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The rest of the trip has been brilliant, I can honestly say that for the first time since I've been in Middle-Earth, I'm not thinking about anything else other than the elf I love. Cheesy I know but, hey- I really do.
Since that night at the spring I've felt like I've been on a permanent sugar high, it's weird, and nice. I keep getting butterflies in my stomach when I feel Legolas arms round me or when I wake up in the morning and he smiles at me. I feel like a schoolgirl with her first crush.
I felt what he felt, I could feel the confusion when I cracked a joke about something from home, I could feel his amusement when I failed to do something and started ranting at an inanimate object. I felt his love every time he cuddled me, when he kissed me it felt so intense, it almost made me squirm it was that intense. My body tingled every time he brushed his hand against mine, or hugged me or if he looked at me in a certain way.
I had started noticing certain things about him, his eyes changed colour according to his mood. If he was angry or passionate about something, they would turn dark, almost black. If he was happy they would glow bright blue. If he was confused or thinking they would turn a stormy grey. He kept me fascinated for hours.
I had discovered that his favourite scent, apart from vanilla, was lavender- which I had teased him mercilessly about, for which he got his revenge by reciprocating when I told him that if he wasn't there I still slept with a small teddy that I had found in my bag.
We shared likes and dislikes. We both enjoyed gazing at the stars for hours, and our taste in art were similar. We liked proper art- think paintings by Waterhouse or Constable, NOT any of that so called art, think Turner Prize type stuff. That is NOT art, any four years old could do better than some of that stuff. Sorry- but its not, it's awful. When I'd described Turner type stuff, he'd established the same opinion as me.
Lying awake all night talking and cuddling, and then waking up in his arms and seeing his smile was blissful. I had never felt so…alive.
"Legolas, Thalia", I was pulled out of my thoughts by a very cheerful Erestor.
I hadn't even noticed that we'd come through the gates let alone made it to the court yard.
I leapt off the horse, leaving an amused Legolas behind and threw my arms around Erestor's neck.
"Erestor! it's so good to see you".
"It is good to see you back Thalia, and Elladan did not do you justice. You make a beautiful elf".
I laughed at him, " You don't know where Glorfindel is do you?" I asked.
"Right here yelde" I spun round to see him right behind me waiting for me with open arms. Beside him stood Haldir, the twins, Lindir and Lord Elrond.
I hugged Glorfindel first, then Haldir then Lindir then I was swept up into a joint hug from the twins.
"Arrghhh, guys, I need air" I managed to get out before they squeezed me to death. Instead of putting me down they handed me to Legolas, who stood with an impish grin on his face. He leaned down and kissed me sweetly making a jolt pass through me.
Then he put me down.
It was time to face Lord Elrond, I was not looking forward to this, I had a feeling that by dawn tomorrow I would be lined up and shot.
He smiled at me and opened one arms, indicating for me to walk with him. With one last look at the guys over my shoulder, I joined Elrond.
---
I watched Thalia embrace Erestor from the balcony of my study. She looked radiant. Her hair shining in the warm sun, she stood straight and confident. It was a far cry from the broken young woman we had left behind only ten days ago.
I left the room quickly and entered the courtyard. She turned round as I called to her. A look of delight, filling her eyes as she embraced me.
From the corner of my eye I saw Elrond approach. I had no idea how she was going to react to him. Judging by her current mood I would say that she was prepared to sit and talk to him. But then again, her moods could rapidly change and she could surprise me.
I watched as she embraced everybody with a smile and a kiss. I was mildly surprised when she hugged Lindir fiercely, I had no idea that they were so friendly. I made a note to ask one of them what secrets they had been keeping. Seeing her laugh and joke with the twins brought such relief to me. At moments like these she truly looked like a child, laughing and playing. Legolas made his way down the path from the stables and laughed as Thalia screamed when Elrohir tickled her. Seeing Legolas they handed her to him and he took her in his arms with such reverence and care. The love he felt for her showing clearly for all to see. I shared a grin with Haldir as we observed the couple.
He put her down on the ground and gently pushed her forward as Elrond beckoned to her. Before he left, Elrond nodded at me, that was some comfort, she would be safe, he was a healer and a wise elf and I trusted him to look after my daughter.
"Come on Glorfindel, we still have things to do". Elladan said as he slung his arm around my shoulders.
I smiled as I thought about what we had done over the past few days. We had decorated Thalia's new room for her. She would be pleased with it, I was sure, or rather, they would. Legolas would also stay with her of course, they would have it no other way, and they were practically married now anyway. Sighing happily I turned round and followed everybody back into the house, there were still a few things that need to be put into her room to make it complete. Legolas shot me a confused glance, and I explained to him as we made our way to his new quarters.
---
I desperately wanted to have a bath, I felt dirty and my muscles ached. But I had to talk to him before I did anything else. I couldn't bring myself to look him in the eye. I felt so guilty, I had treated him unjustly and there was no excuse for my behaviour.
"Welcome home Thalia. I am happy that you have decided to return to Imladris…"
"Lord Elrond, I am sorry to interrupt, but I cannot stand here and listen to this. I have treated you unfairly and wrongly and without good reason. The curtsey that you have bestowed upon me was more than generous and I repay you by treating you like…like…a disease or something. It was not fair and it was not right and I don't now how you can stand there and be nice to me, because right now, not even I could be as nice to me as you're being"
I was half proud and half disgusted at myself, I had just not only interrupted him but I had shouted at him as well. I cringed and closed my, waiting for him to hit me or something.
He laughed, his soft melodious laughter rang in my ears. I opened one and cocked my head. What's so funny?
He chuckled and opened his arms to me. "Thalia, Now I see why you and my sons get on so well. I just looked at him.
"You sound like Elrohir, always trying to apologise for things that were not of your own doing. You did what you had to. And at that time you felt threatened…am I right?" I nodded. " you had all the reason to push me away, you didn't want to get hurt again. I understand completely. Look at me Thalia".
right now, I was content to trace the pattern on his robes, I had no wish to look him in the eye. But I did. His quicksilver eyes locked on mine and I couldn't move. I saw his feet and heard the swish of his robes as he stepped forward. I closed my eyes as he lifted my head.
"Open your eyes Thalia". I obeyed.
There was nothing but love and wisdom in those eyes. He knew what he was talking about, after all her was thousands of years old. I gained a new respect for him at that moment.
"Welcome home Thalia, daughter of Glorfindel and beloved of Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood".
I stepped forward and hugged him tightly, he returned the embrace with a chuckle.
"You are like my sons. There will be a feast this eve, to welcome you to your new home, although I do not know how long you will stay here. My daughter will come along to your room in a few hours, I am sure that you will enjoy each others company".
I felt giddy, I was home. And I was starting a whole new life, and I was finally going to meet Arwen, thank god. There are some things that you cannot discuss with males.
Feeling happy I kissed Elrond on the cheek and skipped off through the garden to go and find Adar.