A/N: Before I begin... there has been some debate over whether Nindë (or any elf for that matter) would actually do such a thing as thinking about killing another of her kind for such a trivial issue. When I wrote this, it was intended to mean that even though she thought about such things, she did not intend to do such things to Haldir or Indilisse in the previous story. However, when pushed to a breaking point, there are things that not even a millennia and half walking to earth could stop. Think of Galadriel and almost taking the ring from Frodo. Granted, it was the all-powerful ring, but it still tempted Galadriel who is "wisest and most fair" and also the oldest among her people on Middle-earth, who knew of the dangers of the ring. Picture Nindë's need to succeed her ring.
Chapter 25- Councils and Journeys
They left the chamber quickly after that, Emlin remembering that she still had not visited Arwen yet this day. The world around her was different now, though, in the way things smelled and the way she saw thingsor heard things. It was all so clear to her. Before she had been closed off a great amount, living her life selfishly and for no one greater cause, but with the admittance of mutual love, it had all changed. Now she looked at Legolas and felt as if he would be by her side through anything, leading her or letting her lead, to the end of this world and into the next. She knew she could conquer anything as long as Legolas was by her side.
For once in her life, she felt oddly content, and yet not content with everything. She wanted more with him than just a few meaningful words and soft kisses. She wanted to experience other things like the adventures of having a family. Though that thought made her grimace slightly. There had been some point in time that she remembered her father saying that he hoped her children would be exactly like she was when she younger. Emlin had laughed it off then, thinking it rather funny, but now she was worried. Sure, if a marriage was to happen, it would not for a great deal of time, but would the curse still hold true? If it did, then raising children would definitely be an adventure.
Hopefully their children would be more like their father... wait, she closed her eyes for a moment and blushed. Their children? They had only just admitted their mutual admiration. They were far, far away from marriage if that was what their end would be.
Emlin glanced up at him and sighed. What was he thinking? How did he feel changed now? Did he even feel anything different? Maybe it was just relief that he had gotten the burden off of his chest? She could not decide, but she did know that he was acting rather confident, even for Legolas. He walked straighter than she had seen him do in along time, his chest was puffed out slightly, and he held her arm securely in his own. Legolas seemed the pillar of strength as if nothing could ruin what he had now. Nothing at all, not even bad news like certain foul elleths.
Maybe that was how he had changed. Maybe she made him more confident, more prepared, to face anything that could be thrown in their direction. Emlin realized that Legolas was now gazing down at her from the corner of his eye, and she remembered that she had been gazing for a rather long time up at him. She giggled lowly and turned her head, blushing slightly. He chuckled lowly and she nudged him, "Do not make fun of me, Legolas."
Legolas sighed and pulled her closer, though kept her at a respectable arms length so that the constant prying eyes of the high court did not develop too many rumors about them. That was one thing Emlin had learned quickly. If there was even so much as whisper about anything, it spread like a wildfire throughout the high folk and then down to the lower levels.
"I had no intention." He replied with a smile.
"This is all so...so..." Emlin trailed off, unable to find the right word.
"Odd? Unusual? Peculiar?" Legolas laughed, "Trust me, I know exactly what it is you are feeling. I have not walked anywhere with an elleth whom I have been in love with."
Emlin sighed lightly and turned her eyes ahead of them again. They came upon the Queen's study, and Emlin lifted her hand to knock on the door of the antechamber. While they waited for an answer, Legolas turned to her, taking her in his arms again, placing a light kiss on her forehead. "I must go, dear Emlin. There is to be council with Aragorn."
"Then you should go." Emlin replied, "Why are you still with me?"
"I was making sure that you were safe on your journey to your lessons." He smiled brightly and pulled away from her, turning to walk down the corridor swiftly.
Emlin chuckled, "It is not during the journey that I needed protection, it is actually in my lessons."
Legolas turned to her and smiled again, nodding towards the door. Emlin glanced to her side and found Arwen standing there, beside her handmaid. Arwen sighed, "Well, since I am such a bore, then maybe you would like to teach me today?"
"Arwen..." Emlin said lightly and shot a glance toward Legolas, who was pretty far down the hallway, though she knew he was still glancing back every so often and was in hearing distance. She hoped he would catch her evil glare.
Arwen laughed, "Do not worry, I take no offence. It is the despicable elf who dropped you here who is the one to blame."
Emlin smiled slightly, "How can you be friends with such an elf?"
"That is the question of the age." Arwen replied, and let a mischievous smile cross her features. "But with that I must ask how you can love such an elf?"
A deep blush spread over her cheeks, and she could feel burning actually envelop her entire face. She knew that, without a doubt, Arwen would see the change between them, but it made no difference for her embarrassment. What of everyone else? Would they be so perceptive as Arwen? Would she have to relive this blush and embarrassment Elbereth knew how many more times this day?
Emlin looked into Arwen's knowing eyes and shrugged, "That is the real mystery."
Arwen placed her arm around Emlin's shoulders and guided her into the antechamber of her study, and finally back into the main study, sunlight streaming in through the side windows and bathing the room in gold and warmth. She motioned for Emlin to sit in her usual chair across from where Arwen usually sat, lounging on a pillow-covered chaise. The handmaid soon appeared with the usual teas that they shared while they went over the lessons of the day. They shared a few long moments of silence, sipping the steaming tea before Arwen placed the cup and saucer on the table beside her.
"What will it be today, Arwen?" Emlin questioned. "History, healing, or general discussion of court practices?"
"None of those." Arwen sighed, "We both know that you are very well versed in the history of this world. That is very much a credit to your mother and father. Your healing skills have come to you naturally, and Ioreth says there is nothing more she can teach you. I truthfully can only teach you two more spells, but not while carrying a child. They are long and complicated and take very much energy. You have learned healing faster than any pupil I have ever seen my father, grandmother or even myself teach. You are truly gifted."
She sighed. Emlin had been afraid of this. Healing just came so naturally to her, because it was her path in life to take, but now she had no reason to be in the court of Elessar and Arwen. Where was she to go? Was she to return to Imladris so soon? Emlin replied humbly, "Thank you, Arwen."
"Nay, I thank you." Arwen smiled. "You have been a most valued help this past month, and I have heard your praises from a few of the townspeople."
"I have only helped cure a few breathing sicknesses." Emlin said.
Arwen sighed and nodded her head. "And that brings us to court practices. I have taught you small bit of what you should know. Diplomacy and tact are the only things that transfer throughout any kingdom. However, it is different in Elven lands than it is done here in Minas Tirith."
"I understand not what you are trying to say." She said, looking at Arwen for a long while.
"Your parents will not like me much after this, but," Arwen paused and sat up, "I wish for you to travel with Legolas to Ithilien. There are elves there that can teach you more Elvish things. They are fine elves, though a great deal of them are of Mirkwood and have no trade except for celebrating."
Emlin laughed at her, not really letting the fact sink in that Arwen was sending her away with Legolas. "Do they have skilled healers there?"
Arwen smiled, "Aye, they do, but it is not necessarily what you will learn in Ithilien that I am concerned about. There is a journey planned in a month's time to Mirkwood for the Summer Festivals. Legolas' mother, who has been in the Grey Havens for sometime now, will be traveling back for the festivals, so it is sure to be a more than grand event. That is why Legolas has planned to travel to Mirkwood."
"And he has agreed to allow me to come?" Emlin questioned.
"It is not a matter of him agreeing, Emlin." Arwen chuckled, "It is a matter of calming him down from the excitement of showing you his home after Aragorn tells him of my ideas."
Emlin smiled sheepishly and sighed, "You will not be going?"
"Nay, I have things I must attend to here in Minas Tirith with Aragorn." Arwen replied, "But I wish you to know that if something rather important is to happen, then I shall be there for you, come Melkor or high water."
"I do not think Aragorn would be too pleased with that." Emlin laughed., but quieted quickly when she thought of the meaning of Arwen's words. Would Emlin find herself wed to Legolas that quickly?
Arwen chuckled and sipped her tea, "He will forgive me, and believe you me, he would not miss one of his most cherished friend's weddings."
That was when it hit Emlin. Without the words, it seemed like nothing really frightening, but with the word 'wedding' hanging in the air, it hit Emlin like a large boulder being dropped on her head. What did two people do when they were in love? Of course they married... but would it really be that soon? "But why would you wish me to go to Mirkwood, with the possibility of marriage not counted upon in the reasoning?"
"The Queen of Mirkwood, Tuilindë, is a gifted healer. She learned alongside your grandmother." Arwen explained, "And she can also give you advice on the running of Mirkwood's courts. I know Legolas will probably never see rule in Mirkwood, but he runs Ithilien much like it."
Emlin nodded her head, "But I always thought that the Queen had passed over seas or into the Halls. Legolas, in all our conversations long ago, never really spoke of her."
Arwen smiled, and let out a long sigh. "I will leave that story for Legolas or his parents to tell."
"Is it a sorrowful one?" Emlin questioned.
"Nay, far from it." Arwen chuckled, "Just ask Legolas of it. He will speak to you now."
Emlin sighed dreamily and drank the rest of her tea. "At least we can hope he will speak to me now."
That drew a loud laugh from her teacher, "Trust me, Emlin, he will never be quiet again. You will soon see what I mean, especially once you are wed."
She did not know if she was supposed to take that as a warning or not, but Emlin really did not care. There were too many other things on her mind right at the moment to be worried about Arwen's comment. Emlin smiled and tried to contain her excitement as she remained sitting in her seat. Arwen must have picked up on this because she smiled and said, "Why do we not take a walk, and on the way you can change into your practice outfits and grab your weapons? We have yet to teach you archery."
"This time I will be able to pay more attention." Emlin replied, "Last time Valandir was quite unnerving."
Arwen smiled, "Aye, yes, but it worked in knocking some sense into Legolas, did it not?"
"What do you mean?" Emlin questioned.
"What if I were to tell you Valandir and I were in league with each other so we could make Legolas see what he was feeling, but had yet to take notice of?" She questioned innocently as they started out of the study.
Emlin scoffed, "I thank you, but it would have been nice to know so I could have not had to worry for Valandir's feelings."
Arwen smiled and said nothing more as they continued out of the room and into the corridor. Emlin glanced at her still timeless face and sighed. She was like a mother, sister and friend all rolled into one person, and she had never expected such things with the Undómiel. However, she was glad to call her friend.
Legolas sighed to himself as they broke the council later that evening, still no closer to an answer than they were when the sun was just crowning in the sky. The sky outside the windows was a dark midnight with the slightest tinge of day still hanging on in the west and a net of stars shining brightly across the moon-lit sky. He was so glad to be out of that roundabout council. There really was nothing they could have done about the insurgence of radicals, and it was apparent that they were horribly unorganized, so the decision was made to let the issue rest for a bit and to send scouts out to see what was happening in their lands. And that had taken the entire day...
However, during a brief recess in the meeting, Aragorn had pulled him aside and spoken to him about a plan Arwen had concocted for Emlin to travel with him to Ithilien and then to Mirkwood. That had been the only thing to break up the monotony of the day. Legolas had been completely shocked that Arwen would already think he would do such a thing as take Emlin across Middle-earth for a festival. It would have been different if their intentions were to be wed during that time. But then he paused, Aragorn laughed at him, and Legolas realized that Arwen was planning for that exact thing to happen.
It actually seemed like a very good idea, but he was not sure that it would be good to ask Emlin this so soon. But really, where would she expect things to go? Just to stay where they were? Surely Emlin knew what he intended all along by admitting love. She was not dim-witted. She knew how things worked in the world.
But in a way, it frightened him greatly, even though this had been all he wanted for the longest time. It was so easy, just to ask her to be his wife and then to start a family with her. Though, it was not so easy when you thought of how young she was, and probably not really ready for a large step like that... much less about the fact that he still had much to learn about the adult Emlin. And then... and then... he still had to speak to Haldir about this. Indilisse would not be a problem to win over, but Haldir definitely would be after what had happened, besides the fact that he was very protective of his daughter.
Legolas sighed to himself. If nothing else, he wanted to introduce her to his mother. He wanted to show his mother, and especially his father, what an amazing elleth he had found. The thought of his mother sent a wave of excitement through him. He would finally be able to see his mother again. Oh how he could not wait!
He cut through the gardens, as it was a quicker trip to his chambers, and probably to Emlin, but he did not have to go any further than the open, flet-like platform overlooking the land. It was the one that was used mainly in the mornings by the visiting elves, and seemed to hold a special fixation for Emlin. She stood in the center, bathed in the soft moonlight, gazing up at the evening sky as the wind blew across her face, ruffled her loose golden brown hair, and whipped at the skirt of her gown, making the lavender material billow pull about her legs.
"What did I do to deserve this?" He asked quietly, and he figured so no one could hear, but Emlin turned her gaze to him and smiled. Legolas needed no more of an invitation to join her as she walked over to a nearby carven stone bench and sat down. He joined her quickly and sat beside her, as they gazed up at the stars in silence. A great while passed and eventually they ended up so that Legolas was resting his back against a side railing and Emlin was resting against him. He took to playing with her silken hair as she continued to look up at the sky. Really, he was content just to watch her.
"I miss Lórien." Emlin mused quietly. "I miss the trees mostly, but also the wonderfully warm feeling you have while you are there."
He looked down at her, "You do not feel that here?"
"This is Man's dwelling place." Emlin replied, "I do enjoy it a great deal, but I also miss the beauty of Elven lands."
"As do I, Emlin." Legolas said, "We will one day travel West, and there we will be in the finest Elven land of all."
She sighed and repositioned herself so that she could look up at him, "I know, but there are still Elven lands I have yet to visit here on Middle-earth."
He chuckled lightly, "I do have a feeling that this has something to do with a journey Arwen must have told you about."
"Not completely." Emlin giggled. "I am only thinking about such things and missing Lórien."
Legolas smiled and ran a finger down her cheek to her chin. "I would be more than elated if you would choose to join me on my journey to Mirkwood, Emlin."
"I had no doubt you would." She smiled and rested easily back against him. Silence passed between them again until she glanced back up at him, "You never told me that your mother still walked Middle-earth."
"Did Arwen tell you the entire story?!" Legolas exclaimed and chuckled. "She can be quite the gossip sometimes."
Emlin laughed. "She did not tell me much, only that your mother was traveling back from the Havens to Mirkwood for the Summer Festival."
"She is to return, and I cannot wait until you are able to meet her." He replied. "She is very much like you."
"Why was she at the Havens?" Emlin questioned.
"When my father first noticed the growing shadow on the land, and with talks of the evils that awaited us just at the other end of our forest, he grew fretful." Legolas explained. "It was not until the news of Lady Celebrían passing into the West did my father really become worried, as my mother frequently traveled about. With the darkening right upon our door step, he told her to go to the Grey Havens, where it was far reaching, even for the Dark One's arm. If it did stretch that far, then my mother would still have a chance at escape since she was at the harbors."
Emlin nodded her head as she listened intently, "Did she go willingly?"
Legolas laughed and shook his head, "Elbereth, no! She was the most stubborn elleth ever, and stayed as long as she could, trying to prove to my father that she could stand beside him in battle. She very well could have, but my father cares for her too much, and sent her away."
Emlin laughed, "She does sound like me."
"And I like my father, correct?" He questioned.
"I do not know, would you make me leave if we were in the same situation, Legolas?" She asked.
Legolas was quiet and kissed her hair, resting back to look down at her. "So there she resided for the better part of five hundred years, while we sat and waited for Sauron to gain his power. That is how the betrothal with the Princess of Lindon came about. Father often journeyed to the Havens to visit my mother, so it allowed him and Círdan a good amount of time to concoct that plan."
She chuckled and sighed. "Apart from the betrothal bit, I find that whole story rather romantic."
"Why do you say that, Aiwamin?" He asked.
"Because your father loved your mother so much that he would send her away for such a long while, just so evil did not touch her." Emlin replied, looking dreamily up at the stars.
"I actually think it was because he could not tolerate her having better battle plans than he." Legolas said, but regretted it when he received a hard smack to his shoulder.
Emlin pouted and sat up, "You ruin a perfectly wonderful story, and expect me to like it."
He laughed, sitting up as well and looking at her. "He loves her more than anything else in Arda. I think he would even sacrifice his jewels and hoard for her."
"You think?" She questioned.
"I am not sure. My father loves his jewels a great amount." Legolas remarked, brushing away a piece of hair that had fallen in her eyes. He could barely believe that she was his, and that he could call her his love. "But that does not matter..."
Emlin smiled and leaned over, brazen enough to initiate a kiss before he did. However, though it was intended as a sweet, tender kiss, it quickly turned into one filled with lust and passion as he delved deeper into her mouth and the pressure of his lips upon hers was forceful. She accepted this change in pace, and he felt her hands move to his shoulders and grip tightly as he laid her back on the bench. His hands found her hair and his fingers wrapped around in it. Emlin sighed against his mouth as he soon departed, and moved his ministrations to the tip of her right ear. She whimpered lowly, especially as his hands now moved of their own accord toward the swell of her breasts, but the reality of the moment shot through him like a hot poker on his skin.
He lifted himself so that he was supported over her with his hands on either side of her head. Legolas watched her as they both struggled to catch their breath and slow their rapidly pounding hearts. He had to take this slow. Slow, for Elbereth's sake! But was it not torture enough that he had waited elven years for a moment like this that he could seize and use to his advantage? Legolas let out a long breath and met her eyes, "We cannot do this yet, Emlin."
She whimpered lightly in response, her hands finding the skin beneath the tunic he wore, but was accessible through the openings between the closures. "Why not?"
"Because, meleth." Legolas said, closing his eyes, regaining his restraint and quelling the growing desire that had to be evident by now. "I said I would be your teacher, and this is not how first lessons are taught- rushed and spontaneous. They are planned and slowly executed, so that you might learn something along the way. However, I would not be too heartbroken if you learned nothing but what it feels to be pleasured."
Emlin's eyes had grown wide a few times as he spoke, and it almost seemed as if she was now uncomfortable with the situation. She sighed and bit her lip, "I suppose you are right, but I may have to have a few goblets of wine before hand to calm my nerves."
Legolas smiled slyly, "A few maybe, but we shall see when the time comes."
"And when will that be, so that I may plan." Emlin asked.
"You will know in plenty of time, meleth." He responded, kissed her again before removing himself from the bench and helping Emlin up to her feet. Legolas gazed down at her and sighed... this was going to be the longest journey of his life without having known her intimate touch.
Chapter 25- Councils and Journeys
They left the chamber quickly after that, Emlin remembering that she still had not visited Arwen yet this day. The world around her was different now, though, in the way things smelled and the way she saw thingsor heard things. It was all so clear to her. Before she had been closed off a great amount, living her life selfishly and for no one greater cause, but with the admittance of mutual love, it had all changed. Now she looked at Legolas and felt as if he would be by her side through anything, leading her or letting her lead, to the end of this world and into the next. She knew she could conquer anything as long as Legolas was by her side.
For once in her life, she felt oddly content, and yet not content with everything. She wanted more with him than just a few meaningful words and soft kisses. She wanted to experience other things like the adventures of having a family. Though that thought made her grimace slightly. There had been some point in time that she remembered her father saying that he hoped her children would be exactly like she was when she younger. Emlin had laughed it off then, thinking it rather funny, but now she was worried. Sure, if a marriage was to happen, it would not for a great deal of time, but would the curse still hold true? If it did, then raising children would definitely be an adventure.
Hopefully their children would be more like their father... wait, she closed her eyes for a moment and blushed. Their children? They had only just admitted their mutual admiration. They were far, far away from marriage if that was what their end would be.
Emlin glanced up at him and sighed. What was he thinking? How did he feel changed now? Did he even feel anything different? Maybe it was just relief that he had gotten the burden off of his chest? She could not decide, but she did know that he was acting rather confident, even for Legolas. He walked straighter than she had seen him do in along time, his chest was puffed out slightly, and he held her arm securely in his own. Legolas seemed the pillar of strength as if nothing could ruin what he had now. Nothing at all, not even bad news like certain foul elleths.
Maybe that was how he had changed. Maybe she made him more confident, more prepared, to face anything that could be thrown in their direction. Emlin realized that Legolas was now gazing down at her from the corner of his eye, and she remembered that she had been gazing for a rather long time up at him. She giggled lowly and turned her head, blushing slightly. He chuckled lowly and she nudged him, "Do not make fun of me, Legolas."
Legolas sighed and pulled her closer, though kept her at a respectable arms length so that the constant prying eyes of the high court did not develop too many rumors about them. That was one thing Emlin had learned quickly. If there was even so much as whisper about anything, it spread like a wildfire throughout the high folk and then down to the lower levels.
"I had no intention." He replied with a smile.
"This is all so...so..." Emlin trailed off, unable to find the right word.
"Odd? Unusual? Peculiar?" Legolas laughed, "Trust me, I know exactly what it is you are feeling. I have not walked anywhere with an elleth whom I have been in love with."
Emlin sighed lightly and turned her eyes ahead of them again. They came upon the Queen's study, and Emlin lifted her hand to knock on the door of the antechamber. While they waited for an answer, Legolas turned to her, taking her in his arms again, placing a light kiss on her forehead. "I must go, dear Emlin. There is to be council with Aragorn."
"Then you should go." Emlin replied, "Why are you still with me?"
"I was making sure that you were safe on your journey to your lessons." He smiled brightly and pulled away from her, turning to walk down the corridor swiftly.
Emlin chuckled, "It is not during the journey that I needed protection, it is actually in my lessons."
Legolas turned to her and smiled again, nodding towards the door. Emlin glanced to her side and found Arwen standing there, beside her handmaid. Arwen sighed, "Well, since I am such a bore, then maybe you would like to teach me today?"
"Arwen..." Emlin said lightly and shot a glance toward Legolas, who was pretty far down the hallway, though she knew he was still glancing back every so often and was in hearing distance. She hoped he would catch her evil glare.
Arwen laughed, "Do not worry, I take no offence. It is the despicable elf who dropped you here who is the one to blame."
Emlin smiled slightly, "How can you be friends with such an elf?"
"That is the question of the age." Arwen replied, and let a mischievous smile cross her features. "But with that I must ask how you can love such an elf?"
A deep blush spread over her cheeks, and she could feel burning actually envelop her entire face. She knew that, without a doubt, Arwen would see the change between them, but it made no difference for her embarrassment. What of everyone else? Would they be so perceptive as Arwen? Would she have to relive this blush and embarrassment Elbereth knew how many more times this day?
Emlin looked into Arwen's knowing eyes and shrugged, "That is the real mystery."
Arwen placed her arm around Emlin's shoulders and guided her into the antechamber of her study, and finally back into the main study, sunlight streaming in through the side windows and bathing the room in gold and warmth. She motioned for Emlin to sit in her usual chair across from where Arwen usually sat, lounging on a pillow-covered chaise. The handmaid soon appeared with the usual teas that they shared while they went over the lessons of the day. They shared a few long moments of silence, sipping the steaming tea before Arwen placed the cup and saucer on the table beside her.
"What will it be today, Arwen?" Emlin questioned. "History, healing, or general discussion of court practices?"
"None of those." Arwen sighed, "We both know that you are very well versed in the history of this world. That is very much a credit to your mother and father. Your healing skills have come to you naturally, and Ioreth says there is nothing more she can teach you. I truthfully can only teach you two more spells, but not while carrying a child. They are long and complicated and take very much energy. You have learned healing faster than any pupil I have ever seen my father, grandmother or even myself teach. You are truly gifted."
She sighed. Emlin had been afraid of this. Healing just came so naturally to her, because it was her path in life to take, but now she had no reason to be in the court of Elessar and Arwen. Where was she to go? Was she to return to Imladris so soon? Emlin replied humbly, "Thank you, Arwen."
"Nay, I thank you." Arwen smiled. "You have been a most valued help this past month, and I have heard your praises from a few of the townspeople."
"I have only helped cure a few breathing sicknesses." Emlin said.
Arwen sighed and nodded her head. "And that brings us to court practices. I have taught you small bit of what you should know. Diplomacy and tact are the only things that transfer throughout any kingdom. However, it is different in Elven lands than it is done here in Minas Tirith."
"I understand not what you are trying to say." She said, looking at Arwen for a long while.
"Your parents will not like me much after this, but," Arwen paused and sat up, "I wish for you to travel with Legolas to Ithilien. There are elves there that can teach you more Elvish things. They are fine elves, though a great deal of them are of Mirkwood and have no trade except for celebrating."
Emlin laughed at her, not really letting the fact sink in that Arwen was sending her away with Legolas. "Do they have skilled healers there?"
Arwen smiled, "Aye, they do, but it is not necessarily what you will learn in Ithilien that I am concerned about. There is a journey planned in a month's time to Mirkwood for the Summer Festivals. Legolas' mother, who has been in the Grey Havens for sometime now, will be traveling back for the festivals, so it is sure to be a more than grand event. That is why Legolas has planned to travel to Mirkwood."
"And he has agreed to allow me to come?" Emlin questioned.
"It is not a matter of him agreeing, Emlin." Arwen chuckled, "It is a matter of calming him down from the excitement of showing you his home after Aragorn tells him of my ideas."
Emlin smiled sheepishly and sighed, "You will not be going?"
"Nay, I have things I must attend to here in Minas Tirith with Aragorn." Arwen replied, "But I wish you to know that if something rather important is to happen, then I shall be there for you, come Melkor or high water."
"I do not think Aragorn would be too pleased with that." Emlin laughed., but quieted quickly when she thought of the meaning of Arwen's words. Would Emlin find herself wed to Legolas that quickly?
Arwen chuckled and sipped her tea, "He will forgive me, and believe you me, he would not miss one of his most cherished friend's weddings."
That was when it hit Emlin. Without the words, it seemed like nothing really frightening, but with the word 'wedding' hanging in the air, it hit Emlin like a large boulder being dropped on her head. What did two people do when they were in love? Of course they married... but would it really be that soon? "But why would you wish me to go to Mirkwood, with the possibility of marriage not counted upon in the reasoning?"
"The Queen of Mirkwood, Tuilindë, is a gifted healer. She learned alongside your grandmother." Arwen explained, "And she can also give you advice on the running of Mirkwood's courts. I know Legolas will probably never see rule in Mirkwood, but he runs Ithilien much like it."
Emlin nodded her head, "But I always thought that the Queen had passed over seas or into the Halls. Legolas, in all our conversations long ago, never really spoke of her."
Arwen smiled, and let out a long sigh. "I will leave that story for Legolas or his parents to tell."
"Is it a sorrowful one?" Emlin questioned.
"Nay, far from it." Arwen chuckled, "Just ask Legolas of it. He will speak to you now."
Emlin sighed dreamily and drank the rest of her tea. "At least we can hope he will speak to me now."
That drew a loud laugh from her teacher, "Trust me, Emlin, he will never be quiet again. You will soon see what I mean, especially once you are wed."
She did not know if she was supposed to take that as a warning or not, but Emlin really did not care. There were too many other things on her mind right at the moment to be worried about Arwen's comment. Emlin smiled and tried to contain her excitement as she remained sitting in her seat. Arwen must have picked up on this because she smiled and said, "Why do we not take a walk, and on the way you can change into your practice outfits and grab your weapons? We have yet to teach you archery."
"This time I will be able to pay more attention." Emlin replied, "Last time Valandir was quite unnerving."
Arwen smiled, "Aye, yes, but it worked in knocking some sense into Legolas, did it not?"
"What do you mean?" Emlin questioned.
"What if I were to tell you Valandir and I were in league with each other so we could make Legolas see what he was feeling, but had yet to take notice of?" She questioned innocently as they started out of the study.
Emlin scoffed, "I thank you, but it would have been nice to know so I could have not had to worry for Valandir's feelings."
Arwen smiled and said nothing more as they continued out of the room and into the corridor. Emlin glanced at her still timeless face and sighed. She was like a mother, sister and friend all rolled into one person, and she had never expected such things with the Undómiel. However, she was glad to call her friend.
Legolas sighed to himself as they broke the council later that evening, still no closer to an answer than they were when the sun was just crowning in the sky. The sky outside the windows was a dark midnight with the slightest tinge of day still hanging on in the west and a net of stars shining brightly across the moon-lit sky. He was so glad to be out of that roundabout council. There really was nothing they could have done about the insurgence of radicals, and it was apparent that they were horribly unorganized, so the decision was made to let the issue rest for a bit and to send scouts out to see what was happening in their lands. And that had taken the entire day...
However, during a brief recess in the meeting, Aragorn had pulled him aside and spoken to him about a plan Arwen had concocted for Emlin to travel with him to Ithilien and then to Mirkwood. That had been the only thing to break up the monotony of the day. Legolas had been completely shocked that Arwen would already think he would do such a thing as take Emlin across Middle-earth for a festival. It would have been different if their intentions were to be wed during that time. But then he paused, Aragorn laughed at him, and Legolas realized that Arwen was planning for that exact thing to happen.
It actually seemed like a very good idea, but he was not sure that it would be good to ask Emlin this so soon. But really, where would she expect things to go? Just to stay where they were? Surely Emlin knew what he intended all along by admitting love. She was not dim-witted. She knew how things worked in the world.
But in a way, it frightened him greatly, even though this had been all he wanted for the longest time. It was so easy, just to ask her to be his wife and then to start a family with her. Though, it was not so easy when you thought of how young she was, and probably not really ready for a large step like that... much less about the fact that he still had much to learn about the adult Emlin. And then... and then... he still had to speak to Haldir about this. Indilisse would not be a problem to win over, but Haldir definitely would be after what had happened, besides the fact that he was very protective of his daughter.
Legolas sighed to himself. If nothing else, he wanted to introduce her to his mother. He wanted to show his mother, and especially his father, what an amazing elleth he had found. The thought of his mother sent a wave of excitement through him. He would finally be able to see his mother again. Oh how he could not wait!
He cut through the gardens, as it was a quicker trip to his chambers, and probably to Emlin, but he did not have to go any further than the open, flet-like platform overlooking the land. It was the one that was used mainly in the mornings by the visiting elves, and seemed to hold a special fixation for Emlin. She stood in the center, bathed in the soft moonlight, gazing up at the evening sky as the wind blew across her face, ruffled her loose golden brown hair, and whipped at the skirt of her gown, making the lavender material billow pull about her legs.
"What did I do to deserve this?" He asked quietly, and he figured so no one could hear, but Emlin turned her gaze to him and smiled. Legolas needed no more of an invitation to join her as she walked over to a nearby carven stone bench and sat down. He joined her quickly and sat beside her, as they gazed up at the stars in silence. A great while passed and eventually they ended up so that Legolas was resting his back against a side railing and Emlin was resting against him. He took to playing with her silken hair as she continued to look up at the sky. Really, he was content just to watch her.
"I miss Lórien." Emlin mused quietly. "I miss the trees mostly, but also the wonderfully warm feeling you have while you are there."
He looked down at her, "You do not feel that here?"
"This is Man's dwelling place." Emlin replied, "I do enjoy it a great deal, but I also miss the beauty of Elven lands."
"As do I, Emlin." Legolas said, "We will one day travel West, and there we will be in the finest Elven land of all."
She sighed and repositioned herself so that she could look up at him, "I know, but there are still Elven lands I have yet to visit here on Middle-earth."
He chuckled lightly, "I do have a feeling that this has something to do with a journey Arwen must have told you about."
"Not completely." Emlin giggled. "I am only thinking about such things and missing Lórien."
Legolas smiled and ran a finger down her cheek to her chin. "I would be more than elated if you would choose to join me on my journey to Mirkwood, Emlin."
"I had no doubt you would." She smiled and rested easily back against him. Silence passed between them again until she glanced back up at him, "You never told me that your mother still walked Middle-earth."
"Did Arwen tell you the entire story?!" Legolas exclaimed and chuckled. "She can be quite the gossip sometimes."
Emlin laughed. "She did not tell me much, only that your mother was traveling back from the Havens to Mirkwood for the Summer Festival."
"She is to return, and I cannot wait until you are able to meet her." He replied. "She is very much like you."
"Why was she at the Havens?" Emlin questioned.
"When my father first noticed the growing shadow on the land, and with talks of the evils that awaited us just at the other end of our forest, he grew fretful." Legolas explained. "It was not until the news of Lady Celebrían passing into the West did my father really become worried, as my mother frequently traveled about. With the darkening right upon our door step, he told her to go to the Grey Havens, where it was far reaching, even for the Dark One's arm. If it did stretch that far, then my mother would still have a chance at escape since she was at the harbors."
Emlin nodded her head as she listened intently, "Did she go willingly?"
Legolas laughed and shook his head, "Elbereth, no! She was the most stubborn elleth ever, and stayed as long as she could, trying to prove to my father that she could stand beside him in battle. She very well could have, but my father cares for her too much, and sent her away."
Emlin laughed, "She does sound like me."
"And I like my father, correct?" He questioned.
"I do not know, would you make me leave if we were in the same situation, Legolas?" She asked.
Legolas was quiet and kissed her hair, resting back to look down at her. "So there she resided for the better part of five hundred years, while we sat and waited for Sauron to gain his power. That is how the betrothal with the Princess of Lindon came about. Father often journeyed to the Havens to visit my mother, so it allowed him and Círdan a good amount of time to concoct that plan."
She chuckled and sighed. "Apart from the betrothal bit, I find that whole story rather romantic."
"Why do you say that, Aiwamin?" He asked.
"Because your father loved your mother so much that he would send her away for such a long while, just so evil did not touch her." Emlin replied, looking dreamily up at the stars.
"I actually think it was because he could not tolerate her having better battle plans than he." Legolas said, but regretted it when he received a hard smack to his shoulder.
Emlin pouted and sat up, "You ruin a perfectly wonderful story, and expect me to like it."
He laughed, sitting up as well and looking at her. "He loves her more than anything else in Arda. I think he would even sacrifice his jewels and hoard for her."
"You think?" She questioned.
"I am not sure. My father loves his jewels a great amount." Legolas remarked, brushing away a piece of hair that had fallen in her eyes. He could barely believe that she was his, and that he could call her his love. "But that does not matter..."
Emlin smiled and leaned over, brazen enough to initiate a kiss before he did. However, though it was intended as a sweet, tender kiss, it quickly turned into one filled with lust and passion as he delved deeper into her mouth and the pressure of his lips upon hers was forceful. She accepted this change in pace, and he felt her hands move to his shoulders and grip tightly as he laid her back on the bench. His hands found her hair and his fingers wrapped around in it. Emlin sighed against his mouth as he soon departed, and moved his ministrations to the tip of her right ear. She whimpered lowly, especially as his hands now moved of their own accord toward the swell of her breasts, but the reality of the moment shot through him like a hot poker on his skin.
He lifted himself so that he was supported over her with his hands on either side of her head. Legolas watched her as they both struggled to catch their breath and slow their rapidly pounding hearts. He had to take this slow. Slow, for Elbereth's sake! But was it not torture enough that he had waited elven years for a moment like this that he could seize and use to his advantage? Legolas let out a long breath and met her eyes, "We cannot do this yet, Emlin."
She whimpered lightly in response, her hands finding the skin beneath the tunic he wore, but was accessible through the openings between the closures. "Why not?"
"Because, meleth." Legolas said, closing his eyes, regaining his restraint and quelling the growing desire that had to be evident by now. "I said I would be your teacher, and this is not how first lessons are taught- rushed and spontaneous. They are planned and slowly executed, so that you might learn something along the way. However, I would not be too heartbroken if you learned nothing but what it feels to be pleasured."
Emlin's eyes had grown wide a few times as he spoke, and it almost seemed as if she was now uncomfortable with the situation. She sighed and bit her lip, "I suppose you are right, but I may have to have a few goblets of wine before hand to calm my nerves."
Legolas smiled slyly, "A few maybe, but we shall see when the time comes."
"And when will that be, so that I may plan." Emlin asked.
"You will know in plenty of time, meleth." He responded, kissed her again before removing himself from the bench and helping Emlin up to her feet. Legolas gazed down at her and sighed... this was going to be the longest journey of his life without having known her intimate touch.