Chapter Six

Rhiannon woke up precisely six hours late the next morning, and immediately remembered last night's events.

"Not going to work today. I absolutely refuse. They can't make me if I tell them that I… am having a mental breakdown. That's it." She picked up the phone and punched in the keys to her office's building.

"Ms. Kirkpatrick? Hi, it's Rhiannon Storms. I'm so very sorry, but I really can't come in today. Could you patch me directly to Mr. Johnson's office?" Anne Kirkpatrick, the mousy secretary who ran the front desk, responded in her soft voice. Rhiannon knew better, she'd seen her make several people cry.

"Rhiannon, dearie! I'm sure it'll be alright with Mr. Johnson if you missed today.. I'll smooth it over with him for you if need be! Are you alright?"

"Oh, I'm fine physically, but I don't know how long it will take to get everything alright… I should really talk to Mr. Johnson, I don't know if I'll be in at all this week."

"That's fine. I can handle the boss, just make sure you everything settled." Rhiannon was surprised at her response.

"You're a lifesaver, Ms. Kirkpatrick. Thank you so much for everything." She hung up the phone, relieved that she wouldn't have to tell her boss about her personal drama. She let herself collapse wearily on her back, covering her eyes with the palms of her hands and moaning.

She heard light scratching on her door and shuffled to her door to open it for Avariel. Instead she was met with Legolas standing there, a tray balanced steadily in one hand and two glasses balanced in the other, Avariel sitting at his feet.

"Lle hanta, Avariel." He spoke as he entered the bedroom and placed the tray on the table next to Rhiannon's bed. He looked at her worriedly.

"Are you feeling better this morning, Silmeamin?" She smiled weakly at him.

"I never knew letting your feelings out could be so tiring. I am better… thank you so much for helping." She blushed.

"I would aid you in any way possible. Do you not have anything to do today?" She gave a satisfied smirk.

"Not anymore."

"How far away are you from the sea?" Rhiannon looked thoughtful.

"About ten minutes… by car, that is." Then she realized who was asking, and looked at him. "Why?"

"I would like to see it."

"I haven't been to the beach in years."

"You do not have to accompany me."

"Yeah, right. Like I'd let you out in swimwear alone."

Two hours later, Rhiannon and Legolas arrived at the beach. Rhiannon laid down the blanket while Legolas propped up the umbrella and left to go to the water's edge. Female bathers raised their heads as he went by. Rhiannon laid on the blanket and watched as he stood perfectly still and just looked over the water. For twenty minutes, he stood there, and finally Rhiannon picked up one of the magazines she had brought to give her eyes and his bum a break. She was in the middle of 'The Right Bathing Suit For Your Shape' when Legolas' shadow cooled her legs. She put down the magazine, pushed her sunglasses onto her nose, and looked at him.
"What is the point of coming to the beach if you do not swim?"

"For the sheer excitement of being here," she replied in a monotoned sarcasm. Legolas held out his hand.

"Come." Rhiannon sighed and stood up, tugging at her lavender bikini, which was sticking to her skin. They arrived at the edge of the water, and the remnants of a wave rushed over their feet. Rhiannon jumped, eliciting a laugh out of Legolas.

"Why do you jump, Silmeamin, it is only linque!"

"It was cold," Rhiannon mumbled. Legolas laughed again, and swept her up, evoking a scream, and walked swiftly into the water until it reached slightly above his waist. As soon as a wave washed in, grazing her bottom, he promptly dropped her. Rhiannon stood, her wavy hair sticking to her head and droplets of saltwater falling from her lashes. She leapt at him, and he caught her in his arms and swung around, plunging her underneath. She wrapped her legs around his and pulled with all her might, and he landed with her. They slowly stood in unison, water traveling in rivulets down their bodies.

"The war has begun, Silmeamin."

Five hours later, Rhiannon straggled out of the ocean after Legolas, and collapsed on the blanket after their tenth trip back to finish their water fight. She turned to him.

"Now you watch how my ass cramps tomorrow." Legolas laughed.

"War does have its casualties." Rhiannon reached up and let the umbrella down to see the stars. Legolas laid beside her and spoke.

"This is what I was doing the last time I was in Middle Earth." Rhiannon turned on her side, propped herself up, and looked at him.

"How much do you miss it?" She asked with a sympathetic tone. He looked at her.

"Not as much as you think I do. There were so many elements to my future at that point, and my life was almost unbearable. Also, there were the callings. Middle Earth is a place where it is not uncommon for wishes made to be granted. There, one does not wish for things unless truly needing them. Since I have come here, I have been so much more relaxed, although completely ettelen. Everything seems better." Rhiannon gave a half smile and laid back down. "Although," he added," I do miss Gimli." He laid a hand on her arm.

"Silmeamin, you are cool to the touch. We should go." He stood and put his hand out, and pulled her up.

Lle hanta : Thank you

Linque : Water

Ettelen : foreign