When Will the Sun Shine Again?
Chapter 18- Discussions
A.N: Yay! 300 reviews, thank you guys it means an awful lot to me, and its great and encouraging that you're still reading even after all the crap I've been putting you through! All your patience will pay of this chapter, just for a little, as a reward for how awesome you are but I won't ruin it yet, so look forward to explanations from Elrohir, Astalders chat with Elladan, and a little chat between our fav Elven couple! All this and mooore! Mwahaha, I hope you enjoy, I'll put the review responses that are relevant at the end of chaps from now on so that you can get straight into the story!
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"Very well brother, explain yourself, this had better be the most convincing excuse you have ever concocted or I may well be tempted to give you a most unelven beating." Elladan slotted his slim fingers together and rested his head on the join, resting his elbows of the table and staring intently at his sibling.
Haldir proffered goblets of wine to the twins and waited expectantly for Elrohir's no-doubt colourful explanation. The trio were ensconced in the Hall of Fire, and the merrymaking had passed out of the building and into the lavish gardens, so the three were left more or less to themselves in the quiet chamber.
"You will be disinclined to believe whatever I have to say, but mark this, I did not wish to agree." Elrohir insisted.
"Really dear Elrohir, then is it not true you have harboured a fondness for the treacherous snake ever since the race in which he saved you from being trampled by your own steed?" Elladan challenged.
"Elladan, Elrohir is not on trial here." Haldir interjected with a raised brow.
"Is he not?" Elladan shrugged, "Tis my duty to ascertain what would possess my dear brother enough to allow a complete stranger of untrustworthy background to take our sisters hand in marriage!"
"Quell your fury for but a moment my hot-headed brother and I shall tell you the entire proceedings." Elrohir said calmly.
When he was met with no further challenge from either of his companions, he began.
"Twas after the competition, perhaps an hour after Arwen had retired with Astalder to talk privately, when he sought me out. We had just returned from our archery and you had left to seek counsel with Glorfindel, when he cornered me and wished to talk in his chambers. I had no reason not to oblige so followed him up there. He talked amicably enough and even offered me a drink and a seat, and he let it be known all his worries and insecurities about Arwen, and Legolas, and the events so far. He seemed sincere and went on to tell me how much he loved Arwen. I knew something felt wrong in the back of my head, and I was prepared to say no when he asked my permission, but the words did not come! It is strange but for a moment I lost myself and agreed, even signing my signature on the paper he offered as proof of my agreement. By the Valar Elladan I swear I meant it not to happen!"
Elladan was silent for a moment, his brows knitted in concentration. After a moment he raised his head, his grey eyes stern and nodded.
"I believe you brother, but that only confirms my fears that Astalder is not all he says and certainly not a match for dear Arwen. When my permission is sought, he shall have it over my dead body."
"Should we warn Legolas of this?" Haldir questioned.
"Nay, he refuses to listen, his heart despairs and I pity his troubles, he will reach a decision on his own and will be swayed by naught. We must trust his heart overrides his mind, though I know not which is the stronger. We shall have our answer ere the setting of the sun tomorrow." With heavy hearts the three sunk into a contemplative silence.
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Legolas was outside the great banquet hall again, sitting on the ledge of the balcony, one leg in front of him and the other dangling freely into the open air on the other side. He stared up at the sky in silence now, the ends of a haunting and melancholy song melting from his lips. His heart was in turmoil but on the outside he exuded elven grace as was expected of him, he wished above all things that-
"That was beautiful." A melodious voice interrupted his thoughts and Legolas turned in surprise.
"Arwen," He smiled, "I didn't hear you come out."
"You are not the only stealthy one brûn mellon (old friend), and I am considerably lighter than you."
"Indeed. What brings you out here, should you not be spending every waking moment with your betrothed?" He spat out the last part, barely containing the bitterness and anger in his words.
"Ah, you have heard. My increasingly bothersome brothers I presume. I had hoped to seek counsel with you before they informed you."
"You wished to break the news yourself to heighten the hurt?" Legolas could not stop the harsh words and tone slipping out.
Although her face was impassive in her eyes Arwen looked just as hurt at this as Legolas did.
"Nay, that was not my intention at all Legolas. I had hoped you would care enough to know that." Her voice was calm but tinged with pain.
Legolas bit back a harsh response as he saw the remorse in his love's eyes. His anger subsided as quickly as it had been roused, and he felt guilty at his strong words.
"No matter what Legolas, I never want to loose what we have between us, I care for you too greatly." She alighted beside him on the ledge, the moonlight falling over her like water and accentuating her flawless face, the stars danced in her eyes and Legolas was intoxicated by her all the more.
The Mirkwood elf sighed and took Arwen's tapered hand.
"This jewel is exquisite." He admitted grudgingly glancing at the ring. "Though it pales in comparison to you." The last part was murmured shyly and he did not dare to meet her gaze, instead focusing on the stars beside her head.
She looked up from looking at the ring into his eyes, locking her gaze with his inescapably, emotion stirring deep within her owns grey depths.
"May I?" He asked shakily, lightly gripping the ring as he wished to examine it.
She nodded and he slipped it off her finger and held it up into the moonlight, though this was unnecessary with his sharp eyesight, he wanted a good look. His azure eyes etched every detail of the ring into his mind and then he lowered it down to his lap, catching Arwen staring at him strangely.
"What?" He smirked slightly.
"I've missed you these past few days Legolas." She said quietly, her bottom lip trembling slightly. He smiled weakly and took her into his arms, holding her tightly as he felt her silent tears stain his tunic.
"As too have I, meleth (love)." His whispered into her raven hair wistfully.
He was the first to pull away, slowly and nervously as she looked up, her face stained slightly with red trails where her tears had slipped down. Legolas smiled softly and bent down, brushing her cheek with his lips where her final tear was trying to slide down. The salty tang was a shock to his senses and he realised with surprise what he had done.
His mind called to him to pull away and make some excuse but his muscles refused to move, his heart pumping in his chest but his eyes locked with hers. Arwen smiled and her hand tightened over his. The two were both trembling slightly but were unaware of the other's reaction, only their own.
With some foreign bravery entwining itself around his heart, Legolas cupped Arwen's cheek with his free hand and leant towards her, catching her lips in his own. Flames of passion ignited between the two and the world blurred out of focus as she deepened the kiss. In some back recess of his mind he could feel her hands wrapped around his neck and straying into his golden hair but he was unaware of aught but their lips melded together, driving him wild with a heat and longing he had never known in all his long years.
After what seemed like a too short eternity they reluctantly parted, but not far. He rested his forehead against hers, their breaths coming out in a heated rush together. He let go of her waist and sought out her hands, taking hold of them tightly and resting them on his lap as they struggled for control of their senses.
She smiled at him breathlessly, no words were needed as he kissed her lightly on the lips again, pulling away quickly for fear they would become entangled again and he knew not whether he would be able to stop.
After a few more seconds, she stood, and he remembered the ring that seemed to be weighing heavily and almost insistently on his leg. He stood too, catching her hand and kneeling on one leg on the stone as he sadly slipped the ring back on her finger.
I had always dreamed I would do this with my own ring, not that of my enemy's. He thought wistfully.
She sighed and stood looking at him for a moment with great intensity, before pulling away and departing as silently as she had arrived, without looking back.
Legolas stared after her, his heart berating him for not following, but then he remembered the kiss and contentment drifted over him, and with a smile he leapt back onto the balcony, a song in his heart. Suddenly he did not feel so melancholy after all.
*
A fresh and clear morning greeted the inhabitants of Rivendell the next morning, and already joyous songs of great harmony wove their way through the air and lightened the moods of all who heard them, and even taking into account the substantial amounts of alcohol that had been consumed the night before, all were friendly and jovial.
'Twas the last day of the week and Astalder knew that he had only today to acquire blessings from Elladan and the bothersome Legolas if he wished to wed Arwen that weekend before the Sheelala festival came to a close and he was expected to depart.
He had seen Lord Elrond the night before and managed to gain permission with great ease, he knew that the remaining two would certainly not give him permission without a struggle, but he felt confident there would be little resistance once he had got his point across.
He had not seen Arwen the night before after the banquet, but he was not worried, his methods of persuasion were not to be taken lightly and he knew Arwen was still safely 'under his spell' as mortal men would say. He knew how strong his charms were, and Arwen would be no different from any other women he had courted.
Even now, Elladan was standing impatiently in his doorway, a look of clear distaste on his handsome features.
"Ah, greetings mellon Elladan, please, come in, we have much to discuss."
"We have naught to discuss Astalder, and I am far from being your friend of any measure." Elrond's firstborn was on his guard and glaring intensely at the Eryn Vorn elf.
"Elladan, that is a most unsuitable way to address your future kin, I would imagine I shall wed Arwen before the week is out."
"Ornin fern rhaw innas garnin gwathel (Over my dead body will you have my sister)." Elladan snarled angrily.
It could be arranged. Astalder thought with a smirk. "Oh, I'm sorry you think that Elladan, truly. 'Tis most disappointing you feel this way. Come, have a drink, you seem so tense, it is not healthy to be so stressed, especially at such a happy time!"
"I am not thirsty." Elladan said dismissively, "and you will never gain my blessing on this match, so my time is wasted here. If you have no further need of me I will take my leave." Elladan made towards the door.
"Elladan, I beg you!" Astalders voice became shrill and desperate, "Please, hear my words, at least give me that courtesy."
Elladan was not convinced but he saw the desperation in Astalders eyes and with a sigh turned back towards him, crossing his arms expectantly.
"Please, take a seat, I won't bite!" Astalder motioned to the bed or the chair by the desk. Being that the chair was nearer the door, that was the one the ebony haired elf chose.
Astalder poured himself and Elladan some wine, and after observing the Eryn Vorn elf drink, Elladan tentatively did likewise.
"Wine brewed right at the boarders of Eryn Vorn, a hint of sour among the sweet gives it a certain something, does it not?"
"Most pleasurable." Elladan said, more lightly, starting to relax now.
"Here, take more, I have stock of the fine stuff in great supply." Astalder smiled and Elladan drained the glass holding it out to be refilled.
"I'm sure once you've heard what I have to say all your fears will be quelled dear gwanur (kinsman, brother)."
Elladan nodded, "I'm sure they will, please, continue." He waved, his wine being replenished as fast as it was being consumed.
"Very well. Now, about your sister…"
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DUM DUUM DUUUUM! Ahem, well, what'd you think? I gave ya a lil bit of the romance in there, the first real taste of it, I hope you think it was okay! On to the reviews.
Catrina: *slaps knee* you and your guesses! I will say that you are half right, and nothing more *zips up mouth* mmf mm fmf *unzips mouth* ahem, thanks for reviewing!
Nebride: They are minging things but I will try not to let them stop me updating from here on in, I went to the Pirates of the Caribbean premiere in London baby, and the Orliness inspired me somewhat, and now with TTT DVD coming out in a couple weeks I'll have all my Leggyness all the time to inspire me, so hopefully the writers block will be gone-gone! I thought Leggy did get pretty angry when he was beating the snot outta Astalder in the contest, but yeah, don't worry, he will get a smack in the mouth sometime, mayhaps Leggy should go postal? I dunno, thanks for reviewing!
Pishymishy: It wasn't too long a wait this time! I know I was making Arwen into a bit of an uber-bitch but I hope you may like her a bit more this chap, the reasons for the annoyingness will become apparent, and worry not, Astalder will get what he deserves, I'm glad I can get you riled up lol, it flatters me that you like the story so much, I hope I don't disappoint you! Thanks for the review!
Erhothwen: Lol, Asstalder, like it! Hope the Elrohir explanation was satisfactory, more will be revealed on this next chap, and mayhaps you are right about Asstalders abilities! Ta for the review!
Kora: Its never usually a disclaimer, usually authors notes, I like to fill me readers in on the goings on ya see? Thanks for the compliments *blush* I never get tired of 'em XD. I'm glad you think I have a good balance, its hard to maintain sometimes but as long as you, the readers think I'm doing okay then that's all I can wish for! Thanks bunches for reviewing!
JDFielding: Ah, never loose hope! I always get around to it, it just takes me ten times as long as most normal human beings! I hope this was to your liking, more on Arwen saying yes in forthcoming chapters. I like to be sketchy and keep the air of mystery! Make it's a lot more fun I think, I love seeing people guess how its going to turn out but I've been dropping hints since the appearance of our favourite Eryn Vorn elf, so I wonder if anyone's picking them up, it might be starting to fall together, but I hope not! It'll make it more of a surprise if you don't. Thanks for the support.
Also- HalandLeg4ever, Aicic Lee, Princess Aranel, Loper, Katiestar, Gionareth and Lady Enelya, thanks for the support it means a lot to me! If you want to ask any questions then just leave 'em in the reviews, thanks to everyone who read and even more who reviewed, I hope to see you all next chappy!
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