on their way. That afternoon was spent in silence and pleasant anxiety as they drew closer to Rivendell. Her mind formed scenes of her and Legolas' meeting but she still had not devised the perfect way to approach him. Oh well, improvisation would do.
"Come on girl, we're almost there." She whispered into Asona's ear and the animal raced with a speed Dileriyen knew not she had. They made it to Rivendell within the setting of the sun and Lord Elrond rushed to greet her. Dileriyen had always called him 'Uncle Elrond' and although they were related very distantly their personal relationship had always been very close with the whole family. Arwen was like a sister to her since she had none of her own and the twins were like her brothers. She loved them all greatly and even though they had not seen each other in many years they wrote to one another as frequently as possible.
"Uncle Elrond!" she yelled as she ran up to him and gave him a big hug.
"Who is this I see before me for she is certainly not the little girl I remember! Dileriyen it is so wonderful to see you my dear and look how you've grown! But you have not written to me for weeks and I was beginning to think you'd forgotten about us here. Arwen will be so glad to see you!"
"I have missed you all so much Uncle! I long to see my cousins again. But tell me first, how has aunt Celebrian been?"
"She is doing much better my dear do not worry, we shall see her very soon. Things are finally looking up in the family! Wait a minute, something strange is going on here..."
"What? I have no idea what you mean..."
"Oh no, don't give me that innocent look Dileriyen you can't fool your uncle! Never once have you so casually dropped by and unattended for that matter. Come now, tell your uncle what is going on and what you are really doing here."
"Valar help me, am I really that obvious? Well, as much as I love being here uncle, you are right, I do have a specific reason for coming. I am on a sort of mission."
"I am all ears!" he said as a smile played on his lips. This was getting more amusing by the second.
"I have come for Legolas, uncle. He was sent to deliver a message which I am sure he must have done by now. He ought to be ready to go home so I am here to collect him. Can you tell me where he is?"
"Dileriyen, well, ah... I don't know how to say this but Legolas is not here..."
"Oh well, that's alright. I shall just wait until he gets back. Are they out riding or something?"
"Oh dear... You misunderstand child. What I meant was that he has left Imladris."
"What? Well where has he gone?" she said loudly, her patience growing thin. Elrond became very nervous. This was not going to be easy.
"He has joined a Fellowship who is protecting the Ringbearer. It has been decided that the Ring is to be destroyed. They left two days ago. They are off to Mordor..."
Dileriyen stood there very calmly and silently at first, letting the tension build. Elrond started to fidget and look this way and that until she finally spoke. Perhaps the silence was not so bad for Dileriyen now left all gracefulness behind and went into Balrog mode.
"Care to run that by me again? NOW!"
"Dileriyen, my dear, maybe you had better sit down and let me explain..."
************************
A/N: hahaha:))))) I feel so sorry for Elrond:)))))
**********************
Dileriyen closed the door to her room and stood silently in front of her bed. She was not in the least bit tired. As always, she paced back and forth, her mind unceasingly trying to decide the quickest road to Rivendell as Legolas had obviously had a head start. At the most it would probably take her about three days to get there but that was if in fact she did not get delayed by anything unexpected. Half an hour later, she finally got bored of these thoughts for she knew the forest pretty well and would probably have no trouble in finding the path that would take her straight to where she wanted to go. There was of course that one road which would ensure speed- the unthinkable road through Bordertown. It pained her to think about this subject which she had kept locked away in the unknown reaches of her mind for so long. On second thought, there really seemed like no other choice. For Legolas, it had to be done. If she took the road to and through her old home, she would be out of the forest in no time for she need not tarry there. Then perhaps she would be able to see him sometime this week.
Now this was a subject she would rather think about. Oh and how Dileriyen would walk through the black gates of Mordor and offer herself to Sauron just to see his sweet face again- she missed him *that* much. Come to think of it, what was she planning on saying to him once she saw him?
*Perhaps I should simply get down on my knees and beg for forgiveness. Hmmm. No, that would be a bit dramatic. Maybe I should just embrace him in a kiss before he has a chance to say anything. No, we have issues to work out beforehand. Besides, there will be plenty of time for that later...* she thought smiling as the butterflies in her stomach flew this way and that. Things had changed so much in the last few days that it was really quite overwhelming. Legolas was no longer the little boy, so to speak, but an adult- the elf she loved- and he deserved to be treated as such.
*What have I done?* she groaned as this realization dawned on her. *I am at fault yet again! Why did I ever try so hard to repress him? I see things getting clearer now and it is I who has been acting like a child and not he. Curse my blindness!*
She spent the rest of her night thinking and praying to the Valar that she might see him soon. But little did she know that she would not be seeing Legolas again for a very long time...
*********************
She flinched as thin rays of light pierced into the room. Had morning come already? The time had come for her to leave, she was extremely nervous and maybe even a little scared. Looking one last time at her room, she couldn't help but comment before she left:
"I guess this is goodbye, but only for now. You will miss me, as I will miss you but do not worry, I shall be back soon! And so will he."
Thranduil was walking down the hall just as she had left her room and was coming to wake her up but wasn't at all surprised to see her packed and ready to depart. They descended the stairs in moderate silence after exchanging 'good mornings' and Thranduil led her to a horse he had had prepared (a horse which in fact Dileriyen practically owned since the animal did not get along with any other). Everything was now in place yet it did not make parting any easier on either of them.
"I will miss you very much, you know. I feel as if I have lost you both now. Tell me, what is a father to do in such a sorry state?" Thranduil asked sadly.
"Nothing is lost yet father. You have my promise that I shall return very soon and Legolas with me. We will have our family together again no matter what for you know that it is a great pain to have us all scattered thus."
"And yet it can't be helped, can it? But your words offer me comfort and a renewed hope. I place my faith in you completely and my eyes will ever watch the rode that will lead you two back to me. Speaking of roads, which one are you planning on taking to Imladris?"
"Oh...well...the quickest and shortest one I can think of for I have no time to waste."
"Surely you don't mean to go through-"
"Yes, father, through Bordertown..."
"Dileriyen I must strongly object to this! There are many other roads you might take, perhaps not so quick but they will lead you to Imladris just the same and no doubt offer less trauma. It is unwise to put yourself through this now."
"There is no other way father and besides, I would have to go back sometime before we left anyway. I might as well do it now and get it over with. At the moment, it is the quickest road and you know I would do anything for him. Something in my heart, almost like a voice, I can not explain it but ever louder it grows. It is telling me to hurry and so hurry I must. I am ready to go and will do what is necessary."
"You don't seem to have a sword..."
"No, you know I will not touch one. I have my bow and quiver and a few daggers. That'll have to do."
"Well then, come give your old father a hug before you go!" he finally said, putting on gorgeous smile. Dileriyen smiled back as she squeezed him tightly. Letting go, she took one long look at him.
"You remind me of him so much...I would give anything in the world to have him back here with us...away from all the darkness of this world."
"Hahaha...young love. Oh the splendor of it all. I remember how Sildeniel and I met. But don't look so frightened child, I shall save that story for when you two get back. Perhaps I'll even be able to knock some sense into my son, eh?"
"Hahaha yes, that does not sound like a bad idea right now! Well... I am off then! Farewell father, I shall write to you as soon as I reach Imladris!"
"Farewell my darling! Journey safe and send my love and respect to your uncle and cousins!"
And she was off, riding like the wind on her horse Asona, a beautiful animal who had a great love for Dileriyen and for her only. Thranduil watched as the figure disappeared into the trees and couldn't help but think:
*Eru forbid they kill each other before the end of this mess.*
He headed back inside but this time, he went straight to his room. He had had no decent sleep in days and seeing as how there was really nothing else that could be done, now seemed like the perfect time to get some shuteye. Funny how children will always be children and they will almost always come up with a new way to get themselves into trouble.
***********************
When Legolas and Alhera reached Rivendell, they were received very kindly by everyone, especially Lord Elrond. Rivendell was a spectacular place to call home and Legolas greatly wished that he could be experiencing the beauty around him with Dileriyen. But she was not there and this was not the best of times to be admiring scenery and disrupting his focus. He would just have to keep his faith in the fact that they would someday have the chance to do these things together before they had to leave- another thing he couldn't bring himself to think about.
He got to see Lady Arwen once again for they had not seen each other in many years. She too had grown up and was very beautiful to look upon. She also had the disposition of an angel. He could see why Aragorn was so deeply in love with her. And yet, he could not help but think that she fell a bit short of her reputation as the likeness of Luthien. Obviously, these elves had never looked upon Dileriyen. He laughed at that; If Arwen was truly Luthien's likeness than no doubt Dileriyen surpassed even the great Luthien's beauty. He would have to tell her that someday. Than again, Legolas was truly thankful that there were no great outside forces hell bent on keeping them apart as was the case with Beren and Luthien. Of course, one could always argue that they were doing a pretty good job of that themselves. Legolas decided to dwell on this matter further but at a later time as it seemed to not be getting him anywhere at the moment. He stayed in the room that had been set out for him and watched the sunset as he awaited the next day- the day the council would commence. He had not seen Aragorn yet but somehow got the feeling that they would be seeing a lot more of each other in the days to come.
***************************
The Council of Elrond was long and upsetting. It seemed that everyone had a story to tell and not one positive thing could be said. Legolas did what he had originally been sent to do: he delivered his message and represented his people as best he could. His father would have been proud. But then, things took a turn for the worse. After a long discussion on the Ring's history and importance, it was decided that destroying it was the only option. Lord Elrond asked for someone who was willing to take on this responsibility but Legolas kept quiet. It was not out of fear that he kept his silence though. He felt he was not ready to take on such a burden. He had only a few minutes ago come to grips with its true power and did not think it right to take unto himself something that he might not be prepared to carry and thus endanger all of Middle-Earth. He resolved himself to helping in any other way that he could. It was then that he got his first glimpse of hobbit bravery as Frodo Baggins stepped forward and claimed the burden while the others squabbled foolishly amongst themselves, wasting precious time. Thus, Legolas did the only thing he could do: he offered his services as protector of the Ringbearer. He was bound by no oath as were not the others and yet he knew in his heart that he could never abandon this mission that he seemed to be destined for. The Fellowship was formed; the destination: Mount Doom, Mordor and already Legolas had made a friend: Gimli the Dwarf. They could hardly stand each other and Legolas laughed at the thought of Dileriyen putting an arrow through the dwarf's thick head if she had heard half the things he had said about elves at the Council. In fact, Legolas would have to introduce them sometime..hehehe:)
Another long day passed in this manner but Legolas was not downhearted. He felt like he now had a purpose, something to be proud of. He got his things ready for tomorrow would be a new day on a new journey- Valar knowing where his road would take him. He lacked only one thing and oh how he would give up the world to see her face...
**********************
It was very early in the morning when the Company set out, its member being: Gandalf, Aragorn, Boromir of Gondor, Gimli the Dwarf, Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, Peregrin Took, Meriadoc Brandybuck and himself. They all seemed to be getting along pretty well, except for him and Gimli who shot Legolas dirty looks whenever he got the chance. But Legolas chose to ignore him for the most part, unless he got really annoyed and lightly drummed his fingers on his bow as he gave the dwarf a maniacal stare. Thus began the journey of the Fellowship and even being only one minute out of Rivendell, Legolas felt a pang of disappointment. For some reason, though he knew he was being silly, he had expected Dileriyen to show up and kick him all the way back to Mirkwood. To be honest, it would have been a blessing. But, much to his surprise, she had not come nor sent any message. Maybe he should not have begged her so seriously not to follow him in the letter.
*How was I to know she would actually listen to me this time?!* he thought angrily. Women. Was he ever destined to be at fault? He got himself more upset as he walked on, the seriousness of what he had gotten himself into washing over him in waves. Aragorn, sensing his best friend's troubles couldn't help but smile for he knew what, or rather *who* Legolas' thoughts dwelled on. He couldn't be happier but was all too familiar with what it felt like to be away from the one he loved. He decided not to say anything to Legolas at the moment; maybe later when they could have some time alone together to talk. One thing was for sure though, he was extremely proud of Legolas' maturity and sense of responsibility which seemed to him to have blossomed overnight.
************************
Going back a bit
Dileriyen rode on and on without rest and food for one whole day. She was one very irritated elf (as we all know how she gets when she lacks sleep). She risked falling asleep on Asona by this point and decided that it was time to stop. The next day began early for her and was really no different than the first had been until she found herself in familiar territory.
This was where a part of her had died with her parents so many centuries ago. They went through the town slowly but Dileriyen's mind was already haunted by the flashbacks of the past. Houses burning, people screaming, darkness enveloping the town. Her heart bled as if it had been cut anew. She saw her mother, telling her to stay in the house while she went out to see who it was. She saw *them* as they ran over her frail body... She saw the murderer's slimy face as he drew in closer to her, daring Dileriyen to take a swing at him. She saw Thranduil, who had come to her when she needed someone the most, she saw Sildeniel slip away from the light...so much pain in her life, all those long years ago. Then finally did come her angel to rescue her. Legolas...
Asona, sensing her master's discomfort picked up speed and made her way quickly through the town but she was too late. Dileriyen had already fainted. They were out of the town minutes later and Asona carried on for a considerable distance away from it until she found a suitable tree root. She lowered herself so that Dileriyen would not fall if she suddenly came to or turned in her sleep. Rivendell stood proudly, glowing in the distance but only Asona was witness to it at the moment.
Asona watched over Dileriyen the whole night and the better part of the morning when she finally came to. It took her a while to realize where they now were and what time it was but she was grateful to Asona for everything she had done. Dileriyen was not as troubled now, only a little pressed for time as they went on their way. That afternoon was spent in silence and pleasant anxiety as they drew closer to Rivendell. Her mind formed scenes of her and Legolas' meeting but she still had not devised the perfect way to approach him. Oh well, improvisation would do.
"Come on girl, we're almost there." She whispered into Asona's ear and the animal raced with a speed Dileriyen knew not she had. They made it to Rivendell within the setting of the sun and Lord Elrond rushed to greet her. Dileriyen had always called him 'Uncle Elrond' and although they were related very distantly their personal relationship had always been very close with the whole family. Arwen was like a sister to her since she had none of her own and the twins were like her brothers. She loved them all greatly and even though they had not seen each other in many years they wrote to one another as frequently as possible.
"Uncle Elrond!" she yelled as she ran up to him and gave him a big hug.
"Who is this I see before me for she is certainly not the little girl I remember! Dileriyen it is so wonderful to see you my dear and look how you've grown! But you have not written to me for weeks and I was beginning to think you'd forgotten about us here. Arwen will be so glad to see you!"
"I have missed you all so much Uncle! I long to see my cousins again. But tell me first, how has aunt Celebrian been?"
"She is doing much better my dear do not worry, we shall see her very soon. Things are finally looking up in the family! Wait a minute, something strange is going on here..."
"What? I have no idea what you mean..."
"Oh no, don't give me that innocent look Dileriyen you can't fool your uncle! Never once have you so casually dropped by and unattended for that matter. Come now, tell your uncle what is going on and what you are really doing here."
"Valar help me, am I really that obvious? Well, as much as I love being here uncle, you are right, I do have a specific reason for coming. I am on a sort of mission."
"I am all ears!" he said as a smile played on his lips. This was getting more amusing by the second.
"I have come for Legolas, uncle. He was sent to deliver a message which I am sure he must have done by now. He ought to be ready to go home so I am here to collect him. Can you tell me where he is?"
"Dileriyen, well, ah... I don't know how to say this but Legolas is not here..."
"Oh well, that's alright. I shall just wait until he gets back. Are they out riding or something?"
"Oh dear... You misunderstand child. What I meant was that he has left Imladris."
"What? Well where has he gone?" she said loudly, her patience growing thin. Elrond became very nervous. This was not going to be easy.
"He has joined a Fellowship who is protecting the Ringbearer. It has been decided that the Ring is to be destroyed. They left two days ago. They are off to Mordor..."
Dileriyen stood there very calmly and silently at first, letting the tension build. Elrond started to fidget and look this way and that until she finally spoke. Perhaps the silence was not so bad for Dileriyen now left all gracefulness behind and went into Balrog mode.
"Care to run that by me again? NOW!"
"Dileriyen, my dear, maybe you had better sit down and let me explain..."
************************
A/N: hahaha:))))) I feel so sorry for Elrond:)))))
