Between the Lines
By Penpunk
Disclaimer: All the LotR elveses, humaneses, hobbiteses, do not belongs to us. Gollum. . .
Chapter 7: Radiance
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Kat left Nenwen in the kitchens after getting a quick meal. She opted to explore the grounds on her own. From what she had seen, Kat decided that she liked Mirkwood very much. It was mysterious and beautiful, all at the same time. The dark surroundings only worked to make the radiance of the elves that lived there stand out. But from what she had seen of the elves so far, she could tell she was different.
All the elves had an aura of light around them, literally. They shined as if the moon and sun were each casting their glow on every elf in existence, but Kat didn't see that around herself. She had a dimness around her. Was it because she was really human, or was it because of Elenril and the way she chose to live her life?
Thranduil's reaction to Kat only confused her further. She expected a cold and bitter man, angry at the she-elf who refused his son. But that was not what she got. No, it was more like pity. For some reason, he pitied her, though she couldn't imagine a reason why he would do such a thing.
Kat had been wandering around the grounds for some time now and the path she had chosen came out into a clearing. The only thing that obstructed the openness of the field was a tiny building on the west end of the field. Kat's curiosity got the best of her as she made her way to the tiny shelter. It was in the style of the rest of the buildings of Mirkwwod, but what was inside really fascinated her.
The tiny shelter seemed to be used for storing various bows and arrows. They were in all sorts of sizes and styles, shapes and colors. Kat was in awe of the craftsmanship of all these weapons. She hoped Mirkwood elves wouldn't mind if she took the liberty to try one of these fine weapons. She sorted through all the bows, finally selecting a bow made of a dark deep brown wood. She grabbed a quiver of arrows and made her way onto the field.
Kat had taken archery in school when she lived in England, which was considered a suitable sport for young ladies by her parents. Julie had chosen horseback riding as he choice of sport. Kat had learned to ride, but went no further than that. What she really wanted to play was football. She always dreamed of being a star forward, scoring goals and winning games, but her parents didn't share her vision. They thought it was too dangerous for a girl, especially with all those "damn hooligans running about" her father would say. So her parents signed her up for archery instead. Kat never saw the logic in this. A sharp, pointy projectile in the chest would hurt a lot worse than a kick in the shin, but she went along anyway.
Kat took position at one end of the field, only close enough to the targets to enable her to see them. She took one arrow out of the quiver and drew it back in the bow. The elven bow molded with her arm and stance as she pulled back the string. It almost felt like no work at all. The bow felt more familiar then did the recurve bow she had at home.
Kat began to aim and her new elven senses kicked into gear. Her sharp eyes focused on the target and her body automatically moved into the right position. She let go of the string and let the arrow fly. It hit dead center on the target. Kat brought down her bow and looked at the target.
"I wish I had that talent back in school!" she said to herself as she pulled out another arrow. She couldn't tell where her own talent and knowledge ended and her elven abilities began. The sharpness of her eyes put a whole new spin on the art of archery. She brought up another arrow and let go. She hit the target, only a few millimeters off of her first arrow. "I could get used to this! Kat Wellington, the Olympic gold medallist in archery, team Great Britain. Yes, that sounds nice."
She continued through her quiver of arrows, never shooting one outside of the center circle. Once her quiver was empty, she set down her bow and made her way to the other side of the field. Before taking the arrows out of the target, Kat stood back and admired her handy work, desperately wishing she had a camera. What she wouldn't give to rub this in the face of Jenna, the snobby girl on the archery team who always thought she was better than everyone else. Oh well. She hadn't seen Jenna in years anyway. Kat began to pull the arrows out of the target, struggling a little, since they had embedded themselves so deeply.
"I had no idea my Lady was so skilled in archery," said a voice from behind her. Kat turned around and was met by Legolas' small, lopsided grin. "I don't remember you saying that you were trained in this form of combat."
"Maybe you didn't ask," said Kat as she continued to pull out her arrows. Legolas let a small laugh from behind her as she struggled to pull out the arrows.
"Here, let me help," said Legolas as he came up behind her and took hold of the arrow she was currently trying to pull out.
"No, it's fine. I can get it," said Kat as she tried to gently push Legolas' hand away. He, however, continued to pull. The arrow came loose all of a sudden, causing Kat and Legolas to both fall backwards, Kat landing on top of Legolas with a thud. They both laid there for a moment, trying to figure out what happened. Kat came to her senses first and rolled off of Legolas and onto her stomach.
"I'm sorry my Lady," said Legolas as he pulled himself off the ground. Kat tried to stand up as well, but her feet were getting caught in the train of fabric of her dress. She only succeeded in falling back to the ground and rolling onto her back.
"I hate dresses!" she screamed into her hands. She heard Legolas laugh and shot him an icy glance. He sobered up and held out a hand to help her up. Kat accepted and he pulled her to her feet.
"Is my Lady alright?" asked Legolas as Kat brushed the grass of her now soiled dress.
"Yes, I'm fine, but would you stop calling me 'my Lady'? Just Elenril is fine," said Kat.
"Alright, 'just Elenril'," said Legolas with a smile. "When did you learn to shoot?"
"Oh, um. . . a while ago," said Kat, trying to sound convincing.
"Really? I don't ever remember you handling a bow. Any weapon for that matter. I didn't think she-elves in Aelin-Brethil were trained. Who was your teacher?"
"I just picked it up on my own," answered Kat as she pulled out the last few arrows and started to walk back to the bow shelter.
"Really?" said Legolas as he followed her. He could sense her nervousness around him and began to kick himself for earlier. "Listen my-, I mean Elenril. What I did earlier. . . it is unforgivable. I can only express my deepest regrets for doing it. I was angry, which is no excuse at all, but it's the truth."
Legolas caught the back of Kat's arm and spun her around. He searched her face for some kind of answer, then decided to continue.
"I hope that you can forgive me eventually. I am so sorry. My heart weeps at what I did and regret has fallen heavily on my shoulders."
"Legolas," said Kat as she looked down. "I forgive you. You wouldn't have gotten so angry if I had kept my mouth shut and finished listening to you. Two minutes with a voice and look what I did. Do not berate yourself for it. I forgive you."
The two elves stood looking at each other for several moments before Kat finally turned and continued on towards her bow. Legolas followed at a short distance.
"You know," said Legolas thoughtfully. "It has been years since I last seen you. Your voice. . . it's different. Deeper than I remember."
Kat said nothing, but continued to walk towards her bow.
"And earlier, when you shut yourself in that room, you were speaking in a language I had never heard. What was it?"
Kat stopped walking but did not turn around. Legolas had heard her? He wasn't supposed to have heard her. What was she going to tell him?
"You must have misheard me Prince," said Kat as she started to walk again.
"No, I'm pretty sure you were speaking in a tongue other that sindarian. It was harsh sounding. Is it a human language?"
"Uh, yeah, it is," answered Kat as she nodded. "Not many people know it."
"Really? How'd you learn it?"
Kat clenched her fists at her side as she continued walking. Why all these questions? Why was he so eager to talk to her now? He hardly spoke two words to her on the way to Mirkwood. She hadn't totally insulted him then. Why so chatty now?
"Uh, I just picked it up," replied Kat as she reached down to pick up her bow and quiver. She replaced all the arrows. She turned and looked back at Legolas. Thankfully, he was done asking all his intruding questions and turned to lighter matters.
"Did you see much of the palace grounds today?" he asked as he followed at her side to the weapons shelter.
"I did," said Kat. "They are lovely."
"Yes, well they surely cannot be as lovely as the grounds of Aelin-Brethil. I heard that the lake is lovely this time of year."
"That is a matter of opinion, Legolas," said Kat. How was she supposed to know what Aelin-Brethil looked like? "I think I like Mirkwood much more."
"Really?" said Legolas with surprise. "Why is that?"
"It's mysterious. I like mysteries."
"Mysterious?" said Legolas with a small smile. "I never heard it put like that. I've heard dark and gloomy, but never mysterious."
"It is to me. I wish I could stay longer," said Kat, and that was the truth too. She did wish she could stay longer. She wanted to shoot arrows some more and try to solve the complicated puzzle that was Legolas.
"Well, if you had treated certain decisions differently," said Legolas with a slightly bitter tone, "you might have been able to stay here as long as you would have liked."
Oh no, not the whole marriage bit again. Kat cursed the elf for taking a perfectly calm situation and turning it upside down. But now, she had a weapon. No, not the bow. Her voice. She could talk back and defend herself now. Nothing was going to stop her. If this elf couldn't get over himself, she was going to help him do it.
"I just don't get you Prince Legolas," spat Kat. "Why do you always have to bring that whole thing into everything? We were having a pleasant conversation and look what you did to it."
"Well my Lady," hissed Legolas. "You should know that elves can hold grudges for a long time. So what if I bring it up. It's my right. You don't have to live with the memories of standing alone at your own binding ceremony, waiting for the person you thought loved you to show up, only to learn that she had completely forgotten about it. Simply slipped your mind. Isn't that what you told me?"
Kat couldn't answer. For one, she didn't know the answer. Two, the stupid elf was frustrating her so much, she simply let out a cry of irritation, threw the bow and quiver on the ground, and stalked off towards the palace, shouting as she went.
"Damn insufferable elf!"
She could not believe what he did. He brings it up and turns all the blame onto her.
"Stupid elf has more mood swings than a pregnant woman," said Kat as she made her way up the path she had walked down earlier. Now, she welcomed the fact that she was going to leave Mirkwood in a day or two. She would be away from that Princely nuisance.
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Legolas watched as Elenril stormed back up the path. He let out a sigh and started to pick up the discarded bow and quiver of arrows. That she-elf was going to be the end of him. The sooner she left, the sooner his life would return to normal.
"What on Middle-Earth was that all about?"
Legolas turned to see Galarien behind him, a slight smirk playing on his face.
"Can you not guess?" asked Legolas as he walked over to his friend. They shared a hearty handshake as Legolas walked to the shelter to replace the bow and quiver.
"Ah, let's see. You and Lady Elenril. Lots of shouting. You were discussing the weather, right?" said Galarien wryly.
"Ha-ha, very funny my friend," said Legolas. "We were having a pleasant conversation. It's my fault really. I do need to learn to control what I say around her. Our talks always end up with one of us stalking off. Well, usually it her, but that doesn't matter. I tell you, the sooner she leaves, the sooner I will be at rest. When did you return from Rivendell?"
"Just this afternoon," said Galarien as he waited for Legolas outside the shelter. Both elves started to walk back to the palace. "Your father told me of your journey. Is Lady Elenril alright?"
"If that little temper tantrum is any indication," said Legolas with a slight smile. "I don't know what it is about her Galarien. She is different than I remember. I don't know how, she just is."
"Different in what sense?"
"Well, since she got her voice back, I noticed that it was much deeper than before. It has been five hundred years since I seen her last. Maybe it's age," said Legolas as he shook his head slightly. "And she can shoot a bow. Elenril can shoot a bow. Who would have thought?"
"You had better watch your back, my friend," said Galarien with a smirk. "She'll be able to slay you with her tongue and her bow."
"Let's hope that it doesn't come to that," said Legolas with a serious tone. He wouldn't put it past Elenril.
"I'm only jesting with you," said Galarien as he slapped Legolas on the back. "So, her voice is back at least. Tell me, when is she going home? I'm sure that is what you are looking forward to most."
"In the next few days," answered Legolas. "I think I'm looking forward to it more than she is."
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"WHAT!"
"Now Legolas, there is no need for you to raise your voice," said Thranduil as he stood from his desk, which was covered with parchment and scrolls.
"Father, I believe there is. Please tell me you did not say what I think you just did," said Legolas, anger (and a little fear) showing in his face.
"I did. Legolas, you will escort Lady Elenril back to her home. It's only fitting. You brought her here, you take her back."
"But father!" the majestic elf prince was actually whining to his father. "We do nothing but argue, and now that she has her voice back, I can assure you that we will be endangering ourselves with all the noise we will make."
"You'll just have to learn to get along Legolas. I'm sure you have your own equal part in these arguments. Maybe it is you who should keep your mouth shut," said Thranduil, with a hint of amusement. "Now, stop acting like a child and inform Lady Elenril of the plans. You two will leave the day after tomorrow for Aelin-Brethil."
"Yes father," said Legolas. He could argue with his father until the world came to an end, but he knew he could never disobey him. He had too much respect for his father and knowledge that his father knew the right thing to do.
"Now, if Lady Elenril feels that she is still unwell, we can postpone that date, but you will escort her whenever she feels fit to travel. Is that understood?"
"Yes father," said Legolas as he started for the door.
"Legolas?" said Thranduil as Legolas opened the door. Legolas turned around, trying his best to look miserable. "Thank you."
Legolas' face softened and he nodded before walking out the door. He started down the corridor towards Elenril's room. Bright torches filled the corridor with light. Mirkwood at night was more than dark. It was like dark green ink enveloping everything. The torches cast strange shadows on the hallway.
Legolas came to the last stretch of hallway before Elenril's room, when he saw a figure walking towards him in the darkness. He stopped next to a torch and waited for them to come closer. Legolas thought it strange that the person walking towards him had no elven glow about them. Was there a human in Mirkwood? Finally, the person walked into the light of the flame and Legolas saw that it was Elenril. She was no human, but she lacked the radiant aura of the elves. How had he not noticed it before? It was what his father had told him. Elenril was Avari. It didn't matter how much Avari blood she had in her, still was still a dark elf.
"Legolas," said Kat as she passed Legolas in the hallway.
"Wait Elenril," said Legolas as he turned to follow her back the way he came. "I need to talk to you."
Kat turned to face Legolas as he caught up with her. The look on her face was not a pleasant one and Legolas knew why.
"First of all, I apologize for this afternoon and I promise not to bring up. . . well you know. . . I won't bring it up. You were right. I also need to ask you if you are all right to leave for Aelin-Brethil the day after tomorrow. My father has arranged for me to escort you home," said Legolas as he clasped his hands behind his back.
Kat didn't answer right away. She liked Mirkwood. She had just got there and now she would have to leave. But that would mean she wouldn't have to deal with Legolas and his issues any longer.
"That will be fine," answered Kat. "Do you know how long this journey will be?"
"A week. Two at the most. It depends on when we stop and how often."
Kat nodded.
"Are you anxious to return home?" asked Legolas. He started to walk back down the hall, Kat following him at his side.
"No, not really," said Kat. "As I said before, I like Mirkwood. But I know my presence is troubling for you."
Legolas sighed.
"No, Elenril, it's not. I just. . ."
"Do not lie Legolas," said Kat, interrupting him. "I know it is. It is better if I go home. I see no need in troubling you further."
Legolas stopped walking. Did Elenril just put someone else's feelings in front of her own? There was definitely something up with this she-elf.
"Very well, I will tell my father you plan to leave the day after tomorrow. Good night Elenril."
"Good night Legolas," said Kat, without turning around. She continued down the hall and out of sight.
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Who is proud of me? Two updates in one weekend. You all should feel special. Remember, the index is always the last chapter.
By Penpunk
Disclaimer: All the LotR elveses, humaneses, hobbiteses, do not belongs to us. Gollum. . .
Chapter 7: Radiance
***************************************************************************
Kat left Nenwen in the kitchens after getting a quick meal. She opted to explore the grounds on her own. From what she had seen, Kat decided that she liked Mirkwood very much. It was mysterious and beautiful, all at the same time. The dark surroundings only worked to make the radiance of the elves that lived there stand out. But from what she had seen of the elves so far, she could tell she was different.
All the elves had an aura of light around them, literally. They shined as if the moon and sun were each casting their glow on every elf in existence, but Kat didn't see that around herself. She had a dimness around her. Was it because she was really human, or was it because of Elenril and the way she chose to live her life?
Thranduil's reaction to Kat only confused her further. She expected a cold and bitter man, angry at the she-elf who refused his son. But that was not what she got. No, it was more like pity. For some reason, he pitied her, though she couldn't imagine a reason why he would do such a thing.
Kat had been wandering around the grounds for some time now and the path she had chosen came out into a clearing. The only thing that obstructed the openness of the field was a tiny building on the west end of the field. Kat's curiosity got the best of her as she made her way to the tiny shelter. It was in the style of the rest of the buildings of Mirkwwod, but what was inside really fascinated her.
The tiny shelter seemed to be used for storing various bows and arrows. They were in all sorts of sizes and styles, shapes and colors. Kat was in awe of the craftsmanship of all these weapons. She hoped Mirkwood elves wouldn't mind if she took the liberty to try one of these fine weapons. She sorted through all the bows, finally selecting a bow made of a dark deep brown wood. She grabbed a quiver of arrows and made her way onto the field.
Kat had taken archery in school when she lived in England, which was considered a suitable sport for young ladies by her parents. Julie had chosen horseback riding as he choice of sport. Kat had learned to ride, but went no further than that. What she really wanted to play was football. She always dreamed of being a star forward, scoring goals and winning games, but her parents didn't share her vision. They thought it was too dangerous for a girl, especially with all those "damn hooligans running about" her father would say. So her parents signed her up for archery instead. Kat never saw the logic in this. A sharp, pointy projectile in the chest would hurt a lot worse than a kick in the shin, but she went along anyway.
Kat took position at one end of the field, only close enough to the targets to enable her to see them. She took one arrow out of the quiver and drew it back in the bow. The elven bow molded with her arm and stance as she pulled back the string. It almost felt like no work at all. The bow felt more familiar then did the recurve bow she had at home.
Kat began to aim and her new elven senses kicked into gear. Her sharp eyes focused on the target and her body automatically moved into the right position. She let go of the string and let the arrow fly. It hit dead center on the target. Kat brought down her bow and looked at the target.
"I wish I had that talent back in school!" she said to herself as she pulled out another arrow. She couldn't tell where her own talent and knowledge ended and her elven abilities began. The sharpness of her eyes put a whole new spin on the art of archery. She brought up another arrow and let go. She hit the target, only a few millimeters off of her first arrow. "I could get used to this! Kat Wellington, the Olympic gold medallist in archery, team Great Britain. Yes, that sounds nice."
She continued through her quiver of arrows, never shooting one outside of the center circle. Once her quiver was empty, she set down her bow and made her way to the other side of the field. Before taking the arrows out of the target, Kat stood back and admired her handy work, desperately wishing she had a camera. What she wouldn't give to rub this in the face of Jenna, the snobby girl on the archery team who always thought she was better than everyone else. Oh well. She hadn't seen Jenna in years anyway. Kat began to pull the arrows out of the target, struggling a little, since they had embedded themselves so deeply.
"I had no idea my Lady was so skilled in archery," said a voice from behind her. Kat turned around and was met by Legolas' small, lopsided grin. "I don't remember you saying that you were trained in this form of combat."
"Maybe you didn't ask," said Kat as she continued to pull out her arrows. Legolas let a small laugh from behind her as she struggled to pull out the arrows.
"Here, let me help," said Legolas as he came up behind her and took hold of the arrow she was currently trying to pull out.
"No, it's fine. I can get it," said Kat as she tried to gently push Legolas' hand away. He, however, continued to pull. The arrow came loose all of a sudden, causing Kat and Legolas to both fall backwards, Kat landing on top of Legolas with a thud. They both laid there for a moment, trying to figure out what happened. Kat came to her senses first and rolled off of Legolas and onto her stomach.
"I'm sorry my Lady," said Legolas as he pulled himself off the ground. Kat tried to stand up as well, but her feet were getting caught in the train of fabric of her dress. She only succeeded in falling back to the ground and rolling onto her back.
"I hate dresses!" she screamed into her hands. She heard Legolas laugh and shot him an icy glance. He sobered up and held out a hand to help her up. Kat accepted and he pulled her to her feet.
"Is my Lady alright?" asked Legolas as Kat brushed the grass of her now soiled dress.
"Yes, I'm fine, but would you stop calling me 'my Lady'? Just Elenril is fine," said Kat.
"Alright, 'just Elenril'," said Legolas with a smile. "When did you learn to shoot?"
"Oh, um. . . a while ago," said Kat, trying to sound convincing.
"Really? I don't ever remember you handling a bow. Any weapon for that matter. I didn't think she-elves in Aelin-Brethil were trained. Who was your teacher?"
"I just picked it up on my own," answered Kat as she pulled out the last few arrows and started to walk back to the bow shelter.
"Really?" said Legolas as he followed her. He could sense her nervousness around him and began to kick himself for earlier. "Listen my-, I mean Elenril. What I did earlier. . . it is unforgivable. I can only express my deepest regrets for doing it. I was angry, which is no excuse at all, but it's the truth."
Legolas caught the back of Kat's arm and spun her around. He searched her face for some kind of answer, then decided to continue.
"I hope that you can forgive me eventually. I am so sorry. My heart weeps at what I did and regret has fallen heavily on my shoulders."
"Legolas," said Kat as she looked down. "I forgive you. You wouldn't have gotten so angry if I had kept my mouth shut and finished listening to you. Two minutes with a voice and look what I did. Do not berate yourself for it. I forgive you."
The two elves stood looking at each other for several moments before Kat finally turned and continued on towards her bow. Legolas followed at a short distance.
"You know," said Legolas thoughtfully. "It has been years since I last seen you. Your voice. . . it's different. Deeper than I remember."
Kat said nothing, but continued to walk towards her bow.
"And earlier, when you shut yourself in that room, you were speaking in a language I had never heard. What was it?"
Kat stopped walking but did not turn around. Legolas had heard her? He wasn't supposed to have heard her. What was she going to tell him?
"You must have misheard me Prince," said Kat as she started to walk again.
"No, I'm pretty sure you were speaking in a tongue other that sindarian. It was harsh sounding. Is it a human language?"
"Uh, yeah, it is," answered Kat as she nodded. "Not many people know it."
"Really? How'd you learn it?"
Kat clenched her fists at her side as she continued walking. Why all these questions? Why was he so eager to talk to her now? He hardly spoke two words to her on the way to Mirkwood. She hadn't totally insulted him then. Why so chatty now?
"Uh, I just picked it up," replied Kat as she reached down to pick up her bow and quiver. She replaced all the arrows. She turned and looked back at Legolas. Thankfully, he was done asking all his intruding questions and turned to lighter matters.
"Did you see much of the palace grounds today?" he asked as he followed at her side to the weapons shelter.
"I did," said Kat. "They are lovely."
"Yes, well they surely cannot be as lovely as the grounds of Aelin-Brethil. I heard that the lake is lovely this time of year."
"That is a matter of opinion, Legolas," said Kat. How was she supposed to know what Aelin-Brethil looked like? "I think I like Mirkwood much more."
"Really?" said Legolas with surprise. "Why is that?"
"It's mysterious. I like mysteries."
"Mysterious?" said Legolas with a small smile. "I never heard it put like that. I've heard dark and gloomy, but never mysterious."
"It is to me. I wish I could stay longer," said Kat, and that was the truth too. She did wish she could stay longer. She wanted to shoot arrows some more and try to solve the complicated puzzle that was Legolas.
"Well, if you had treated certain decisions differently," said Legolas with a slightly bitter tone, "you might have been able to stay here as long as you would have liked."
Oh no, not the whole marriage bit again. Kat cursed the elf for taking a perfectly calm situation and turning it upside down. But now, she had a weapon. No, not the bow. Her voice. She could talk back and defend herself now. Nothing was going to stop her. If this elf couldn't get over himself, she was going to help him do it.
"I just don't get you Prince Legolas," spat Kat. "Why do you always have to bring that whole thing into everything? We were having a pleasant conversation and look what you did to it."
"Well my Lady," hissed Legolas. "You should know that elves can hold grudges for a long time. So what if I bring it up. It's my right. You don't have to live with the memories of standing alone at your own binding ceremony, waiting for the person you thought loved you to show up, only to learn that she had completely forgotten about it. Simply slipped your mind. Isn't that what you told me?"
Kat couldn't answer. For one, she didn't know the answer. Two, the stupid elf was frustrating her so much, she simply let out a cry of irritation, threw the bow and quiver on the ground, and stalked off towards the palace, shouting as she went.
"Damn insufferable elf!"
She could not believe what he did. He brings it up and turns all the blame onto her.
"Stupid elf has more mood swings than a pregnant woman," said Kat as she made her way up the path she had walked down earlier. Now, she welcomed the fact that she was going to leave Mirkwood in a day or two. She would be away from that Princely nuisance.
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Legolas watched as Elenril stormed back up the path. He let out a sigh and started to pick up the discarded bow and quiver of arrows. That she-elf was going to be the end of him. The sooner she left, the sooner his life would return to normal.
"What on Middle-Earth was that all about?"
Legolas turned to see Galarien behind him, a slight smirk playing on his face.
"Can you not guess?" asked Legolas as he walked over to his friend. They shared a hearty handshake as Legolas walked to the shelter to replace the bow and quiver.
"Ah, let's see. You and Lady Elenril. Lots of shouting. You were discussing the weather, right?" said Galarien wryly.
"Ha-ha, very funny my friend," said Legolas. "We were having a pleasant conversation. It's my fault really. I do need to learn to control what I say around her. Our talks always end up with one of us stalking off. Well, usually it her, but that doesn't matter. I tell you, the sooner she leaves, the sooner I will be at rest. When did you return from Rivendell?"
"Just this afternoon," said Galarien as he waited for Legolas outside the shelter. Both elves started to walk back to the palace. "Your father told me of your journey. Is Lady Elenril alright?"
"If that little temper tantrum is any indication," said Legolas with a slight smile. "I don't know what it is about her Galarien. She is different than I remember. I don't know how, she just is."
"Different in what sense?"
"Well, since she got her voice back, I noticed that it was much deeper than before. It has been five hundred years since I seen her last. Maybe it's age," said Legolas as he shook his head slightly. "And she can shoot a bow. Elenril can shoot a bow. Who would have thought?"
"You had better watch your back, my friend," said Galarien with a smirk. "She'll be able to slay you with her tongue and her bow."
"Let's hope that it doesn't come to that," said Legolas with a serious tone. He wouldn't put it past Elenril.
"I'm only jesting with you," said Galarien as he slapped Legolas on the back. "So, her voice is back at least. Tell me, when is she going home? I'm sure that is what you are looking forward to most."
"In the next few days," answered Legolas. "I think I'm looking forward to it more than she is."
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"WHAT!"
"Now Legolas, there is no need for you to raise your voice," said Thranduil as he stood from his desk, which was covered with parchment and scrolls.
"Father, I believe there is. Please tell me you did not say what I think you just did," said Legolas, anger (and a little fear) showing in his face.
"I did. Legolas, you will escort Lady Elenril back to her home. It's only fitting. You brought her here, you take her back."
"But father!" the majestic elf prince was actually whining to his father. "We do nothing but argue, and now that she has her voice back, I can assure you that we will be endangering ourselves with all the noise we will make."
"You'll just have to learn to get along Legolas. I'm sure you have your own equal part in these arguments. Maybe it is you who should keep your mouth shut," said Thranduil, with a hint of amusement. "Now, stop acting like a child and inform Lady Elenril of the plans. You two will leave the day after tomorrow for Aelin-Brethil."
"Yes father," said Legolas. He could argue with his father until the world came to an end, but he knew he could never disobey him. He had too much respect for his father and knowledge that his father knew the right thing to do.
"Now, if Lady Elenril feels that she is still unwell, we can postpone that date, but you will escort her whenever she feels fit to travel. Is that understood?"
"Yes father," said Legolas as he started for the door.
"Legolas?" said Thranduil as Legolas opened the door. Legolas turned around, trying his best to look miserable. "Thank you."
Legolas' face softened and he nodded before walking out the door. He started down the corridor towards Elenril's room. Bright torches filled the corridor with light. Mirkwood at night was more than dark. It was like dark green ink enveloping everything. The torches cast strange shadows on the hallway.
Legolas came to the last stretch of hallway before Elenril's room, when he saw a figure walking towards him in the darkness. He stopped next to a torch and waited for them to come closer. Legolas thought it strange that the person walking towards him had no elven glow about them. Was there a human in Mirkwood? Finally, the person walked into the light of the flame and Legolas saw that it was Elenril. She was no human, but she lacked the radiant aura of the elves. How had he not noticed it before? It was what his father had told him. Elenril was Avari. It didn't matter how much Avari blood she had in her, still was still a dark elf.
"Legolas," said Kat as she passed Legolas in the hallway.
"Wait Elenril," said Legolas as he turned to follow her back the way he came. "I need to talk to you."
Kat turned to face Legolas as he caught up with her. The look on her face was not a pleasant one and Legolas knew why.
"First of all, I apologize for this afternoon and I promise not to bring up. . . well you know. . . I won't bring it up. You were right. I also need to ask you if you are all right to leave for Aelin-Brethil the day after tomorrow. My father has arranged for me to escort you home," said Legolas as he clasped his hands behind his back.
Kat didn't answer right away. She liked Mirkwood. She had just got there and now she would have to leave. But that would mean she wouldn't have to deal with Legolas and his issues any longer.
"That will be fine," answered Kat. "Do you know how long this journey will be?"
"A week. Two at the most. It depends on when we stop and how often."
Kat nodded.
"Are you anxious to return home?" asked Legolas. He started to walk back down the hall, Kat following him at his side.
"No, not really," said Kat. "As I said before, I like Mirkwood. But I know my presence is troubling for you."
Legolas sighed.
"No, Elenril, it's not. I just. . ."
"Do not lie Legolas," said Kat, interrupting him. "I know it is. It is better if I go home. I see no need in troubling you further."
Legolas stopped walking. Did Elenril just put someone else's feelings in front of her own? There was definitely something up with this she-elf.
"Very well, I will tell my father you plan to leave the day after tomorrow. Good night Elenril."
"Good night Legolas," said Kat, without turning around. She continued down the hall and out of sight.
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Who is proud of me? Two updates in one weekend. You all should feel special. Remember, the index is always the last chapter.