Sorry I didn't update yesterday, didn't have time.
Sussex.
Whoop de do.
So there will be no update that week. And I'm actually thinking of spreading my updates out a bit over the hols, as loads of you are going to be away. I'll see what happens from now on.
Chapter 8: Bad Feelings.
The Elves rose at dawn, packed up the camp they had constructed for the one night, then prepared to go their separate ways. More good-byes, more farewells.
"I would come back to Rivendell, but I haven't seen Lothlórien for so long…" Arwen left the sentence hanging.
Legolas nodded in understanding. "We'll visit again soon, don't worry."
They embraced. "Be careful," he whispered. "These parts are dangerous nowadays. Don't get yourself hurt."
"I'll be fine," she promised, kissing his cheek. She mounted her horse. "See you another time then."
"Aye, another time." He inclined his head to her. "Namárie, an-hi." (For now.)
"An-hi," she replied, then walked over to join her mother.
Legolas, Elladan, Elrohir, and Dolenmíl watched as the procession drew farther away. "They'll be fine," Elladan assured his brother.
"I know. It's just…the world has grown so dangerous recently."
"They have plenty of fine warriors with them," Dolenmíl told him, placing her hand over his. "They're perfectly safe."
A chill wind suddenly blew through the Mountains. "Come on," Elladan said grimly. "Let's get home." They turned their horses round, and spread themselves among the Elves that had come with Legolas.
Elladan went at the front with Celeblaith, Elrohir placed himself somewhere in the middle, and Legolas was stationed at the back with Dolenmíl. This was the perfect opportunity for them to talk and catch up on things without everyone listening in.
"So, how have you been?" Dolenmíl asked as they set off.
"Fine thanks, you?"
"Good. Life in Rivendell is…somewhat different from back home, but its nice to have a change."
"You still call Mirkwood home?"
"Of course. It always will be." She smiled at him. "Miss me?"
"Need you really ask?"
She laughed. "I missed you. All of you."
"Sigil was elected as the new Captain."
"I had guessed he would be."
"You should have taken up the offer."
"No. Captain…it's a bit too much for me."
"You would have managed. But, I suppose it would have taken you away from Rivendell. Was that half the reason you didn't take it?"
She nodded. "I'm sorry…"
"Don't apologise, there's no need. I was just wondering, that's all." He looked ahead. "So, you and Elrohir are very happy then?"
"Aye, we are."
"I'm pleased for you."
She turned and looked at him. There was no emotion on his face. No signs that he really was genuinely pleased, or just saying it to be kind. He looked back at her. "I mean it," he assured her. "I honestly am happy for you. You deserve each other."
She smiled softly. "Thank you."
"Any signs of wedding bells ringing yet?"
"Legolas!"
"What?" He grinned mischievously. "It has been five hundred years Dolenmíl. You must be at least considering the idea."
"Well…" She faltered, not really knowing what to reply to that.
"You are! I knew it!"
"No, no I'm not. I'm leaving it to Elrohir. And don't you go meddling!" she warned him. "Else you'll have me coming after you with a very sharp sword!"
"I won't I won't," he promised, but he was still grinning.
She raised an eyebrow, but said nothing and returned her gaze to the group ahead of them. "Sure you brought enough people with you?" she asked.
"You can never be too careful. And I have Celeblaith to worry about."
"But did you really need this many?"
"I decided I did. And you know what Adar's like when it comes to her and me. Very, very protective."
"S'pose." She sighed, the wind blowing her golden hair in front of her eyes. "This wind is very soon going to get on my nerves," she muttered, pushing it out of her way.
"It's come out of nowhere," Legolas noted, looking up at the sky. It was becoming overcast, dark clouds lining the sky. "I think we may have rain on the way."
"But its summer!"
"Summer storm. They do happen."
She scowled. "I hate rain. Gets you wet."
He looked at her with a puzzled expression. "Talk about stating the obvious Dolenmíl," he said slowly, starting to wonder about her sanity.
"I've been around the twins too long," she shrugged, smiling at him. "I think their craziness has rubbed off onto me a little."
He laughed. "It tends to happen."
The group walked on in more or less silence. A few minutes after Legolas and Dolenmíl's conversation, the first rain drops started to fall.
"Great. Just great," Dolenmíl grumbled, pulling her hood up around her face.
Legolas copied her. "Hopefully it won't last long." He glanced back over his shoulder. "I can just about see them still," he told them. Then his eyes narrowed, and he stopped.
"What? What is it?" Dolenmíl asked turned her own horse round.
Legolas stared into the steadily falling rain, the drizzle turning into a downpour. His eyes widened as he saw the creatures climbing down the sides of the Pass, edging slowly towards the other group.
"Oh no…" he whispered. "Look." He pointed.
Dolenmíl cursed. "We have to get back to them. I'll go and tell the others. Get this lot down there." She galloped up to the front.
Legolas cantered up the sides of the column, issuing orders as loudly as he could. The group all turned as one, and started heading back in the other direction.
He galloped quickly back to his place, which was now the front, and squinted into the rain. It impaired his vision somewhat, and he cursed under his breath. He turned to his Elves.
"Get them galloping," he ordered the front line. "Get galloping for heavens sake!"
The instruction passed swiftly through the group, and, with Legolas in the lead, galloped as fast as they could, back down the Pass. They had already travelled a long way apart, and might not reach the other party in time.
"Bloody Pass," Legolas muttered to himself as they cantered on as fast as they could. "Must be cursed. Something always has to happen. Something bad."
A scream echoed up the Pass to them.
A female scream.
"I hate rain."
"Stop grumbling Arwen. I'm sure it won't last long."
"But it's so wet!"
"You say the most ridiculous things sometimes." Celebrían sighed and pulled her cloak tighter about her. "Just a summer storm. They happen every year."
"If you say so." Arwen and her mother were riding at the head of the group, trying to get out of the Pass as soon as possible, and under some kind of shelter.
The rain made their surroundings a lot darker, the different types of undergrowth seeming to melt in all together to become one.
"Rain isn't good for the horses," Arwen continued. "They could get colds."
"Just be quiet Arwen. The horses will be perfectly ok. We have to be careful around here. You heard what your brothers and Legolas said. Orc numbers are up. We have to keep our eyes and ears open and sharp."
"Yes Amil."
It was Arwen's turn to sigh. Perhaps it would have been better if she had returned to Rivendell after all. She had missed Legolas and Celeblaith so much, and now, the one time when they are allowed to visit again, she's away. Typical.
"It's too quiet," Celebrían muttered to her daughter. "Listen."
Arwen did as she was told. All she could hear was the sound of the rain, splattering on the leaves of the trees and into the already formed puddles on the ground. No birdsong, and even their own horses were unusually silent.
"It's unnerving," she agreed, shivering. "I don't like it."
"We'll be out of here soon," Celebrían promised, smiling at her daughter. "Go and find someone to talk to. Isn't Miriel with us?"
"Yes, she is. I'll go and find her." Arwen smiled, then turned, and headed back down the group to find her friend.
Miriel was right at the very back, and smiled as Arwen rode up to join her. They walked alongside each other for a while, talking and trying to stay as dry as possible. Miriel agreed with the Princess that rain was not nice, and that the path seemed too quiet.
"It makes this place even eerier than usual," she told her.
Arwen nodded in agreement. "I wish I'd stayed at home now really. I want to stay with Legolas and Celeblaith."
"Ask your mother if you can ride back then. They can't have gotten that far."
"No, I can't leave now. It wouldn't be fair. And I do want to see Lothlórien again. And Grandma and Grandpa. It has been such a long time since we last visited."
"It's also been a long time since Legolas and Celeblaith visited Rivendell."
"Oh, stop making me feel so guilty!" She sighed unhappily. "I'll see them again, I'm sure."
They rode on in silence, both lost in their own thoughts, and then a sound brought Arwen back to reality. Rocks, tumbling down the mountainside. She looked to her left. Nothing there. She looked to her right. Nothing there either. She frowned. She had definitely heard something. As if something, or someone, had slipped on the rocks, and sent a few rolling down the cliff…
Suddenly, the whole party of Elves was in chaos. The horses were snorting and rearing up on their hind legs. The warriors among the group were yelling orders, and the women were instructed to get into the centre of the group.
The Orcs poured onto them like water over rocks. Teeth bared, scimitars flashing, curses, and foul language being roared above the sound of panic.
Arwen and Miriel stopped dead in their tracks, trying to calm their terrified horses. Arwen unsheathed her sword, as did Miriel. They had trained together when they were younger, and so were able to defend themselves. Any Orcs that attacked them were soon lying dead on the floor with a gash somewhere in their body.
"Stay together!" Arwen called to her friend. "Don't get separated!"
Miriel nodded, and grit her teeth as she brought her sword down against an Orc knife that had appeared out of nowhere.
"Arwen! Arwen!"
The Princess heard her mothers' yells. "Amil!" she screamed. She looked at Miriel. "We have to get to her!"
They urged their horses forward, ploughing straight into the sea of Orcs before them. They were both riding stallions, and they easily trampled many Orcs beneath their great hooves. Arwen and Miriel's swords were coated in the thick, black Orc blood, and still they fought.
They soon spotted Celebrían, surrounded by Orcs, wielding her twin knives as best she could. The girls pushed their way forward, desperate to reach her.
It all seemed to happen in slow motion for Arwen. As her mother took care of one Orc, another snuck up behind her. Arwen screamed a warning, but it was too late. The Orc hit Celebrían round the head with the hilt of his knife, and the Queen fell, the Orcs completely surrounding her.
Arwen heard herself scream her mothers' name, and she carried on going forward. Then she felt rough hands on her dress as the Orcs tried to pull her off her horse. She stabbed and swung her sword all around her, trying to get out of the desperate situation she now found herself in.
Miriel was at her side, and together, they slew many Orcs. But the number never seemed to dwindle. They just kept coming, on and on and on.
Legolas,Arwen thought as she continued to fight.
Please, please see this. Come help us…
"When do you think they will be back?"
"It won't take them long to meet the Mirkwood Elves, then about a week to get back here I suppose."
Elrond nodded. He looked out of his window towards the Mountains. He sighed. "I just feel as if something has happened to them, something bad," he murmured.
"Do not worry," Glorfindel comforted him, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "They have many fine warriors with them. They will be perfectly ok."
"I just…I just have this gnawing feeling in my heart. Something is telling me that something is dreadfully wrong, that something really bad has happened to my wife and daughter. Call it father's intuition, but…oh, I don't know!" He sighed again, and turned away from the window. "I've had it all day. And it just won't go away."
"Go for a walk my Lord," Glorfindel told him. "Clear your head, relax for a couple of hours. Maybe go for a short ride. Just something to take your mind off whatever is bothering you in such a way."
"Yes, I think I shall Glorfindel. Thank you. And there is no need to still call me Lord. Just Elrond. And tell Erestor the same." He smiled at the golden-haired Lord, and fetched his cloak. "It looks as if there's a storm in the Pass. See those dark clouds?"
"Aye, I do. You're probably just worried that they're getting wet."
"Arwen won't like that." They laughed together. "I shall not be long," he said.
"Take as long as you like. I'll look after things here. Just go and relax, please. Its nerve-wracking when you're like this."
Elrond nodded and left the study. He walked down the hallways of his home, smiling politely at all who greeted him. He made his way swiftly down the steps, and headed for the stables. He would go for a quick ride down further into the valley, and sit for a while beside the waterfall. Then, he would make his way back. A nice, relaxing afternoon.
He mounted his stallion, Meletyalda, and walked out of the stables, and down a path leading away from the House.
In the valley of Imladris, it was warm, sunny, and peaceful. Elves were wandering around, going about their daily routines, walking around in couples, groups, or alone, talking, singing by the river, and riding around the various pastures. Elrond smiled to himself as he watched his people. He always felt a sense of overwhelming pride come over him when he looked at what he had managed to achieve after the Last Alliance. Rivendell was truly a beautiful place, as were its people. No evil would ever disturb this haven. Never had done, and never would do. Elrond was certain of it.
He walked on, looking at his surroundings with interest. It was not often that he had time to just go out and have some time to himself like this. It made a nice change from the bustle of royal life. He was always so busy, replying to letters from other Lord and Ladies, working out expenses with the Head Accountant, going over patrol duties with Glorfindel, making important decisions and discussing other essential matters with Erestor…so much to do, yet so little time.
Eventually, the number of people on the pathway dwindled, and he was able to pick up his speed a little. He urged Meletyalda into a fast trot, and they carried on, down the path, and over a Bridge to cross the River.
The bank was lined with willow trees, their long tendrils trailing into the rapidly flowing water. Yellow and orange lilies sat in groups underneath the willows; their bold colours making the whole day seem brighter. There were light pink fuchsias, just coming to the end of their flowering season, as were the various coloured begonias.
At various places along the path were blue hydrangeas, the petals in several shades of blue, ranging from very light to moderately deep. The grass was tall and lush, creating a soft carpet on which to walk upon. The gravel of the path crunched beneath Meletyaldas' hooves, moss covering a few stones.
The path twisted and turned, and soon started to go upwards. It was completely deserted by now, and Elrond knew that the waterfall and pool he wanted to stop at was drawing near.
Eventually, Elrond arrived at the waterfall. It cascaded down from the rocks high above, crashing below as white foam into a large pool. The River ran off of this, and snaked its way down into the valley, through Rivendell, and out again. The pool was surrounded by grass, and Elrond let Meletyalda wander freely whilst he sat down and leant back against a rock.
The Sun shone down upon him up here, but it was not glaringly hot or bright. He removed his cloak and tossed it to one side. Now, he could finally relax.
He did not know when he had fallen asleep, but Elrond was nudged awake by Meletyalda nuzzling him with his nose. Elrond looked sleepily up at the great horse. "What is it?"
The horse just snorted and stepped back a little. The Lord then noticed how much of the day had slipped by, and that evening was drawing near. He sighed and got to his feet. He fastened his cloak back around his shoulders and mounted Meletyalda.
"Back we go then," he murmured, urging the horse forward.
Back down the sloping path they went, following the River. Past the graceful willows, leaves still being pulled along by the current. Some of the flower buds had closed up as evening drew nearer and the Sun started to disappear behind the Mountains. A cool summer breeze blew through the valley, but it was not bitterly cold. It was nice after the heat of the day.
He soon found himself back at the stables, and he took his time putting Meletyalda away and grooming him down. The stable hand had offered to do it, but Elrond felt he just wanted a short while more before he went back inside to his paperwork.
He walked slowly up the steps, and made his way back along to his office. He passed Erestor on the way, and talked to him briefly, checking that everything was alright.
"Please my Lord, you must not worry so. Glorfindel and I are perfectly capable of taking care of things. And you have only been gone one afternoon."
"I know, just checking. No news from Celebrían?"
"No, not yet. They will not have reached Lothlórien yet my Lord."
"I know, but I just thought the twins would have arrived with Legolas and Celeblaith."
"No, no sign of them as yet my Lord."
"Ok, thank you Erestor."
The dark-haired Elf nodded and carried on down the hallway. Elrond sighed and entered his study.
Glorfindel was in there, and he had tided up Elrond's' desk. "It needed doing," he intercepted as Elrond began to protest. "It was a state Elrond. Really, for a Lord, you're rather disorganised."
"Thank you Glorfindel. You're so nice sometimes."
"Just being truthful my Lord." He grinned. "I'll leave you to it. I found that letter from Lord Celeborn you claimed to have lost. It was underneath the pile of papers on the corner. And another one has just arrived from King Thranduil by kestrel-post. Here." He handed a roll of parchment to Elrond.
"Thank you Glorfindel. You may go now."
Glorfindel bowed, and left, the door clicking shut behind him.
Elrond chucked his cloak over the back of his chair and sat down, untying the ribbon that held the letter together, and unrolling it.
Lord Elrond,
As you know, my son and daughter are on their way to your realm with your sons. This is just a quick note asking a small favour of you.
Basically, just keep an eye on them. Celeblaith has just recently finished in her first relationship with someone from Rivendell and she was rather upset about it. As far as I know, Legolas has managed to calm her down, and she seems to be over it. But just in case, make sure she doesn't meet up with someone called Rilma. I believe that was the name of the young gentleman who managed to win my daughter over, and then break her heart.
As for Legolas…well, we both know about that problem. I personally, think he still loves her. When he returned after visiting with Celeblaith the first time, and he had been forced to leave her behind with your son, Elrohir, he was in a real state. He tried to hide it from us, but Eilianu could see right through him. Between us, we managed to get out of him what was wrong. He missed Dolenmíl dreadfully, and it was hurting him inside. If you see any problems arising between them, try and sort them out. I know that he is great friends with Elladan and Elrohir, and I would hate for their friendship to disintegrate because of a woman. It has happened far too many times to far too many people.
That is about it really. I understand that you are a very busy person, as we all are, but if you could possibly just watch out for anything going wrong, I would greatly appreciate it. I would prefer to have Legolas return as he left, happy, relaxed, and comfortable. Not upset, heart-broken or injured.
Thank you for this, and one day, Elladan and Elrohir will have to stay in Mirkwood for a time.
Yours thankfully,
Thranduil.
Elrond sighed and tossed the letter down onto his desk. He had almost completely forgotten about the whole Legolas/Dolenmíl fiasco. He would have a word with Elladan. He would keep an eye on his brother. As usual.
He spent the rest of that afternoon trying to work out where Glorfindel had put everything. Then he noticed the drawers in his desk had been re-labelled so he was able to read them, and everything was sorted in a neat and orderly way. He made a mental note to thank Glorfindel profusely later.
For now, it was back to seeing what had to be done. He settled himself comfortably in his chair, and pulled forward a piece of parchment to write a reply to Thranduil.
"So what exactly did you say to him?"
"Just asked him a load of questions."
"About what?"
"Her."
"Oh Thral…"
"What? I wanted to know as much as I could gather."
"But what did he say to you when he saw you walking over?"
"He didn't. One minute, he was standing alone, the next, he wasn't."
"He didn't see you coming?"
"No. His mind seemed to be elsewhere." Thrálindë took a sip of wine. She and Torfithien were in her room, having a small meal with wine. They were discussing what had happened at the dance. Torfithien had been there, but then had been busy in the Healing Ward with Lord Elrond ever since, unable to see her friend and ask about what had happened.
"He asked what I was doing here," Thrálindë told her. "Why I was back, what I wanted, all the usual. What I had expected him to ask actually. I answered as best I could without giving too much away, then it was my turn to ask the questions. I started with how he had been, and how his family was, etc. Then I slowly turned onto Dolenmíl. I said I had seen him dancing with a strange golden-haired female earlier, and just asked who she was. He answered that they were together, and had been for half a millennium. I congratulated him on finding love again, and had a sorrowful moment by telling him I was presently single."
Flashback.
"What do you really want here Thrálindë?" Elrohir asked, his eyes dark.
"What do you mean?"
"You're not worried about how I've been, how my family has been, or any of that rubbish. You just want to know about Dolenmíl."
"Why would I?"
"I know you Thrálindë. You're jealous, aren't you?"
Thrálindë laughed that comment off, though it struck a chord inside her somewhere. It was partly true, she surmised. She wanted Elrohir, she still loved him to an extent, but she wasn't exactly jealous of Dolenmíl.
"Of course I'm not El. Don't be so silly. Why on Earth would I be jealous of her?"
"Do you still love me?"
"Love? No. Like? Quite possibly."
Elrohir raised an elegant eyebrow. "Really? Well get this into your head Thrálindë." He stepped closer to her. "I don't like you one bit," he whispered in a dangerous tone. "Face it, we were over years ago. I don't know what you think you can achieve by coming back here, but I for one am certainly not interested in what you have to say. If you do anything to offend me, Dolenmíl, or anyone in fact, you'll never hear the end of it."
Thrálindë just smiled. "Of course Elrohir. I understand completely." She bowed mockingly to him. "I'll leave you alone now. I just wanted to see how you were, that was all. There was no need for that outburst really." She turned, and disappeared, melting into the crowd.
Elrohir stood there seething for a moment, then went in search of Dolenmíl again. There was no need to mention this to her. There was no need to mention it to anybody.
End of Flashback.
"But what exactly are you going to get out of all this? What's it going to achieve?"
"Oh, I don't know, it just feels good. Annoying Elladan, talking to Elrohir again…just like old times."
Torfithien sighed. She was beginning to think her friend was going barmy. Around the bend, loopy.
"Personally, I don't see any good coming out of all this. You're just trying to split them up. Don't Thral; it's not worth it. They're happy together. Don't you even feel the slightest bit of happiness for Elrohir?"
Thrálindë put on a thoughtful expression. "Hmm…no."
"You have a cold, cold heart Thrálindë. You've changed, a lot. You're nothing like the Thrálindë I used to know. I've had enough of all this." She stood up.
"You're leaving?"
"Yes. Like I said before, Elrohir and I have made up. And I happen to like Dolenmíl. I don't want you splitting them up. I've seen them together, you haven't. You don't understand true love."
"Don't talk to me about love!" She stood up, glaring at Torfithien. "You're the one who doesn't understand about love. Have you ever been in love Tor?"
"Yes actually, I have. You just weren't here. You were miles away, having loads of fun in Lothlórien. Ok, maybe I haven't been with as many people as you have, or kissed as many, but I know how much love can hurt! Especially when you have been with someone for as many years as Elrohir and Dolenmíl, and then you get split up, whether through your own choice or by someone else's doing." She glared back at Thrálindë. "I want you to stop this right now Thrálindë, before it all goes too far."
"And what will you do if I don't?"
"Let's just say the word will spread that you're up to no good."
"Fine, whatever, go creeping to whoever you'll creep to. But you listen to me." She stepped a bit closer to the other Elf. "I know things about that Dolenmíl that you've never even dreamt about. Things dredged up from her past."
"Been doing your homework then?"
"Yes. And trust me; there is a lot to Dolenmíl that you just don't know about."
"Oh really? Such as what?"
"There's no point telling you. Good-bye Torfithien." A cruel smile formed on her lips, and she shoved her friend out the door, slamming it in her face.
Torfithien sighed and rubber her hands over her face. What was she to do? Tell Lord Elrond? Tell anybody? Who could she tell, that would believe her?
She walked down the hallway, trying desperately to think her way through it.
See, veeeeery long chapter! And could I possibly have a few more reviews this time? I like reviews; they make me happy.
In fact, I'm going back to this technique – If I don't get at least……6 reviews, from DIFFERENT PEOPLE! I shall not update. When I get 6 reviews, I'll update. Ok? Good…
Lainfaer