Welcome back to those who just returned from their summer holiday! Did you guys have fun?
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Two days after the council of Elrond, the Nine Walkers were ready to depart on their great venture. It was still early in the morning, but the Rivendell elves had already crowded in the courtyard to bid them goodbye.
Gandalf and Elrond were seen approaching, sharing some thoughts between them. The hobbits were leading out a pony named Bill laden with their packs and supplies. Gimli was having last minute talk with his father and fellow friends, his hands placed over the hilt of his ever-present axe. Boromir then began to check their packs of supplies to ensure they had what they would need for the journey. Aragorn came walking hand-in hand with Arwen, gazing deeply at each other. Only one of the fellowship still had not make an appearance.
Legolas was still in his room upstairs, sitting on the floor as Narasene sat on the bed behind him. She was plaiting a lock of his hair into a thin braid behind his head, intertwining a lock of her own raven hair with his golden one. While doing so, she whispered mystical chants into his ear; the old chants that long-ago maidens used to sing for their beloved warriors going to war.
Legolas closed his eyes when Narasene bent forward and kissed the crown of his head. She then traced her fingers over the neatly plait raven-gold braid, a kind of a talisman to ensure his safety on his long journey. "May the Valar protect you, my beloved."
He gracefully stood up, turned and helped her to her feet. Gazing tenderly into her eyes, he whispered, "Wait for my return, my lady. We will build our new life together, this I promise you."
Then they kissed, long and passionate. When they broke apart, both were breathless and near to tears.
After strapping on a quiver of arrows and a pair of twin blades that used to belong to his brother Keldarion to his back, Legolas picked up his long bow and reached for Narasene's hand. Together, they silently walked out of the room and headed towards the courtyard where every one else was waiting.
They all looked up when the Mirkwood prince appeared. After giving it a squeeze, Legolas reluctantly released Narasene's hand. She went to stand beside her uncle. Glorfindel looked down and saw the sad expression on her niece's face, so he put a comforting arm around her back. Narasene leaned ever closer to him, accepting the needed strength and support.
Legolas moved forward to stand near Gimli who grinned back at him, glancing meaningfully at Narasene. Legolas rolled his eyes. The darn dwarf! Ever since he found out about Nara, he can't stop teasing me about her! Shaking his head, Legolas returned the dwarf's smile.
Jaden nodded at the prince when their eyes met. Within the fold of his cloak was a missive from Legolas to his father. Jaden had promised the prince that the king will receive it immediately. The commander had also sworn to look after Thranduil and the Mirkwood realm during Legolas's absence, even though he was a little reluctant to let the prince go. Nevertheless, he knew Legolas was a highly skilled warrior, a deadly sharpshooter, and a person with the strongest will to survive. He can take care of himself, Jaden thought. It took a lot to bring him down.
Lord Elrond began to address the fellowship with words of farewell, wishing them luck and speed. "May your journey be protected by the Valar. We all will pray for your success and safe return."
Soon after, it was time to depart. Gandalf moved first, followed by the hobbits, Gimli, then Boromir who led the pony. Aragorn paused for a few moments to gaze at Arwen and his brothers who stood flanking her at both sides. Arwen looked serene and calmly collected, betraying the turmoil deep inside her. Elladan and Elrohir's faces were impassive, unreadable. But the ranger knew it was hard for them to see him go, the same feeling he had in leaving them behind. With all the willpower he could muster, Aragorn pivoted and rushed after the group that had already crossed the Rivendell Bridge by then.
Legolas was the last to take his leave. He bowed gracefully to Elrond and Glorfindel, and then smiled at Narasene, Arwen and the twins. "Until next time, by Elbereth's will."
"Until next time, your highness," they all replied formally in unison.
Gazing tenderly for one last time at his betrothed, Legolas then turned and walked away.
As soon as her beloved disappeared from her sight, Narasene's face crumpled and she began to sob earnestly. Glorfindel pulled his niece into his arms, stroking her head lovingly. "He will return, Nara. He will return."
Elrond had also pulled Arwen into his embrace; quietly leading her away back into the palace while the other Rivendell elves began to disperse.
Elladan and Elrohir exchanged knowing looks, and then they silently left the courtyard…rushing after the fellowship.
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Aragorn had caught up with the group and positioned himself near Frodo, the Ring Bearer. Gandalf stayed at the front, leading the way, while Legolas became the rearguard for the company. He was about fifty yards away from the group, his keen senses already working in full density.
They had been walking for not more than fifteen minutes when Legolas heard the soft approaching footfalls behind him, followed by someone calling his name. He turned and saw Elrond's sons coming towards him. "Ell? Ro? Is something wrong?"
They both had come to a stop right in front of the prince. But they were suddenly unsure of what to say.
"What is it?" Legolas asked again.
The twins glanced at each other before Elladan finally spoke, "Please look after Estel for us, Legolas, as we will not be there to watch his back."
Legolas smiled. "That I will."
The twins were silent once again. Thinking that they had no more things to say, Legolas then turned to go. But then both brothers grabbed Legolas into their arms and embraced him wholeheartedly, nearly crushing Legolas in their sudden action.
"Forgive us, Legolas!" Elrohir was saying. "We have been treating you badly these last few days."
"I understand…"
"How can you stand us? We had pummeled you to bits and ignored you all the while you're here. We are so sorry for our behavior," Elladan then said.
"Pummeled me to bits? Doesn't that sound too melodramatic?"
The twins pulled away and saw the big grin on Legolas's face. "All right, that sounds too unrealistic. But we still hope you will forgive us."
"There's nothing to forgive. Both of you are still my friends, no matter what had happened," Legolas replied. "Say, did your father give you a lecture or something?"
The twins groaned and simultaneously rolled their eyes. "Not our father, but Arwen, which was even worse!" Elrohir loudly pointed out. "But I guess her lecture couldn't break through Estel. We all know he is as stubborn as you and a mule combined!"
"I hope you will find some way to make peace with him, Legolas," said Elladan. "He is not really angry with you, at least not anymore. It is that darn pride of his!"
Legolas smiled weakly. "Don't worry, guys. I'm sure he and I will be able to settle this matter between us." He put his hands on each brother's shoulder. "Now, you have to promise me one thing in return; look after Narasene for me."
"We will, Legolas. You have our word."
The three embraced once more, tears brimming in their eyes. When they let go, Elladan stared deeply at the Mirkwood prince. "Remember your promise to your brother, Legolas. Don't get killed."
"Yes. Don't expect us to tell him you can't make it to the Undying Land because you're too busy dying here!" Elrohir added, brushing his tears away.
Legolas laughed. "I will return, my friends," he said as he began to walk away. "One way or another, I will return."
TBC….
Short chappie, eh? Evil cliffie in next chapter. I promise.