Disclaimer- once again- I own nothing!!!!!!!!
I'm so sorry – I've been re-reading the story and my spelling is atrocious, especially the last chapter. Sorry.
Thanks to all those who reviewed!
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So far the day had been busy. I'd spent the morning with Elrond, trying to organise Thranduil and Eloria's arrival. I didn't know it would be so hard. Luckily, they already had a room, apparently, they visit quite often. But, the room was looking a bit, well…last century. So I had to pick out new paint and cushions and a bedspread and all the other things that go in a bedroom. And then of course all the accessories needed to be replaced. That was exhausting.
After doing that, Elrond had sent me down to the kitchens to draw up a menu for the feast. That is what I'm doing now. And the head chef wasn't working with me.
"Well, what about chicken?" Chicken was good, everybody likes chicken so I was guessing that it was a safe bet.
"No, we only eat chicken on special occasions"
I had the sudden urge to smack my head against a brick wall. I'd already been through this over many other things.
"Well, do you recommend?" I asked, trying to be nice.
"Venison"
"What! No absolutely not!"
"Why not?"
"Because I said so thats why not"
He rolled his eyes at me.
"What about rabbit?" he asked.
I actually thought about this. It seemed pretty safe, and I didn't have to eat it. And they were in great supply here, so there was no way of severely depleting the population.
"Ok, we can do rabbit"
He looked relieved.
"Ok what about fruit?" I was beginning to hate this.
We went through a huge list of items and in the end, we actually had a good feast.
I looked down at the list that I had to show Elrond. It was written in Elvish, and it was coming along quite well if I do say so myself.
Erestor was a patient teacher, and as long as I worked, we had a good time. It was amazing- he could go from teacher to person without any distinction. He was scary in teacher mode, and he was bossy.
Unfortunately, while I was writing the list, I got kinda bored and started to doodle on the paper. There were now smiley faces and weird eyes and stuff, drawn all over. Oh well.
Next stop Elrond.
I hadn't spent much time with Thalia since our arrival in Imladris. Events had prevented us from talking privately. She seemed alright. But still, there was something that she was hiding.
I was currently sat underneath a tall oak tree in the gardens, enjoying the peaceful air, for in a few days there would be no chance of getting some peace. Whenever I had been here while Thranduil was here, the entire air of the house changed. It became more jovial than usual. And I know that things are going to be interesting.
I lifted my head and scanned the open corridor for the source of the singing.
Much to my delight it was Thalia. She looked different. Her hair sparkled in the sun and her pale blue dress whipped around her legs as she ran over to me. She had changed so much.
Still clutching a pile of papers she threw herself on the ground and hugged me.
"Hiya Haldir"
"Hello"
"So, what you doing all alone?"
"Nothing"
We sat, leaning against the tree, each trying to think of something to say. Even our greeting seemed to be somewhat forced. I frowned and looked at her.
"So. How are you?" she unexpectedly asked me
"I am well Thalia. It has been a while since we last spoke, has it not?"
"It has. Ugh- what are we doing? What's wrong with us, it never used to be like this" she almost shouted, her frustration breaking through her collected surface.
"We were once truthful with each other" I said
I did not wish to say it, but it had to be spoken. Neither of us were well, and both of us were determined to keep it a secret.
She frowned at me and creased her eyes, she was debating with herself.
"You're right. I was lying. But what were you lying about?"
"Oh no. You said it first therefore you have to explain first"
She laughed, it was guarded.
"I'm scared"
"Of what?" I pushed her.
"Everything's changing"
"The world changes, situations change. There is no way to control it"
She lay down and rested her head in my lap.
"I know. But…it's hard. I can't seem to make any sense of anything. Nothing feels right, nothing seems to going my way and I feel like I'm just this…thing and I'm just along for the ride. I can't stop it and I can't do anything in it. I feel like a spectator in my own life. And quite frankly, it's not only annoying, it's bloody ridiculous"
"Nervous?"
Her eyes immediately locked onto mine and her hands stopped playing with the fold in her dress.
She shrugged and grinned at me.
"Ok, ya got me. Yes. I'm nervous. I don't know how to do this. It's too much all at once"
I resisted the urge to laugh and instead lifted one knee, making her sit up and shift onto my chest. She sighed and picked up my hand, playing with my fingers.
"Nervous about meeting your new family or seeing your mother?"
She sighed unhappily.
"Both. I want to see mum. But I'm so scared that she won't want me anymore. I'd understand. But I want her back. It won't be the same as before, but it'll do me just fine"
"Of course she'll want you. Now you are just being irrational"
She laughed softly.
"Yeah. I guess you're right"
She sat up and looked me in the eye.
"So. What's wrong Haldir?"
I knew I wasn't going to get of this one.
"To be honest. Much the same as you in a respect. We have grown apart these last weeks Thalia. And I must confess that I do not like it. I miss your company sister"
I had said it. My eyes swept over her face, so many emotions were held in her azure eyes.
She nodded her head in understanding.
"I know. We have haven't we? Well. I fully intend on remedying that. I see no reason why we should not see each other. After all. As you said we are brother and sister. And besides, nobody would dare question you mr marchwarden"
I laughed at her childishness.
"Indeed"
I lifted her up and stood, brushing the strands of loose grass from my clothes. She looked at me, laugher clear within her eyes.
"I swear, you can be so vain sometimes"
"I am not vain, I am merely…"
"Vain" she finished.
"Shut up Thalia"
"Kay"
I rolled my eyes at her and we started off into the house.
"What are you up to?"
She looked down at the papers before answering
"Oh. This is a list of the food that will be served at the feast. Elrond said I could organise it"
"Oh no"
"Hey. I resent that. I think I've done a very good job"
"Alright"
"Hey!"
It had been only a few hours and she was already back. I had only just gotten rid of my argumentative sons and I had hoped for at least ten minutes of peace before anybody else disturbed me. She and Haldir had once again made sure that I would not be getting any rest.
I had given her a few, creative tasks to complete in the hopes that she would be gone all day. It wasn't that I did not enjoy her company, but I was trying to organise a surprise for her, however, due to the many interruptions, I had not managed to even start the preparations.
She knocked on my door after saying goodbye to Haldir.
"Come in"
She bounded into my study with all the energy of an elfling. I raised an eyebrow but otherwise kept my mouth closed. I did not want to spoil her mood. She was rarely this happy.
"Ok. I've done what you asked. I picked out the paint, and accessories to match and I organised the feast"
I was genuinely impressed. She had done all that in less than a day.
"I congratulate you, you have done well"
Thalia snorted with laughter. I looked at her in question.
"Sorry, you just reminded of this little dude called Yoda"
I had no idea what she was talking about, so I just nodded to acknowledge her words.
She walked up to my desk and peered at me with curiosity.
"Are you ok? Cos, you look a little sick, or maybe you're just tired. You know you should go get some rest"
I shook my head wearily.
"I am tired. Having two extremely bored sons constantly coming in and out whenever they feel like it and Glorfindel is not making things any better"
She grimaced a little and came and sat on the edge of my desk next to me.
"What's he done now?"
"Nothing. I did not mean it like that. I am just a little…impatient at the moment. Thranduil's arrival is usually such a joyous occasion. However this time I feel like I had a lot of added pressure"
"What do you mean?" she asked quietly
"If I am honest Thalia. I do not know what I mean"
She nodded and then shook her head. She hopped down, grabbed my hand and began pulling me towards the door. I did not fight her, she was doing what she felt was right, taking control of a situation. I know that she has been feeling powerless lately and to fight her would only cause her more distress. And after all, this young woman may be right.
She nearly dragged me through the corridors, earning us some very amused looks from passing elves.
We reached my room and she threw open my door and dragged me into the room, ordering me to take off my outer robe.
She then stood I front of me, hands on her hips, as I had seen mothers do to children. She then told me to get into bed as she walked over to the drapes and closed them. She came over and sat on the bed next to me. Making me feel like an elfling again.
She looked at me and neither of us could help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation.
"I'm an idiot. Sorry Elrond. But you really should get some rest"
"You are not an idiot. I have been meaning to ask you, what exactly is an idiot?"
"Oh right. And idiot is someone who gets things wrong all the time and always manages to make a fool out of themselves"
"Well in that case. You are definitely not an idiot. You are a caring young woman who wishes nothing but to take care of people, and at this moment, I am your chosen victim"
I managed to get the reaction that I was wishing for, she laughed, the laugh of someone that at this moment was free of everything but her concern for somebody else.
"I guess I'll see you at dinner then"
She quickly embraced me and then disappeared out of the door.
I can't believe that I just did that. I have just tucked an elven lord into bed. What was I on today? I swear these elves need to check their mushroom supplier cos they're making me weird.
I stooped I my tracks when I heard the sound of a fanfare indicating the arrival of somebody of stature.
I turned around and made my way to the yard. As I walked through the corridor I spotted Erestor.
"Erestor! Wait up"
He stood still and waited for me to reach him.
"Who's here?"
"King Thranduil and Queen Eloria have arrived early"
"OH"
"I have to go and meet them, I cannot find Elrond anywhere. Luckily Glorfindel was nearby and greeted them upon their arrival. I have to go, I will see you at dinner"
"Uh huh"
My mind whirled at speeds that I had never contemplated before. It was like suddenly discovering that there was a five o'clock in the morning- it was just wrong!