A/N: I know that elves generally are not very affected by heat or cold, but they do sense it, and sometimes it is beyond their abilities to deal with it. Also, it seems like a lot of long reading in this chapter, but I beg you to read it and not skim it. Important stuff.
Chapter 19- Sunrise
6 Súlimë, Year 9 of the Fourth Age
Emlin walked soundlessly through the large stone corridors, trying to remember the maze that was her new home. It had been nearly a fortnight since she had arrived in the White City, but she still managed to get lost every time she tried to go somewhere by herself. She had actually grown quite aggravated by it, as she had never had this trouble learning the ways of Lórien as a babe and also because there were some less than helpful guards standing about.
Emlin really did not like the one that usually stood near Aragorn's study during the day. He had bright, piercing blue eyes which were in stark contrast to his straight, dark hair. A single pink scar ran down his left cheek and was very visible, even in the low light of the hallway in which he stood guard. Each time she had to pass him, she felt his eyes on her body, as though he were appraising her attributes. Emlin would pause and turn to look at him, only to have him quickly turn his head back to the wall in front of him, but that scar would twitch slightly on his cheek as he tried not to smile to himself. At that point, she always felt completely dirty and in need of bathing herself, and was always glad when she turned the corner away from him. It was of special indignation with herself, also, when she took a wrong turn somewhere else along the way and had to walk by him.
But today, it appeared she had chosen her turns wisely and the air around her was slowly growing more drafty and cooler against her skin. All of the royal living chambers were centered in the palace of the Citadel, to keep the heat easier enclosed where it was needed rather than escaping out cracks in the walls or open windows. Emlin did not particularly like the fact that her room had no windows to look out of and even found, that at times, she felt like a prisoner amongst the cool stone. It was definitely not like living in Lórien amongst the trees or in Imladris where there really were no more than one solid wall to a room.
Arwen had told Emlin that in the warmer months it was her choice to whether or not she chose to move to one of the outer rooms of the palace, however the chamber of the King and Queen remained in the same room as it was already on the outskirts of the palace. Emlin had found this particularly odd, considering that she thought the rulers of Gondor would be safer within the heart of the building, but Arwen also had a story for that. It was said that the powerful Kings of old had designed the Citadel in such a way for two reasons. The original design came about because the reigning King had young children and a wife he loved dearly. He wished to keep them protected more than even himself, and ordered that his wife's and children's' chambers would be on the inside of the palace. Emlin found this quite a lovely and heart warming reason, even though she could not picture a King of old doing such a thing. A second reason was that the King had wished for a way to make a fast escape outside onto the balcony to look over his city and enjoy the fresh air. Arwen had smiled at this point and sighed, saying that she thought that to be the Elvish blood still remaining in the bloodline of the Kings from her father's brother, Elros, who had chosen the way of Men.
Emlin had been ready to switch rooms as soon as Arwen had said this, but remembered that there were still many guests inhabiting these rooms for the short durations of their stays. At least she knew her way around enough to make it outside. She came out on the gardens, startled by the freeze in the air and the thin layer of white on the once green grass. It was late in the season for snow to fall from the sky, and even more peculiar that it would fall so far south in Middle-earth at such a late time, but it did not matter to her. All that mattered to her was that now in the early morning sky, half dotted with stars in the still midnight blue of the West, and pale blue-purple in the East with the rising sun, the light snowfall was turned to glistening white, making even the white stone of the city seem black in comparison.
She was glad that she had decided to come out here this morning. The air was cool and clear in her lungs, and the crispness felt good on her face even though she felt slightly chilled elsewhere. It had been a only a day after the masquerade that Valandir had woken her very early, albeit from a fitful rest, and insisted that she follow him. She had been half aware of what she was doing until they stepped out into the garden and he guided her to an open area on the level, where you could stand in the middle and see in every direction and where the sun first gleamed as it came over the mountains. Breathtaking was not a word that she used to describe such a place until she realized that they were not alone. Many of the other elves who were in attendance of Minas Tirith were also there, greeting the new morning. Valandir had said this was the place where the elves, those of woodland descent anyway, gathered many mornings to great the new day.
Emlin could feel the morning come alive as she stood there, and a new feeling of vitality surge through her body. Maybe that was why the elves enjoyed the spot so much- it allowed for them to once again renew their spirits until they could no longer chose to sail West. Whatever the reason, no mortal or immortal, hobbit or dwarf would be able to deny the power they felt overlooking the land like this.
Once again, she found herself in this spot, gazing into the East and wrapping her arms over her chest to help shield herself from the chilling breeze. However, this day was different. She was the only one to arrive. Her parents and the rest of the Imladris party had left the previous morning, much to her utter anxiety. She had been so ready so ready to go and explore the different places of her land... so ready to be an adult... that she had forgotten one thing. She had forgotten that her parents would no longer be a few rooms away. Her mother would no longer be there with her never-ending supply of witticisms and useful advice, and her father, ai her father, would not be there to protect her with his bow and sword.
That had been the last thing Emlin expected of herself upon their departure. With her mother, she was sad to see go, but she knew that they would always have a sacred bond as mother and daughter. But with her father, Emlin could not even express the sadness she felt to say goodbye to him. No matter how many disagreements they had or the number of other problems between, Emlin could not deny the love she had for him and how proud she was to call him Ada. In her earlier years she had been ungrateful for all that he did, not only for his family, but also for the whole of the realm. But in the past few, she had realized just how wonderful her father was. He was loyal to his family and to his rulers. He was strong and tough when times presented themselves for these needs. He was quick and not the least bit dull-minded. He was honorable and restrained... and a million other adjectives for those words. At anytime in his life he would serve and defend anyone who deserved it, and he would do it to his last breath if need be. She only wished now that she had spent more time with him talking rather than arguing all these long years.
Emlin looked at her father now within a new image. She saw what her mother had bound herself to many years ago. Emlin could only hope that when she married... if she ever married... she would find someone like her father, maybe a little less on the arrogance, but still with the same wonderful qualities.
In a few short days, Emlin had found that Valandir held many of these qualities, but there was one thing that was slightly disconcerting. He was very sly, and almost to a point where he could fool anyone into believing him, but that made him no less honorable. She had found herself caught in this trap many times, and anyone who knew of things she had thought true because of his words, would call her gullible. Emlin smiled slightly to herself as she remembered a few of those instances. She /I been very gullible, but she blamed that on the fact that her mind was unable sort out all that was going on around her.
She found Valandir to be very much to her liking, and was seriously considering his advances. On the other hand, however, she had been in a state of constant turmoil over Legolas from the moment he had laid his lips over hers. It had been so confusing for her; it was not that she had been kissed oh so passionately and that she enjoyed it and that what she felt was not a normal want. It was because she had been unable to read him. That could have been Legolas' one fault- being too honest and readable, but she would much prefer that over Valandir's sly tactics.
Since she had met him, Emlin was always able to tell what was going through his mind by the expressions he wore on his face and the emotions in his intense eyes, but from the moment she had looked at him the night of the masque, he had been impassive and detached. Even when Aragorn and Arwen announced that they would be gifted with a child in the coming year, Legolas had shown no joy, as to where the other men and elves summoned to the meeting exchanged their congratulations, and even mirth-filled condolences to the King. As a matter of fact, the only time in the previous days she felt any amount of emotion was when he kissed her. That had to be good, right? If she ignited in him a fire once more? But why had he pushed himself away from her and said the kiss was a mistake? Did he not wish to be whole again and happy? Or at least angry at someone or something? That would at least show he was not completely dead on the inside.
Personally, Emlin had wanted Legolas from the moment she saw him come from behind that tree in Lórien, and even more so after he had steadied her after she tripped over his quiver. He had spoken to her then and called her 'lovely one', sweetly naming her Aiwamin. Even after the run in with her father, he still had treated her in such a way, as if she were his queen, and would talk to her on end about all things she inquired. She had learned about Mirkwood, his duties in his father's court, of the world outside of Lórien, even of the highly sensitive nature on the journey he had been on. Emlin had felt special that he would speak so openly with her, and had thought at the time that maybe he did wish to court her, but even she had to admit she was not ready for that. She had been very young then, though now she was here in Minas Tirith, grown, and very much wiser than she had been before. Why did he not continue with his pursuit of her? Why did he shy from her presence whenever she entered the room? Why...?
A banner caught high in the strong morning breeze snapped loudly above her, and Emlin was pulled out of her deep thoughts. She had completely forgotten about the sunrise and had not noticed that a soft cloak had been slipped around her shoulders. How had she missed that? A cloak on her shoulders? Emlin, now startled, turned quickly to the right to look for the culprit, but the green cloak fell from her left shoulder. Emlin quickly repositioned it, realizing that without it, it was very cold. Looking around her again, she could see no other elf or human standing around her. Who would come and leave her such a gift without speaking to her?
The smell of the thin, but warm, velvet was particularly enticing to her senses, though, and she closed her eyes for a moment to take in the new glistening morning and the scent around her. She liked this very much. If only she could duplicate it and capture it in a bottle for later use. Emlin smiled to herself, sufficiently full of her sunrise, and started back the way she had come. Nearly to the dining hall, she found Valandir coming down a connecting hallway and he called out to her. She stopped and turned to him. "Good morning, Valandir."
"I bid you good morning as well, fair lady." He smiled and bowed to her before placing a kiss upon her cheek. "Have you by any chance seen my rather absent-of-late lord?"
Emlin shook her head, "As you say, he has been very absent."
Valandir looked at her oddly, and cocked his eyes up. "Are you sure of that?"
"I am very sure that my sight is of the sharpest quality, Valandir." She spoke dryly, "And if I am not mistaken, it was not my employment to keep watch of him."
"True, it was not." Valandir nodded his head. Emlin could not know how she felt it, but she could feel Valandir's interest of her slowly starting to recede. He sighed, "But you are wearing his cloak."
Emlin looked down at the forest green velvet oddly, and in her heart and mind, she had known it had been Legolas who had done this, but still did nothing for the element of surprise that washed over her. "I am?"
"Where is he, Emlin?" Valandir sighed again, but this time disappointedly. "Did you spend the evening with him?"
"I know not where he is, Valandir, and I do not like the insinuations you are making." Emlin replied defensively. "As I recall, I was with you for a great while in the library reading old, boring scrolls."
He paused, and sighed heavily, nodding his head. "Please forgive me, Emlin. I did not mean to imply you would be promiscuous."
"Though, I definitely mean it when I imply that you are jealous." Emlin smiled slightly, but she found herself looking back down at the cloak covering her, and breathing in the scent. It was Legolas' scent.
Valandir chuckled, "I am a jealous elf, I must admit, and also selfish. If I had my way, you would not be anywhere I was not."
"But you do not have your way, because that is oppressive." Emlin replied and looked into his eyes, "I was outside this morning watching the sun rise, but the next I knew, this cloak was around me and I was alone."
"When I find him, I will return it for you." Valandir said, reaching for it.
Emlin brushed his hands away from her and held the clasp about her throat tight in her hand. She could not bear to part with such a garment so quickly. Not one with Legolas' scent, and one that was given in pure care for her well being, the giver obviously never having expected to be thanked for such a thing. "No, Valandir, when I next see him I shall be the one to give it to him. He deserves my gratitude. It was very cold outside this morning and I was ill-prepared."
Valandir nodded, "Very well. If you see him before I do, please tell him that he is expected in a council with Faramir and Aragorn in an hour. It is about a trade embargo of some sort."
"I will." Emlin said quietly, not knowing if she would even be able to speak coherently around Legolas the next time she was in front of him. She glanced up at Valandir and afforded him a soft smile, "Will you be there as well?"
"I suppose it is my duty." Valandir chuckled, "But I will definitely be at the practice field this afternoon for our appointed lesson."
Emlin giggled and nodded her head, "I will be there, Valandir."
"And if you are not, I will send my henchmen out to find you." He threatened and turned on his heels, walking away quickly in the direction she had come. Emlin watched him retreat and felt a heavy sigh come from her lips as she removed the cloak from her shoulders. She folded it and lifted it to her nose one last time... so enticing... and held it to her chest. Maybe if she held it just long enough, he would appear out of thin air and fill the cloak.
For a few days she had thought about using Valandir to get to Legolas, but Emlin knew she did not have the skill, deceptiveness, or the ability to be so cruel to one wonderful ellon. And Valandir was just that. Wonderful.
She had not realized she had spent so long standing there until she heard someone clear their throat beside her. Emlin gazed up into the hollow blue eyes of the elf she truly wished to be with. "Hannon le, Legolas, tirn nin."
He smiled slightly and took the proffered green cloak from her hands, his long fingers gently brushing hers as he did this. Legolas sighed, "You were in such deep meditation, I did not wish to pull you from it. But I could tell that you were cold."
"How could you tell if I was cold when I was cut off from the world in a dream?" She questioned.
Legolas' smile grew wider at this, a twinkle appearing in his eye. Emlin smiled inwardly, so glad to see him smile again. It was such a sight to see him smile. "I will tell you some other time, mellon."
As happy as she had been with his smile, she sighed heavily to herself at the word 'mellon'. A long, uncomfortable silence passed between them until she finally said, "I will hope for that, mellon."
"Emlin?!" They both turned at the call from down the hall. Valandir was striding quickly back to them, and Emlin wondered if he had really gone looking for Legolas or if he had stayed close to watch her.
"Oh yes, I was to tell you there is a council with Aragorn and Faramir." Emlin said quietly. "I nearly forgot." Valandir quickly towed Legolas away and Emlin watched them leave.
Valandir was wonderful.
But Legolas was magnificent.
----
Hannon le- Thank you
tirn nin- my guardian
Chapter 19- Sunrise
6 Súlimë, Year 9 of the Fourth Age
Emlin walked soundlessly through the large stone corridors, trying to remember the maze that was her new home. It had been nearly a fortnight since she had arrived in the White City, but she still managed to get lost every time she tried to go somewhere by herself. She had actually grown quite aggravated by it, as she had never had this trouble learning the ways of Lórien as a babe and also because there were some less than helpful guards standing about.
Emlin really did not like the one that usually stood near Aragorn's study during the day. He had bright, piercing blue eyes which were in stark contrast to his straight, dark hair. A single pink scar ran down his left cheek and was very visible, even in the low light of the hallway in which he stood guard. Each time she had to pass him, she felt his eyes on her body, as though he were appraising her attributes. Emlin would pause and turn to look at him, only to have him quickly turn his head back to the wall in front of him, but that scar would twitch slightly on his cheek as he tried not to smile to himself. At that point, she always felt completely dirty and in need of bathing herself, and was always glad when she turned the corner away from him. It was of special indignation with herself, also, when she took a wrong turn somewhere else along the way and had to walk by him.
But today, it appeared she had chosen her turns wisely and the air around her was slowly growing more drafty and cooler against her skin. All of the royal living chambers were centered in the palace of the Citadel, to keep the heat easier enclosed where it was needed rather than escaping out cracks in the walls or open windows. Emlin did not particularly like the fact that her room had no windows to look out of and even found, that at times, she felt like a prisoner amongst the cool stone. It was definitely not like living in Lórien amongst the trees or in Imladris where there really were no more than one solid wall to a room.
Arwen had told Emlin that in the warmer months it was her choice to whether or not she chose to move to one of the outer rooms of the palace, however the chamber of the King and Queen remained in the same room as it was already on the outskirts of the palace. Emlin had found this particularly odd, considering that she thought the rulers of Gondor would be safer within the heart of the building, but Arwen also had a story for that. It was said that the powerful Kings of old had designed the Citadel in such a way for two reasons. The original design came about because the reigning King had young children and a wife he loved dearly. He wished to keep them protected more than even himself, and ordered that his wife's and children's' chambers would be on the inside of the palace. Emlin found this quite a lovely and heart warming reason, even though she could not picture a King of old doing such a thing. A second reason was that the King had wished for a way to make a fast escape outside onto the balcony to look over his city and enjoy the fresh air. Arwen had smiled at this point and sighed, saying that she thought that to be the Elvish blood still remaining in the bloodline of the Kings from her father's brother, Elros, who had chosen the way of Men.
Emlin had been ready to switch rooms as soon as Arwen had said this, but remembered that there were still many guests inhabiting these rooms for the short durations of their stays. At least she knew her way around enough to make it outside. She came out on the gardens, startled by the freeze in the air and the thin layer of white on the once green grass. It was late in the season for snow to fall from the sky, and even more peculiar that it would fall so far south in Middle-earth at such a late time, but it did not matter to her. All that mattered to her was that now in the early morning sky, half dotted with stars in the still midnight blue of the West, and pale blue-purple in the East with the rising sun, the light snowfall was turned to glistening white, making even the white stone of the city seem black in comparison.
She was glad that she had decided to come out here this morning. The air was cool and clear in her lungs, and the crispness felt good on her face even though she felt slightly chilled elsewhere. It had been a only a day after the masquerade that Valandir had woken her very early, albeit from a fitful rest, and insisted that she follow him. She had been half aware of what she was doing until they stepped out into the garden and he guided her to an open area on the level, where you could stand in the middle and see in every direction and where the sun first gleamed as it came over the mountains. Breathtaking was not a word that she used to describe such a place until she realized that they were not alone. Many of the other elves who were in attendance of Minas Tirith were also there, greeting the new morning. Valandir had said this was the place where the elves, those of woodland descent anyway, gathered many mornings to great the new day.
Emlin could feel the morning come alive as she stood there, and a new feeling of vitality surge through her body. Maybe that was why the elves enjoyed the spot so much- it allowed for them to once again renew their spirits until they could no longer chose to sail West. Whatever the reason, no mortal or immortal, hobbit or dwarf would be able to deny the power they felt overlooking the land like this.
Once again, she found herself in this spot, gazing into the East and wrapping her arms over her chest to help shield herself from the chilling breeze. However, this day was different. She was the only one to arrive. Her parents and the rest of the Imladris party had left the previous morning, much to her utter anxiety. She had been so ready so ready to go and explore the different places of her land... so ready to be an adult... that she had forgotten one thing. She had forgotten that her parents would no longer be a few rooms away. Her mother would no longer be there with her never-ending supply of witticisms and useful advice, and her father, ai her father, would not be there to protect her with his bow and sword.
That had been the last thing Emlin expected of herself upon their departure. With her mother, she was sad to see go, but she knew that they would always have a sacred bond as mother and daughter. But with her father, Emlin could not even express the sadness she felt to say goodbye to him. No matter how many disagreements they had or the number of other problems between, Emlin could not deny the love she had for him and how proud she was to call him Ada. In her earlier years she had been ungrateful for all that he did, not only for his family, but also for the whole of the realm. But in the past few, she had realized just how wonderful her father was. He was loyal to his family and to his rulers. He was strong and tough when times presented themselves for these needs. He was quick and not the least bit dull-minded. He was honorable and restrained... and a million other adjectives for those words. At anytime in his life he would serve and defend anyone who deserved it, and he would do it to his last breath if need be. She only wished now that she had spent more time with him talking rather than arguing all these long years.
Emlin looked at her father now within a new image. She saw what her mother had bound herself to many years ago. Emlin could only hope that when she married... if she ever married... she would find someone like her father, maybe a little less on the arrogance, but still with the same wonderful qualities.
In a few short days, Emlin had found that Valandir held many of these qualities, but there was one thing that was slightly disconcerting. He was very sly, and almost to a point where he could fool anyone into believing him, but that made him no less honorable. She had found herself caught in this trap many times, and anyone who knew of things she had thought true because of his words, would call her gullible. Emlin smiled slightly to herself as she remembered a few of those instances. She /I been very gullible, but she blamed that on the fact that her mind was unable sort out all that was going on around her.
She found Valandir to be very much to her liking, and was seriously considering his advances. On the other hand, however, she had been in a state of constant turmoil over Legolas from the moment he had laid his lips over hers. It had been so confusing for her; it was not that she had been kissed oh so passionately and that she enjoyed it and that what she felt was not a normal want. It was because she had been unable to read him. That could have been Legolas' one fault- being too honest and readable, but she would much prefer that over Valandir's sly tactics.
Since she had met him, Emlin was always able to tell what was going through his mind by the expressions he wore on his face and the emotions in his intense eyes, but from the moment she had looked at him the night of the masque, he had been impassive and detached. Even when Aragorn and Arwen announced that they would be gifted with a child in the coming year, Legolas had shown no joy, as to where the other men and elves summoned to the meeting exchanged their congratulations, and even mirth-filled condolences to the King. As a matter of fact, the only time in the previous days she felt any amount of emotion was when he kissed her. That had to be good, right? If she ignited in him a fire once more? But why had he pushed himself away from her and said the kiss was a mistake? Did he not wish to be whole again and happy? Or at least angry at someone or something? That would at least show he was not completely dead on the inside.
Personally, Emlin had wanted Legolas from the moment she saw him come from behind that tree in Lórien, and even more so after he had steadied her after she tripped over his quiver. He had spoken to her then and called her 'lovely one', sweetly naming her Aiwamin. Even after the run in with her father, he still had treated her in such a way, as if she were his queen, and would talk to her on end about all things she inquired. She had learned about Mirkwood, his duties in his father's court, of the world outside of Lórien, even of the highly sensitive nature on the journey he had been on. Emlin had felt special that he would speak so openly with her, and had thought at the time that maybe he did wish to court her, but even she had to admit she was not ready for that. She had been very young then, though now she was here in Minas Tirith, grown, and very much wiser than she had been before. Why did he not continue with his pursuit of her? Why did he shy from her presence whenever she entered the room? Why...?
A banner caught high in the strong morning breeze snapped loudly above her, and Emlin was pulled out of her deep thoughts. She had completely forgotten about the sunrise and had not noticed that a soft cloak had been slipped around her shoulders. How had she missed that? A cloak on her shoulders? Emlin, now startled, turned quickly to the right to look for the culprit, but the green cloak fell from her left shoulder. Emlin quickly repositioned it, realizing that without it, it was very cold. Looking around her again, she could see no other elf or human standing around her. Who would come and leave her such a gift without speaking to her?
The smell of the thin, but warm, velvet was particularly enticing to her senses, though, and she closed her eyes for a moment to take in the new glistening morning and the scent around her. She liked this very much. If only she could duplicate it and capture it in a bottle for later use. Emlin smiled to herself, sufficiently full of her sunrise, and started back the way she had come. Nearly to the dining hall, she found Valandir coming down a connecting hallway and he called out to her. She stopped and turned to him. "Good morning, Valandir."
"I bid you good morning as well, fair lady." He smiled and bowed to her before placing a kiss upon her cheek. "Have you by any chance seen my rather absent-of-late lord?"
Emlin shook her head, "As you say, he has been very absent."
Valandir looked at her oddly, and cocked his eyes up. "Are you sure of that?"
"I am very sure that my sight is of the sharpest quality, Valandir." She spoke dryly, "And if I am not mistaken, it was not my employment to keep watch of him."
"True, it was not." Valandir nodded his head. Emlin could not know how she felt it, but she could feel Valandir's interest of her slowly starting to recede. He sighed, "But you are wearing his cloak."
Emlin looked down at the forest green velvet oddly, and in her heart and mind, she had known it had been Legolas who had done this, but still did nothing for the element of surprise that washed over her. "I am?"
"Where is he, Emlin?" Valandir sighed again, but this time disappointedly. "Did you spend the evening with him?"
"I know not where he is, Valandir, and I do not like the insinuations you are making." Emlin replied defensively. "As I recall, I was with you for a great while in the library reading old, boring scrolls."
He paused, and sighed heavily, nodding his head. "Please forgive me, Emlin. I did not mean to imply you would be promiscuous."
"Though, I definitely mean it when I imply that you are jealous." Emlin smiled slightly, but she found herself looking back down at the cloak covering her, and breathing in the scent. It was Legolas' scent.
Valandir chuckled, "I am a jealous elf, I must admit, and also selfish. If I had my way, you would not be anywhere I was not."
"But you do not have your way, because that is oppressive." Emlin replied and looked into his eyes, "I was outside this morning watching the sun rise, but the next I knew, this cloak was around me and I was alone."
"When I find him, I will return it for you." Valandir said, reaching for it.
Emlin brushed his hands away from her and held the clasp about her throat tight in her hand. She could not bear to part with such a garment so quickly. Not one with Legolas' scent, and one that was given in pure care for her well being, the giver obviously never having expected to be thanked for such a thing. "No, Valandir, when I next see him I shall be the one to give it to him. He deserves my gratitude. It was very cold outside this morning and I was ill-prepared."
Valandir nodded, "Very well. If you see him before I do, please tell him that he is expected in a council with Faramir and Aragorn in an hour. It is about a trade embargo of some sort."
"I will." Emlin said quietly, not knowing if she would even be able to speak coherently around Legolas the next time she was in front of him. She glanced up at Valandir and afforded him a soft smile, "Will you be there as well?"
"I suppose it is my duty." Valandir chuckled, "But I will definitely be at the practice field this afternoon for our appointed lesson."
Emlin giggled and nodded her head, "I will be there, Valandir."
"And if you are not, I will send my henchmen out to find you." He threatened and turned on his heels, walking away quickly in the direction she had come. Emlin watched him retreat and felt a heavy sigh come from her lips as she removed the cloak from her shoulders. She folded it and lifted it to her nose one last time... so enticing... and held it to her chest. Maybe if she held it just long enough, he would appear out of thin air and fill the cloak.
For a few days she had thought about using Valandir to get to Legolas, but Emlin knew she did not have the skill, deceptiveness, or the ability to be so cruel to one wonderful ellon. And Valandir was just that. Wonderful.
She had not realized she had spent so long standing there until she heard someone clear their throat beside her. Emlin gazed up into the hollow blue eyes of the elf she truly wished to be with. "Hannon le, Legolas, tirn nin."
He smiled slightly and took the proffered green cloak from her hands, his long fingers gently brushing hers as he did this. Legolas sighed, "You were in such deep meditation, I did not wish to pull you from it. But I could tell that you were cold."
"How could you tell if I was cold when I was cut off from the world in a dream?" She questioned.
Legolas' smile grew wider at this, a twinkle appearing in his eye. Emlin smiled inwardly, so glad to see him smile again. It was such a sight to see him smile. "I will tell you some other time, mellon."
As happy as she had been with his smile, she sighed heavily to herself at the word 'mellon'. A long, uncomfortable silence passed between them until she finally said, "I will hope for that, mellon."
"Emlin?!" They both turned at the call from down the hall. Valandir was striding quickly back to them, and Emlin wondered if he had really gone looking for Legolas or if he had stayed close to watch her.
"Oh yes, I was to tell you there is a council with Aragorn and Faramir." Emlin said quietly. "I nearly forgot." Valandir quickly towed Legolas away and Emlin watched them leave.
Valandir was wonderful.
But Legolas was magnificent.
----
Hannon le- Thank you
tirn nin- my guardian