Chapter 12 : To The Stars
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Legolas hurried from his room to Gwynna's, not bothering to stop by his study. He had had a rough night, and this morning he had woken up with the feeling that something was just not right. His thought had then immediately turned to Gwynna. No… she can't leave me this way!
Gwynna turned in surprise when he burst into her room. "What is it?" she asked.
Legolas let go of the breath he had not known he was holding. "Nothing, nothing," he told her, shaking his head. "How are you today?"
She gave him a bright smile. "I'm feeling all right today, much better than the days before, in fact." Legolas could not stop himself from sighing in relief. She did look much better today. Maybe she was finally getting better? Oh Valar please let her be getting better…
But no matter what he thought, he could not shake off the feeling that something was going to go wrong today.
*&*
Leorian came out of his room to see Legolas and Gwynna already walking out. Gwynna seemed to be in much higher spirits than the previous weeks, and also she seemed to look much healthier. He should have been happy, but his mind brought him back to Morwenna's last day. She had seemed much happier as well, and he had thought that perhaps she was getting better.
Nonsense, he told himself. Gwynna's not Morwenna. Maybe she's really getting better. He shook his head and went off to join Legolas and his daughter.
But no matter what he thought, he could not shake off the feeling that something was going to go wrong today.
*&*
Gwynna had suddenly wanted to go riding, which delighted both Leorian and Legolas. She felt so happy, seeing their bright smiles. And she really did feel better today. That pain in her chest had seemed to recede a little, now just a dull ache, something that she could bear much easier. Maybe the Valar had decided to give her a chance? That thought put a smile on her face.
It felt so good to be riding again. Of course, she was not ambitious enough to suggest letting the horses gallop, but it still felt wonderful to ride on Elenion, and feel the wind in her face. She looked at her father, and Legolas, and thanked the Valar for blessing her with people who loved her. She knew how much they had worried, and even though they tried to keep it from her, she knew how much they fussed. She smiled to herself, thinking about how an Elf maiden had once whispered to her that she had seen Legolas in the kitchens fussing over the food they were going to serve Gwynna. "He has never made such a fuss over such a trivial matter before," the maiden had said. Gwynna had then asked Legolas about it, and he had turned as red as a tomato, but that did not stop him from checking on her food.
They rode for most of the morning, and then went back for lunch (where Legolas mysteriously disappeared into the kitchens again). Although feeling much better today, Gwynna still did not eat much. Food sickened her most of the time these days, and she didn't want to feel sick, not on this lovely day when things seemed to be getting so much better.
"Perhaps tomorrow we could go riding again," Leorian suggested.
"Yes, that is a good idea. And maybe we could bring some food, and then we would not have to return for lunch, but ride for the whole day," Legolas added on.
"That's a good idea." Gwynna smiled. Yes, it was a good idea. If only this ache in her chest would disappear completely. And then she had a coughing fit.
"Well, of course we can't go riding if you aren't feeling well…" Legolas said immediately.
She waved his worries away. "I'm feeling better than I've had for a long time. Maybe tomorrow things will be even better," she said. "And maybe tomorrow I can even challenge you at archery, Legolas," she added mischievously.
Their laughter echoed in the hall, and all who heard it smiled, thinking that Legolas' princess was finally getting better.
*&*
Dinner was a merry occasion that night, with everyone in high spirits. Everyone dined together, and after dinner, someone began to sing, and soon there was much singing and dancing.
Gwynna was beginning to feel tired, having had a full day without returning to her bed, something she had not done in a long time. But she felt in her heart a certain… satisfaction. Today she had been truly very happy, and she had forgotten about her worries. That was something she had not felt in a very long time. She smiled, watching the Elves. Everyone was so happy.
Legolas came towards her, grinning, and held out his hand. "Can you dance, princess?" he asked her, his blue eyes shining brightly. Then a concerned look came over his eyes once more. "Or are you tired? Would you like to return to your…"
Gwynna interrupted him with a laugh, and placed her hand in his. "I am tired, but I think I can manage a dance with a handsome Elvish prince."
Legolas nodded, and led her to the dancers. Gwynna noticed that Legolas did not set too fast a pace for the dance, but she didn't mind. Dancing with him was just so much fun, and she found herself jumping when someone tapped her on her shoulder. "May I step in?" Leorian asked, smiling. Legolas bowed, and stepped back, letting her father take over.
Gwynna laughed once more. An evening with her father, and the one she loved. What more could a girl ask for?
*&*
"I had a really lovely day." Gwynna sighed with contentment, leaning against Legolas' shoulder. She sat between Legolas and Leorian on a bench outside the hall, looking up at the stars, and listening to the laughter and song coming from indoors.
"Yes, I did too. A lovely day indeed." Legolas nodded in agreement. "I would love to have another day like this."
Leorian said nothing, but took Gwynna's hand and squeezed it. She smiled and squeezed his hand back. She looked at the stars again, seeing them twinkling at her, and suddenly said, "I love the both of you, you know. Thank you for such a beautiful day."
"Why…" Legolas began to ask, but Gwynna's eyes were closed, and she was no longer bound to her body, but flying up to the stars.
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NOTE: Well… here's kinda the end I think I'll have something like an epilogue… yup yup.