I know it's been awhile since I updated but I have a good excuse, I'm planning my wedding which is to happen on December 27Th! It was suppose to be September of next year but the best man is in the army and I want him there so we bumped up the date. I'm nervous, and excited, and tritterey - is that a word?-
Anywho, mega lotsa thanks to Mabby who is going to be my Beta reader now. Thanks to her awesome corrections and suggestions this piece came out a lot better than I thought it could. Now my individual thanks to give out.
Aislin2: I didn't think they arranged marriages either but I thought it might help with the humor I wanted to throw in. one thing I also noticed, after I made the arranged wedding announcement for Legolas, I start to plan my wedding for next month! I swear that was coincidental! As for Lavitz, he had to hear the conversation about himself, I don't think his ego is big enough, riiiiight!
I love it when I can make people laugh, lol! Just don't do what I do, try to eat and read at the same time :o) This chapter is a bit longer, I think.
Mabby: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Did I say thank you yet! Oh and I have to tell you, my role playing pals got a kick that you liked Lavitz the best. To know them better future chapters in a story called A Jumi's Tale will give you the chance :o) I think I'll finish this story first though. I could use a beta reader on the other one… not that I'm hinting at it or anything :o)
D*A*W*N*A*T*EL*L*A: Okay typing your name is work :o) I'm glad you like it so far. I'm hoping I can get this done before the new year.
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The sun glistened above in the blue sky, but light traces could only reach through the trees, giving the place a low glow. Shantel looked around, thinking to herself the name Mirkwood no longer suited the place, it simply wasn't murky enough. Most likely since the war, it has lightened up, less evil, more light, but she wasn't sure. There was no way for Shantel to compare just by seeing it for the first time, but that didn't stop her from coming to her own conclusions.
"It will only be a little longer," Legolas said, taking a step forward, surprising Shantel and Gimli when he whipped out his bow. Spinning, he pointed it directly where Shantel was standing, causing her to freeze in reflex.
"Whoa, Legolas chill," Shantel said, holding her hands in front of her.
"Why do you trespass in these woods?" Legolas questioned.
"Hello? You invited me," Shantel answered, more than a little exasperated, "I'm your friend, remember?"
"Put down the arrow, elf child," A voice behind Shantel said. She jumped not realizing that anyone was behind her and moved to turn around. A hand gripped her shoulder tightly, preventing it.
"Hey!" Shantel exclaimed.
"Who are you?" Legolas demanded. The voice Shantel heard was feminine, husky and deep.
"I've come to ask you where the jumi trio went." The voice asked.
"I can feel power radiating from you, that is a lie," Legolas declared. Shantel could see from the corner of her eye that Gimli had pulled his axe out.
"You are a smart one," The female laughed. "I know where they are at this exact moment. In fact, I was just thinking of getting them a present but I do not know if leaving them your lifeless forms would be good enough."
"You can release your arrow, elf, but this girl would be dead before it struck," the female laughed, and Shantel noticed Legolas's hands tense. He wanted to let the arrow fly. "Perchance another time." Shantel felt herself be pushed forward and heard the swish as the arrow flew over her head. Landing on the ground nose first, Shantel softened the blow enough to simply bruise her hands. Rolling over onto her back, she looked for the woman, but no one was there.
"She disappeared," Gimli said, sounding amazed.
"Apparently all the perils in this world are not yet dealt with," Legolas said, replacing his bow. "Come, let us make haste, she is fast but we may find safety in my father's kingdom."
"Yeah, with that around, maybe your dad will forget that he wants you to get married," Shantel said, getting up and brushing herself off.
"Thank you for reminding me about that Shantel," Legolas shook his head with a small smile and gently pushed her back over.
"Ack!" Shantel jumped back up as Legolas started off. "Get back here you, you, elf, you! Gimli it's not that funny!" Shantel said to the dwarf who was chuckling as she followed Legolas. Towards the evening, they made camp, and Legolas and Gimli stacked the wood Shantel had collected for a fire.
"Are you sure this is wise with that woman out there?" Gimli asked.
"No, it might be best not to have a fire tonight," Legolas nodded and sighed.
"I hate it when you're right," Shantel sighed and rubbed her cold hands together. Legolas took first watch, then when Gimli was waken for his, Legolas went over and laid next to Shantel, trying to help keep her warm. She woke feeling his body shift and smiled, snuggling closer.
"Thanks, Legolas," Shantel said in a yawn.
"No worries my friend," Legolas said. "Here, let me return this to you." Legolas pulled Shantel's ring out and slipped it back on the appropriate finger.
"Oh yeah," Shantel hummed, "Thanks again." And then she drifted back to sleep.
In the morning, Shantel thought it was wonderful treatment they got. Elves from Legolas's kingdom had arrived to escort them to the palace.
"Your father feels you should have an escort home for you and your apparent friends," A golden haired elf said.
"Tuthinel!" Legolas exclaimed, seeing his brother. "Who told you we were here?"
"I received word," Tuthinel said and then gestured. "Who are your friends?"
"This is Gimli, son of Gloin," Legolas said, gesturing to the dwarf. "And this is Shantel, sister to Aragorn, King of Gondor."
"Adopted sister," Shantel added.
"I see," Tuthinel nodded. "Well come and see The Greenwood, you'll find it more peaceful then before Legolas, but there are still dangers about."
"Yes, Greenwood," Legolas nodded. "It will be good to have our home called by that name again. Greenwood is what the forest was called before the dark times befell us." Shantel nodded and followed in the middle of the escort. Not counting Tuthinel or Legolas there were four other elves around, all blond and fair. Mid-day they entered a grove of trees that seemed to head deeper into the ground, artificial light from phosphorous lit the way. Gimli was impressed by the caves, noting that much of it was natural and not manually carved. The hall they were in split off into two halls with a set of double doors in the middle. They reached up high, almost touching the ceiling, at an estimate it was about ten feet tall. A mural of trees and other plants were painted on it with intricate carvings as a border. Two guards were posted there and stepped aside as they saw the elves and company approach.
Opening the doors, the room inside had high ceilings, brightly lit, and beautiful furnishing and paintings lining the walls. Tapestries hung next to the throne, where sat Legolas father, tall and proud. Studying him, Shantel thought that if you made Elrond blond and features a little sharper they could be twins. Legolas stepped forward with his brother and greeted his father in Sindarin, while Shantel and Gimli waited.
"Welcome home," King Thranduil said, standing up and gesturing to Gimli and Shantel to come forward. "Plans for the wedding will continue as planned, two nights from now."
"Father," Legolas said. "That is something I wish to speak to you about."
"No, need," King Thranduil waved his hand. "I am aware she is of your choosing and you are old enough to make your own decisions, though I may not agree with them." Confused looks were passed around the trio.
"Is your father mental?" Shantel whispered to Legolas.
"I'm not sure what to think at this moment," Legolas shrugged.
"Show our guest to their rooms," King Thranduil clapped his hands as two elves beckoned Gimli and Shantel. "By this eve, you should all be settled in and we can talk more over dinner." Legolas followed them to see where Gimli and Shantel would be roomed, before excusing himself to go to his chambers. A few doors down was Gimli's room and Shantel had to laugh when she heard him protesting.
"I do not need to bathe, I bathed barely a week ago!" Gimli shouted. "This is clean!"
"Gimli stop giving the elf a hard time," Shantel shouted from down the hall. "He likes to wash, really."
"Take away all my fun lass," Gimli shouted back, peeking out from around the door. Smiling she stepped into her room and saw that water for a bath was already there in a basin large enough for her to step in. Dropping her book bag, Shantel turned to the elf to thank her but was surprised when she pulled out a measuring tape of sorts and started to measure Shantel.
"What are you doing?" Shantel asked.
"Getting you proper attire," The elf replied. "I am Iteris, I'll be attending to your needs during your stay."
"Were all of you elves taught common tongue?" Shantel asked. She remembered Legolas telling her that many of the elves in his kingdom learned the common tongue but it was rarely used and sometimes not accurate.
"Yes, and in my home we practice daily to keep it fresh," Iteris said then put the tape away. "A gown will be delivered for this eve, but the dress will take a day to complete."
"Okay," Shantel shrugged. "Whatever, a simple dress or gown is fine with me, I don't need anything fancy."
"Oh, but it must be of top quality!' Iteris insisted. "The King and Prince Legolas would want it no other way." Watching Iteris leave, Shantel shook her head. Friends of Legolas sure were considered high rank around here, it seemed. Then she wondered what they were going to make for Gimli to wear.
"A suit and tie if that existed here," Shantel smiled and started to undress for the bath. Stepping into the fragrant water, Shantel sat back with a sigh and then proceeded to clean herself up. Becoming accustomed to short baths, Shantel stepped out, dried and wrapping a sheet around herself and was getting ready to dress back in her normal clothes when Iteris returned with some garments.
"Finished already?" Iteris asked. "Of course it wouldn't be any other way," Iteris laughed.
"Lady elf, you're strange," Shantel said, meaning every word. She didn't understand half of what Iteris meant when she spoke.
"Well I hope that suits you," Iteris handed Shantel the clothes and paused at the door when leaving. "Otherwise they'll have to find another waiting elf for the Lady of Legolas."
"What!" Shantel gasped, but Iteris was already gone. "Wait a second!" Dropping the clothes Shantel ran to the door and peeked out, holding the sheet firmly against her. Iteris was gone but there was another elf passing by.
"Do you know where Legolas is?" Shantel asked. "I have to speak with him." The elf merely pointed and Shantel all but sprinted down the hall whilst looking for his room. A few steps down Shantel cursed herself for leaving her room wearing just the sheet, and was getting ready to turn around when she heard the voice of King Thranduil and Tuthinel. Seeing no where to hide in the hall she was in, Shantel jumped into the closest door and leaned against it, closing her eyes in relief.
"Shantel, what are you doing?" Opening her eyes, Shantel gasped seeing that she was in Legolas's room.
"Of all the luck," Shantel shook her head and then felt some one knocking on the door behind her.
"Legolas, may we enter?" King Thranduil asked.
"Normally he enters," Legolas shook his head. "Shantel, get dressed," Legolas pointed to some of his clothes that were on the bed and then called to his father. "Just a moment."
"I can't believe you just said that," Shantel looked at him and then ran over, grabbing Legolas clothes. While Legolas slipped out the door Shantel dressed and sat on the bed. She figured out what they were thinking, but why? That was what she couldn't figure out.
"Shantel, you can come out," Legolas called from the door. Sighing, she figured they would just have to explain it the first chance they got and that would be that. In the hall, she found the King and Tuthinel with amused looks on their faces. Biting her lip, she couldn't stop the blush that rose on her cheeks from what she assumed they were thinking.
"We'll leave you to your business," Tuthinel said, gesturing for his father to follow. "See you at dinner brother?"
"Yes," Legolas nodded and turned to Shantel. "Sorry, I didn't mean to embarrass you."
"They think that you and I are…"
"There you two are!" Gimli interrupted them as he came down the hall. Dang Gimli and his timing, Shantel thought. "I was getting restless and thought you might show us around, Legolas."
"Sure," Legolas said then looked at Shantel. "As stunning as you look in my clothes, which are a bit too long on you, it might be best if you have your own clothes on. I don't want my father to get any wrong ideas."
"You don't get it do you?" Shantel shook her head. "Fine, I'll change but anything that happens later, and you'll see what I mean, I'll let you deal with it!" Shantel ran back to her room, leaving the confused elf and dwarf standing in the hall.
"What in the world did she mean?" Legolas wondered.
"Who knows?" Gimli shrugged. "You seem to understand her better than I do at times."
Back in her room, Shantel closed the door and picked up the clothes from the floor. A dress, of course always a dress. Slipping it on, Shantel did notice that the borders were trimmed much like Legolas clothes, with silver leaves and vines. Maybe he'll get a clue if he sees this, Shantel thought to herself. Leaving the room, she found the two waiting in the main hall they passed when they first entered. Legolas eyes widened seeing what Shantel was wearing and she smiled.
"Got a clue?" Shantel asked.
"What?" Legolas only shook his head.
"They thing that you want to marry me," Shantel stated simply. As full realization came unto Legolas's face Shantel crossed her arms and waited for him to say something.
"And my father and brother saw you exit my room," Legolas sighed. "Normally that would mean nothing but if he's already thinking that we're…" Legolas paused and turned as Shantel did to look at Gimli, who had started chuckling quietly before deeper laughter emerged.
"Find this funny?" Shantel asked in an annoyed tone.
"Aye," Gimli choked out. "This is some of the best entertainment that I have had in years." Shantel stuck her tongue out at him while Legolas simply shook his head.
"Well, we'll just have to tell them that what they are thinking is not true," Legolas said.
"This ought to be an interesting dinner," Shantel sighed. "But I agree with Gimli, let's get out of here for a bit."
"Follow me," Legolas said and turned to walk out. Gimli was still chuckling, so Shantel walked right behind him, purposely stepping on his heels every now and then.
"Whoops! Flat tire!" Shantel quipped.
"Stop it woman!" Gimli stopped his laughing and started to try and get away from Shantel. She kept right behind him, making the dwarf growl.
"Oops! There's another one" Shantel laughed. Legolas was just about to tell them both to stop as they reached out side when he saw Gimli turn out of the corner of his eye and try to tackle Shantel.
"That's enough, come here!" Gimli jumped at her.
"Missed me, missed me!" Shantel taunted, jumping backwards.
"Damn it elf! Help me!" Gimli pleaded.
"Hey no fair, two against one!" Shantel pouted as Legolas turned as in to assist the dwarf.
"Sure it's fair," Legolas replied. Shantel was watching him the most since he had the best reflexes. "Two males against one female is always fair!"
"Is not!" Shantel called back, and then realized her mistake. That was the opportunity Legolas needed to catch Shantel as he tackled her down into the grass. Gimli ran over and grabbed her hands, holding them above her head as Legolas started to tickle Shantel.
"No! No! No! No fair!" Shantel protested in the midst of her laughter. Legolas ceased the tickling after a few seconds and allowed Shantel to rise. Smiles still graced both of their faces.
"I'm so going to get you two," Shantel threatened. Legolas waved her off nonchalantly and continued to lead them around the wood, pointing out places he played in his childhood, his favorite trees, and remembered the friends he had who had long since departed across the sea.
"I still long for it myself," Legolas whispered, stopping for a moment. His eyes closed regretfully, "Galadriel warned me, but I did not take heed of her advice."
"What were you suppose to do?" Shantel declared, stepping up beside him, "Tell Aragon and everyone, 'Oh! Not going there! I'll walk all alone!' Riiiiight."
"True," Legolas smiled a little. "But it still does not make it any easier."
"Your home is indeed very beautiful," Gimli mentioned out loud. "This only makes me more eager to show you the Lonely Mountain."
"That is one place I think will be great to see," Shantel nodded. "I'm loving it here, but I can't wait to see the Lonely Mountain and the Shire. Those are the two places I really want to see."
"And you will," Legolas said. "Perhaps we will see the jumi again."
"I think that's something I will wait on," Gimli shook his head. "I know they already had a great distrust of dwarves, and I didn't help them on that account."
"It was an accident," Shantel said. "But you should know better than to walk into a girl's room." Gimli only blushed and found the nearby tree real interesting. Quietly exploring, small jests were passed around until it came close to time for dinner. At that moment Legolas ushered both of them back inside to save a few minutes for them to get ready.
"So, are you going to tell them at dinner?" Shantel asked as they walked to the dinning hall together.
"Yes, at the first chance I have," Legolas said. "Which-with my father-can be very difficult at times." Once the three walked into the dinning room, all talk stopped and everyone stared.
"This is creepy," Shantel whispered. "Hi ya'll what's happening?" She shouted at the elves. Talking started back up in a rush, all curious whispers.
"Well, now it is no longer quiet," Legolas said with a grin. Going over to the table where King Thranduil was gesturing them to sit at, he started with casual talk, asking Shantel of how she came to know Legolas.
"I met him in Rivendell," Shantel explained. "It was shortly before the council and I ended up becoming part of the fellow ship."
"So you traveled with them through all the dangers?" Thranduil asked. "Humans usually do not usually let their own travel into such dangers, especially one's sister."
"We're not blood related," Shantel said. "I'm trying to get back home, it just that we can't seem to find a way for me to get back. Aragorn and everyone have all become good friends, he welcomes me as he would a sister to his place if I ever need a place to stay."
"Well, he will not have to worry about that for too much longer," Thranduil said. "The elf maiden I had in mind for Legolas was a childhood friend, but I know I can not detour him from his desires."
"Father, let me explain…" Legolas started.
"No need," Thranduil interrupted him. "You are as stubborn as your mother and I know that I can not change your mind."
"It's not changing his mind you need to worry about," Shantel said. "Legolas and I are…"
"Going to do as youngsters wish, I understand," Thranduil waved them off. "Now do not try to tell me otherwise, Tuthinel saw you put the ring on her finger and sent a messenger to me right away." Shantel and Legolas turned to Tuthinel and gave him a look that said 'you did what?' He simply shrugged with a smile. No matter how the two tried, Thranduil didn't let them finish a sentence about them not wanting to marry each other. Gimli even started to try but ended with the same result. Towards the end of dinner, Shantel stood up.
"I think I have eaten enough," Shantel said, her face pale.
"Do you need help back to your room?" Legolas and Gimli stood up, concerned.
"No, I want to be alone," Shantel whispered. "I'll yak if I stay here any longer."
"What does that mean?" Thranduil asked.
"I'll explain later," Legolas said.
"We know what she means," Gimli said standing up. "She's used that and other strange words around us. Lass I'm walking with you anyway, we don't need you to pass out in the hall."
"I'm coming too," Legolas stood up. Taking position on both sides of Shantel, they walked her out of the dining room and down the hall.
"Are you really going to be sick?" Gimli asked.
"If I stayed any longer I would have," Shantel shook her head. "No offense Legolas, but I don't want to marry you. I know you too well, it's too gross."
"We are not getting married," Legolas reassured her, slinging an arm around her shoulders, "One way or another we'll tell him."
"I hope so, or your father is going to find the meaning of yak first hand at dinner one day," Shantel laughed lightly.
"I'd encourage you not to do that," Gimli said. "We don't want them thinking you're pregnant." Shantel stopped and closed her eyes, wavering a bit.
"Time for you to get to bed," Legolas steadied her. Shantel nodded and let the two lead her to her room.