In the proceedings of the Gathering since the Dark Elves arrived, everyone had been asked to speak in the Common Tongue so that all could understand each other with relative ease and not too much difficulty. This was all right, since these delegates were generally the most well-traveled elves in their respective nations, and they were wise in the way of languages.
But unfortunately, even this did nothing to create a greater harmony between the elves of the east and the elves of the west. At dinner they sat apart, and in all other things there was a degree of cultural segregation that Elrond and his goodwill endeavors could not sweep aside. He sat now contemplating this problem that continually plagued him. There was something else too; something he saw coming with dread.
He knew he had to meet privately with Teregith and Gilithtor, to discuss certain touchy matters, and this anticipation did not please him. But a good time had not yet presented itself. Sighing, he folded his hands to lean his forehead against them.
Laughter came from beyond the closed door of Elrond's study suddenly. He raised his head as a red-faced Elladan and Legolas burst inside.
"Ada! Why do you sit up here all alone, growing older and grayer with your troubles? Come! Come down into the great hall! The musicians from Mirkwood are playing again, and Ada, there's dancing!" Cried Elladan. Legolas nodded too, grinning broadly.
Wearily, Elrond rose. "My son, you have been too long with the wine, I see…" Nevertheless he attempted a smile.
However, the young dark-haired elf saw the sorrow in his eyes that he could not hide and all at once the grin faded. Looking between them, Legolas knew that father and son were about to speak of things meant only for their ears. So, with a polite bow, he took his leave. "I hope to see you both anon soon!"
Elladan waited for the door to close completely behind him, then he let himself sink into a chair. His sigh was heavy with many unuttered things.
"What is it?" His father inquired. Then, "I disappoint you, don't I." It was more a statement than a question. An apologetic comment. Again, he attempted a wan smile.
Dark brows drew together as Elladan looked at his father. Mixed emotions played across his face and for a long moment he could find nothing to say.
"Oh Ada, nooo…" He breathed at last. "But I cannot bear to see you so sad. So sad… It would break mother's heart if she could see it, and it's breaking mine." His eyes shook and gleamed as they searched Elrond's face.
It broke. Hurriedly, the old elf lord turned away. He was still proud, it seemed… He did not want his son to have to see him like this, in a moment of extreme weakness. He was alone. Elrond shuddered, and he squeezed his eyes shut. Alone… Alone…
But he wasn't. The spell was undone as he felt strong arms close around his shoulders. "Ada… Ada…" Elladan's voice. It seemed so youthful to his ears, as though no time had passed; as though he weren't a full grown elf anymore, but was an elfling again. Elrond knew the truth though. This was Elladan, his grown son that had earned a name of glory for himself through his own deeds of valor and honor. Thus, with more than a little trouble, he resisted the strong urge to return the embrace of his son.
"I want only for you to be happy, Ada. You know that." The younger elf said very softly. Then he moved away, leaving Elrond in a crushing silence.
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Chibi Legolas: Goodness, sad… And that's the new chapter for now! ^_^ It seems the real Gathering inspired me to write more! :-D It was so great. ^_^ Ironically, I named this story before I even knew of the one in Toronto… I guess it seems only fitting that it is the first one I update afterwards.
Take care everyone! If I don't update again before Christmas (I'm getting a job ,), have happy holidays everyone! Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Blessed Yule, a great Kwanzaa, Holy Ramadan, and a fabtabulous New Years! :-D
But unfortunately, even this did nothing to create a greater harmony between the elves of the east and the elves of the west. At dinner they sat apart, and in all other things there was a degree of cultural segregation that Elrond and his goodwill endeavors could not sweep aside. He sat now contemplating this problem that continually plagued him. There was something else too; something he saw coming with dread.
He knew he had to meet privately with Teregith and Gilithtor, to discuss certain touchy matters, and this anticipation did not please him. But a good time had not yet presented itself. Sighing, he folded his hands to lean his forehead against them.
Laughter came from beyond the closed door of Elrond's study suddenly. He raised his head as a red-faced Elladan and Legolas burst inside.
"Ada! Why do you sit up here all alone, growing older and grayer with your troubles? Come! Come down into the great hall! The musicians from Mirkwood are playing again, and Ada, there's dancing!" Cried Elladan. Legolas nodded too, grinning broadly.
Wearily, Elrond rose. "My son, you have been too long with the wine, I see…" Nevertheless he attempted a smile.
However, the young dark-haired elf saw the sorrow in his eyes that he could not hide and all at once the grin faded. Looking between them, Legolas knew that father and son were about to speak of things meant only for their ears. So, with a polite bow, he took his leave. "I hope to see you both anon soon!"
Elladan waited for the door to close completely behind him, then he let himself sink into a chair. His sigh was heavy with many unuttered things.
"What is it?" His father inquired. Then, "I disappoint you, don't I." It was more a statement than a question. An apologetic comment. Again, he attempted a wan smile.
Dark brows drew together as Elladan looked at his father. Mixed emotions played across his face and for a long moment he could find nothing to say.
"Oh Ada, nooo…" He breathed at last. "But I cannot bear to see you so sad. So sad… It would break mother's heart if she could see it, and it's breaking mine." His eyes shook and gleamed as they searched Elrond's face.
It broke. Hurriedly, the old elf lord turned away. He was still proud, it seemed… He did not want his son to have to see him like this, in a moment of extreme weakness. He was alone. Elrond shuddered, and he squeezed his eyes shut. Alone… Alone…
But he wasn't. The spell was undone as he felt strong arms close around his shoulders. "Ada… Ada…" Elladan's voice. It seemed so youthful to his ears, as though no time had passed; as though he weren't a full grown elf anymore, but was an elfling again. Elrond knew the truth though. This was Elladan, his grown son that had earned a name of glory for himself through his own deeds of valor and honor. Thus, with more than a little trouble, he resisted the strong urge to return the embrace of his son.
"I want only for you to be happy, Ada. You know that." The younger elf said very softly. Then he moved away, leaving Elrond in a crushing silence.
____________---------------------____________-------------------_____________
Chibi Legolas: Goodness, sad… And that's the new chapter for now! ^_^ It seems the real Gathering inspired me to write more! :-D It was so great. ^_^ Ironically, I named this story before I even knew of the one in Toronto… I guess it seems only fitting that it is the first one I update afterwards.
Take care everyone! If I don't update again before Christmas (I'm getting a job ,), have happy holidays everyone! Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Blessed Yule, a great Kwanzaa, Holy Ramadan, and a fabtabulous New Years! :-D