I had Sports Day last Tuesday, and came 3rd in Shot Put! Yet my class still came last… Oh well, at least I did well! And we had sports ALL DAY today! Double PE first two lessons, then Inter-form Tennis, and THEN Inter-form Rounders! Phew… My legs are now like lead.
Rayame325 – Yeah, she seems to be getting better. We'll see what she gets up to. Thanks for reviewing.
Elerrina – Attached at the arm? Yeah, s'pose so! You hate Thrálindë? Aww, she isn't THAT bad! She just wants Elrohir back. And she'll kinda do anything to get him…
Thanks for reviewing.
Chapter 6: Home at Last.
"I think we've managed to make an impression anyway."
"Yup, I'd have to agree with you there."
The six Elves looked around the courtyard, which had gone completely silent at their entrance. Everyone was looking at them.
"Say something Legolas," Dinnu whispered to the Prince.
"Why me?"
"You're their bloody Prince!"
"Oh, ok." He cleared his throat. "Ladies and gentlemen, there is no need to stare. It is only my friends and I, back off of a…trip."
Everyone suddenly seemed to notice that everyone else was silently staring, and got back to work. Legolas grinned. "Perfect, if I may say so myself." They dismounted and led their horses over to the stables.
"Do we have to go straight to your father?" Thilio asked Legolas as they entered the palace.
"'Fraid so. You know what he's like. I'm just a little bit worried though."
"Why?"
"That at any moment, I am going to have a Celeblaith charge at me, and start scolding me for being away so long." They laughed. "Trust me; it will not be a pretty sight."
They reached Thranduil's' study without any interruptions, and Legolas knocked lightly upon the door.
"Enter."
"Wait here," he mouthed to the others. He stepped inside.
Thranduil looked up as the study door opened. He smiled at his son. "I should've guessed that only you and your friends could silence the entire courtyard."
Legolas grinned sheepishly. "Sorry about that Adar…"
"You're injured!"
"Eh?"
Thranduil stood and walked to his sons' side. "Here, and here." He pointed at the scratches and bruises on Legolas' face and arms. "And what on Earth has happened to your clothes?"
"Had a little Orc trouble on our way back. Don't worry, Sigil rescued us."
Thranduil sighed. "Where are the others?"
"Outside the door."
"Are they in the same condition as you?"
"More or less."
"Tell me about it later. For now," he sat back down. "You have one impatient little sister to deal with."
Legolas groaned. "Can't I get washed and changed first?"
"I wouldn't. She might take a little pity on you if she sees the state you're in. If you go in there all clean and smart, she'll let out all her anger on you."
"Why, what's happened?"
"I'll let her explain. Off you go. I'll see you later at dinner."
"Yes Adar." He bowed and left.
"Right, rip my clothes," he told his friends before they had a chance to speak.
They each gave him confused looks.
"Rip my clothes. Tear them, make them dirty…just make me look worse than I already am."
"Why?" Heledir asked.
"Celeblaith might take a bit of pity on me, and I may get away with fewer injuries."
"Oh, ok." They then proceeded to tear the sleeves off of his over-tunic, put a giant rip right down the front of his under-tunic, put a few more holes in his leggings, and messed up his hair.
"That should just about do it," Legolas said, catching sight of himself in a nearby mirror. "Bit more mud maybe…" He dipped his fingers in a pot plant, and rubbed it over his face and arms. "How do I look?"
"Terrible," they chorused.
"Good." He grinned and set off for Celeblaith's room, taking some flowers out of a vase on the way. "To keep her sweet," he called back over his shoulder when he heard them laughing.
As he came to her door, he stopped and took a deep breath. Then, he knocked gently. He and Celeblaith had a secret code. If he ever needed to speak to her, he would knock on the door three times in a certain pattern, and the same for her on his door. However, this time, he just knocked twice, normally.
"Who is it?" came her voice through the wood.
"I have a message for her Majesty," he said in a high voice. His friends a bit further down the corridor sniggered. He grinned at them.
"What message, and from whom?"
"About Prince Legolas, from Prince Legolas…"
The door was flung open. He grinned at his younger sister. "Prince Legolas would like to apologise deeply and profusely for being away so long, but it could not be helped. He knows how angry Lady Celeblaith must be, and so offers these as a kind of peace treaty." He held out the flowers, still dripping with water from the vase. "Yes, they are from the blue and white vase from down the corridor, but they still hold the same purpose. A big, huge, gigantic sign of apology." He smiled and handed her the flowers.
She glared at him before slamming the door in his face.
He looked back up the hallway. "No injuries anyway," he told them. "The silent treatment instead." He left the flowers outside her door and walked back to them.
Celeblaith peeped out at her brothers' retreating back, then down at the flowers. She picked them up, placed them on the chest of drawers near her door, and then ran down the corridor.
"Er, Legs…" Dinnu said warningly.
Legolas turned round to be lunged upon by his sister. He grinned and held her tightly.
"Oh Legolas, thank God you're back," she sniffed into his tattered tunic.
"Hey Cel, its no big deal. There's no need for tears you know." He motioned to the other five to walk away. They nodded knowingly, and made their way to their own rooms.
He pulled away and crouched down with her so that they were eye-level with each other. Using the back of his hand, he brushed away the steadily falling tears. "Celeblaith, what's wrong? Look, I've got mud on your face now. Let's go and wash it off." He helped her to her feet, and led her back to her room.
He sat her down on the edge of her bed, filled a small bowl with water, and wiped the mud and tears away with a cloth. "What on Middle-Earth is the matter? I know I've been away a long time, but there is no need for you to cry. What's happened?"
"I've just really needed you Legs," she sniffed. "I've missed you so much."
Legolas placed the bowl down and took his sister into a giant bear hug. "Well I'm home now," he whispered, kissing the top of her head. "And I'm not going anywhere without you for a long time."
As she continued to cry on his shoulder, he stroked her back reassuringly. "Look, you're scaring me now. Please stop crying. You'll make me cry, and that will not be good."
She laughed softly through her tears and pulled away, wiping her eyes. "I'm sorry Legs, but it's been so hard without you."
"What has?"
"Everything. Before, whenever anything went wrong, you were there to help me. But this time, you weren't, and I felt really lonely. Adar and Naneth didn't understand."
"Understand what?"
"I…" She faltered. How could she tell him she had fallen in love? It wasn't proper love, just a passing thing, but it had still hurt, deeply.
"Cel?" He brushed a stray hair out of her face. "Tell me."
"I…I…fell in…love," she whispered, shutting her eyes to block the tears threatening to spill again.
"And…" Legolas pressed.
"It all went horribly wrong, but I don't know how. As far as I know, it wasn't my fault, but I don't know because we never talked about it, but basically, a group of messengers arrived here from Rivendell, and among them was this one called Rilma. He was really nice, and we got on really well. Anyway, there was a dance, as there always is, and we danced together. Then we went for a walk together, and he kissed me. After that, there was no separating us. We did everything together. Went riding, went for walks, everything. But then, we started arguing, about stupid little things, and split. We were only together for a month, and I don't think it was even proper love, but I miss him so much Legs. I know it sounds stupid, but I do. When he left to return to Rivendell, I was all alone again. I needed you so badly. You would have known what to do, what I could do, but you weren't there. I've cried myself to sleep so many times over the past five months Legolas. It sounds pathetic, but it's true." She bowed her head and started crying again.
"Oh sweetheart." Legolas pulled her off the bed and into his lap. Leaning back against her bed, he held her as close as possible. "I know it hurts, especially the first time. And you're still so young. I really am sorry for staying away so long. The time just seemed to fly by. I should've known not to leave you for such a long time. I'm sorry." He kissed her head as he cradled her to him.
"It's ok," she whispered, the sobs decreasing a little. "I shouldn't be such a baby."
"Don't be silly, you are not being a baby. Like I said, you're still very young. Too young to fall in love." He sighed. "I was about your age when it first happened to me. I remember it hurting more than anything else ever had. Worse than the arrow Flugo managed to get wedged in between my shoulder blades, worse than Asar's horse kicking my backside..." These got small laughs from his sister.
"Yes, we have laughter once again. Where was I? Oh yes. Much worse than when Thilio pushed me out the elm tree in the Walled Garden. And we can completely forget about the time that Dinnu somehow hit me round the head with the end of his bow. The pain of losing someone so close to you is the worst pain you'll ever feel. And trust me; you're going to feel it a lot more in later life."
"Really?" She looked up him, her blue eyes shining with tears.
"I'm afraid so. But hopefully, next time, I'll be there to knock said boy's teeth out." Celeblaith laughed again. "What? No one ditches my sister and gets away with it." He started tickling her.
"Legolas no!" she squealed, wriggling out of his grasp. He grinned evilly, and chased her round the room.
"You're so evil!" she whined from the opposite side of the bed.
He smirked at her again. "Oh trust me; I can be much, much worse!" He jumped on the bed and grabbed her. She struggled to break free, but he had her tightly by now.
Holding her against him, he tickled her mercilessly for minutes on end. Her laughter was music to his ears, after all the crying she had just done.
When they were both worn out, they lay back on her bed; Celeblaith snuggled up as close as possible to Legolas. He snaked his arm round her shoulders and held her in place. "Hannon lle," she whispered.
"For what?"
"For coming home." She reached up and kissed his cheek.
He smiled. "I'll always come back to you Cel, you know that." He held out his little finger. She grinned, and linked her little finger through it.
"Legolas?"
"Hmm."
"Why are you in such a state?"
"Got chased half way round Mirkwood by a load of drunken Orcs." She gave him a very confused look.
"Don't even ask."
"So you're ok now?"
"Yes, thanks. I'm sorry about being so pathetic earlier, but…"
"Cel, we've been through this."
"I know, I know, but I was being rather babyish. I just missed you so much, you know?"
"Don't worry, I understand." Legolas held his sister closer to him. They were sat out on her balcony. He was clean and changed, and her tears had all dried up.
"Look what I received from Elladan and Elrohir." He passed her the letter.
She quickly read it, squealed, and flung her arms round Legolas' neck. "Oh, we have to go! Please Legolas? Can we go? Please, please, please?"
"Alright, alright, calm down. I'll have to think about it."
"Why?"
"Because I have only just got home. I do like Mirkwood really, you know. Let me have a quick rest at home!"
She scowled. "But it says here we have to reply as soon as possible. And meet them in the Pass! Come on, I want to see Dolenmíl!" She kissed him softly on the cheek. "Please?" she asked in a softer voice.
"Alright, probably. But that's all I'm saying. I'll have to ask Adar first."
"Yay!" She kissed him full on the lips this time, and then leant her head against his shoulder. "Thank you," she whispered.
"Hang on. I thought you said this Rilma lived in Rivendell?"
"And…?"
"Well, you might see him."
"So? I'm over him, now I've got you back. You can save me if he tries to come anywhere near me."
"Oh, will I!"
"Yes, you will. You promised." She scowled up at him again.
"I know, I know, I'm just joking. Look, if you let go of me, I can go and ask Adar, can't I."
"Ok. Do a lot of persuading Legolas."
"I will." He stood up. "Stay here and I'll be back in just a moment." He went through the thin curtains pulled across her balcony doors, and headed for Thranduil's' study.
As if Adar will let her go…
Then again, he had let her accompany him and Dolenmíl when she was only 15, so there was a faint glimmer of hope. He reached the study, and knocked at the door.
"Enter."
He stepped in. Thranduil smiled at his son. "What can I do for you Legolas?"
"Adar, Celeblaith and I were just talking…"
"No, you are not going to Rivendell."
"Fine." Legolas walked back out.
"Wait Legolas."
The Prince grinned to himself. Seems his plan was working. He went back in. "Yes Adar?"
"It's not like you to give in so easily. Especially when you have the wrath of your sister threatening you."
"Well, if you're not going to let us go, there is no point arguing. I really cannot be bothered to waste my breath."
Thranduil raised an eyebrow. "Indeed? And why do you want to go anyway?"
Legolas went right in and shut the door. "I have just received a letter from Elladan and Elrohir, asking if I could go. And Dolenmíl wishes to see Celeblaith again. They are escorting Lady Celebrían and Lady Arwen into the Pass on their way to Lothlórien. They said we could meet halfway."
"Well, if you're not going all the way on your own…"
"Exactly, that's what I thought." He sat down opposite his father. "Please Adar, Celeblaith is desperate to go. She'll never forgive you if you let this chance go for her."
"True. I don't think I particularly want her wrath looming over my head either. I'll think about it."
"Well, please don't be thinking about it for too long. The twins say they need a reply as soon as possible. They are leaving in about a week's time."
"That might be too short notice then."
"No it's not. Not if we leave…well…tomorrow. Please Adar. I want to see them again too."
"But you've only just got home. Today, in fact."
"So?"
"So, you do have family here you know!"
Legolas laughed. "I understand that Adar, but you must also understand. I love travelling, and I think that has passed on to Celeblaith. We won't be away for long, a couple of months at the most I expect. Please say you'll let us Adar, please?"
Thranduil sighed. "Very well. I suppose I don't have much choice. I don't really fancy two grumpy children on my hands. Your mother would never forgive me."
"You'd be in everyone's bad books."
"Hmm, so it would seem. Go on then, go, and start packing. Send instructions down to the stable hands to prepare your horses, and get an escort. I will not allow you two to travel alone."
"Of course not. Thank you Adar!" He went round and placed a light kiss on his father's cheek. "Once we're back, I'll stay home for ages, I promise."
"Good, you'd better. Off you go."
Legolas smiled, and left.
"Start packing." He poked his head round her door and called to her on the balcony.
She turned and looked at him. "We're…we're going?"
"Yes. I've managed to persuade him. Just make sure you behave yourself from now onwards. We're leaving tomorrow morning. Take only what you need, nothing silly, and I'm going to find out what horses we're going to use." He left again.
Celeblaith ran back across the room, flung open her door, and jumped on her brother's back. "You are amazing," she whispered into his ear. "Thank you." She kissed his cheek and slid down.
"It's no big deal. Just make sure you do everything Adar tells you between now and tomorrow morning. And I'm in charge."
"Of course of course, just like before. Oh, it's going to be so much fun! I can't wait!" There was a great big grin lighting up her fair face.
He smiled back. "Go and pack then." He ushered her back into her room, and made his way back down to the stables.
Yay, good ol' Thrandy! He's such a cool dad. But was it such a good idea to let his two children go off to Rivendell? Remember what happened in the Pass last time…?
Heeheehee…
See y'all next week. And reviews would be lovely.
Lainfaer