A/N: Hi! Sorry this one took so long to get out...... I've been so busy and its
been too hot to do anything but sleep! Anyway I just put the finishing
touches on this about 2 hours ago, so here it is.
Enjoy.
Chapter Twelve: Recovery
The next day Legolas woke up feeling happy for the first time in over a year and a half. The sun was just peaking up over the horizon when he awoke and he wondered why he had woken up so early when suddenly he heard a giggle coming from the door, seconds before something threw itself on top of him, knocking his breath out of him.
"Da!" He said happily and Legolas laughed then embraced his son.
"Feanin." He said happily and then the child wriggled around until he was under the covers and he hugged his father.
"Ma be okay?" He asked him then and Legolas nodded then looked down at his son.
"She will. She may take a while to recover from such an event, but we must be patient and give her all the time that she needs." Legolas said and Feanin nodded.
"Good." He said and then he fell silent and Legolas watched as the sun rose completely, bringing light to even the darkest places of the wood and lighting up the room as only the sun could. It had been one of Celebfaer's favourite things to do, watch the sun rise and then marvel at how brilliant the room looked when the light from the sun had lit it up.
Legolas knew that it was going to be a good day, no matter what happened. Celebfaer was awake and alive and that meant she would be better very soon. Not only that, but their son was as healthy as he should be. Life couldn't get any better than it was at that moment and Legolas knew that he would be happy for the rest of his days as long as Celebfaer did not ever fall pregnant again. Only then would he begin to worry once more. But she was not better yet, so at the moment he would concentrate on the positive things.
So, Legolas lay in bed for another half hour with his son, before he rose to dress. There were many things he needed to do today before he went to look in on Celebfaer. Things he had neglected after hearing that she was awake. Though it puzzled him a little that Feanin had known that his mother was awake before Legolas himself had. Could it be possible that Feanin and Celebfaer were linked in some way? There was only one way to find out and that was to ask Celebfaer herself. But first he had things to do.
When he was finished dressing, he beckoned to Feanin, who first pretended to be asleep before he realized that Legolas was smarter than that and then he just started to whine, but Legolas told him to stop being a baby, even though he technically still was. That was the only thing that would get him out of bed. It seemed that he had inherited his father's pride and Legolas smiled as he dressed Feanin. His son was so much like him that it was uncanny. The only thing that made them different was Feanin's brown hair and the fact that he slept with his eyes closed.
Legolas had just finished wrestling Feanin into his clothes when a servant knocked on the door.
"Enter." He called and she walked in holding a rolled up piece of parchment.
"This came for you from Gondor, your highness." She said and Legolas nodded then took the letter out of her hand and he ripped it open, reading the contents, fearing the worst.
'Legolas,
I hope this letter finds you well. I'm writing because I heard the news that you and Celebfaer have been graced with a son. It is fantastic news and I was glad to hear it, however the servant that carried the word also said that Celebfaer had fallen ill, which is ill news indeed. So I am happy to announce that I will be traveling to Eryn Lasgalen and I should arrive within a week or two of this letter. I hope that this does not inconvenience you, but I feel that you may need someone to share your grief with and I may also be of some assistance to the healers. My father taught me a few tricks that they might not yet know.
I look forward to seeing you soon.
Arwen Undomiel Queen of Gondor.'
"Was there any other news?" Legolas asked and the servant nodded.
"But an hour ago a Dwarf arrived demanding to see you, though he would give none his name. The head of the guard is down at the entrance trying to calm the Dwarf until he will state why he is here." The servant said and Legolas laughed.
"Take me to the Dwarf." He said, then he mentioned for Feanin to come with him. But his son moved too slow, so after they had gone halfway, Legolas told Feanin to head to the house of healing so that he could meet him there.
Legolas heard his old friend before he saw him.
"So much for Elvish hospitality! I demand to see Legolas and I want to see him now!" Gimli was saying and Legolas laughed then he walked around the corner and he saw him.
Gimli was glaring at the two Elves that were trying to prevent him from walking any further and although the Dwarf was half their size the Elves looked as though they would have to draw their knives to prevent the Dwarf from doing anything rash. They even looked a little scared of Gimli, who was resting his hands on his axe as though he were ready to draw it.
"You stupid Elves. Let me see him!" Gimli said and then he had taken quite enough. "LEGOLAS!" Gimli shouted looking up at the trees as he stepped back from the Elves. "GREENLEAF GET DOWN HERE AT ONCE!" Gimli shouted once more and Legolas laughed, which was when Gimli finally saw him. "Legolas, it is about time you got here. I have been trying to tell these Elves to let me in, but they refuse to listen. They think I am an enemy!"
"Gimli, you will wake the whole kingdom." Legolas said as he came up to where his friend was standing and he put an arm on his shoulder. "How have you been my friend?"
"I was fine until these Elves showed up." He said and Legolas laughed, then he turned to address the Elves.
"It is alright, he is a friend and he will not harm you unless you give him good enough reason to." He said and the Elves bowed to him then walked away, leaving Legolas and Gimli alone. "What brings you here my friend?" Legolas asked when they were alone.
"Why you of course! I received news that you were back from your journey, so I came. And I had hoped that you would come hunting with me." Gimli said and Legolas laughed.
"I would beat you yet again my friend. But I regret that I cannot. Celebfaer is ill and I must tend to her and our son, Feanin." Legolas said and Gimli laughed.
"You have a son? Fantastic news. You must at least have a celebratory drink with me."
"As you wish. Later on tonight we shall, but now there are other things I must see to. I'll make sure you are shown to some rooms and then I will come to see you." He said.
"The Lady Celebfaer? Where is she?" Gimli asked and Legolas sighed.
"She is in the house of healing, but she has only just began her recovery. It would be best if you did not disturb her Gimli, for I do not know how she will take surprises. I shall come by later and we can go and see her together." Legolas said and Gimli nodded.
"I shall be in the dining hall!" Gimli replied and Legolas laughed, then watched as Gimli headed in the direction of the dining hall. He had been to Eryn Lasgalen before and he knew his way well.
Legolas went in search of his father.
An hour later Legolas went to the dining hall to get some food himself and he found Gimli was still there. Eran had found him and was sitting chatting to him as though they were old friends. Although most of the Elves thought Dwarves were strange and many avoided Gimli when he came to stay, Eran was not one of them. He liked to talk to Gimli as much as Legolas and so Gimli had accepted him too. It was almost as though Gimli was a brother to the both of them, though Thranduil was still uncomfortable with the Dwarf, though it was his way. Thranduil had in fact locked up Gimli's father in the dungeons once, though the information had been kept from Gimli and Thranduil. If either knew it could end in bloodshed.
"Ah. He comes." Gimli said raising his cup to Legolas before emptying its contents and burping rather loudly.
Legolas laughed then picked up a piece of bread from the chef's before he headed in their direction to eat.
They talked for an hour or so before Legolas decided to go down to the house of healing and see if there had been any change with Celebfaer during the night.
The healers were glad to see Legolas, but they tried to stay as far away from Gimli as possible, though Gimli walked right beside Legolas, proudly, so it was hard for them to avoid the Dwarf.
"She regains her strength, your highness. Although Rosa has not yet awoken since yesterday when she spoke to you my Lord." The healer they spoke to said.
"May we see her?"
"Yes. The young prince is in there at the moment and I am sure she will welcome the new faces." The healer said and Legolas laughed. He knew what they meant. Feanin could be tiring sometimes and Celebfaer really was in no state to be annoyed by Feanin.
Legolas walked into the room, and he saw Celebfaer sitting up, the colour back in her face, but she was still awfully thin. Feanin had just discovered her wings, moments before Legolas had walked in, and he kept trying to touch them and make them flap, but Celebfaer was trying to avoid his touch. She knew that as he was a child he did not know how to be gentle and it was possible that he would break them, something she did not want to happen because cleansing them again would be a very long journey.
"Feanin!" She said in a disapproving voice, when they walked in the room. Her voice had recovered by now because Legolas recognized it and by the look of her she was almost back to normal. "Feanin, please, my wings are not to be played with....." She started and then she stopped when she saw Legolas, throwing him a pleading look. "Melamin, you have created a monster!" She exclaimed and Legolas laughed.
"We have created the monster, Celebfaer. It was not entirely my own making." He said and she laughed then she saw Gimli.
"Can it be?" She asked and Gimli bowed.
"Lady Celebfaer I have come to visit. Though I will not stay for long, but I wish you to get better soon." He replied and she smiled then put her hand to her head, fighting a wave of dizziness.
Legolas rushed to her side and took Feanin off her before he put his hand on her forehead.
"Rest, melamin. You should not take on too much." Legolas said and she nodded.
"I know."
"I have more news, but it may not be an appropriate time to tell you. I will let you rest." Legolas said, leaning down and kissing the top of her head.
"Nay. Tell me now I have strength." She said looking straight into his eyes and Legolas knew he could not argue with those eyes, so he obliged.
"Arwen is on her way to Eryn Lasgalen. She will be here within two weeks." He said and Celebfaer nodded.
"That is fantastic news Legolas. I have not seen her in over a year and shall look forward to greeting her again."
"It is good to see you are on the mend." Legolas said after a brief silence and she nodded, then she turned so that she could look at Rosa lying in the bed next to her.
"I am worried for Rosa. If I had the strength I would try to find her." She said and Legolas shook his head, grasping her hand as though he was about to loose her again. He could not handle that, not now that she was awake and on the mend.
"I do not think that is wise. Rosa is who saved you."
"I know. I somehow feel as though I should save her also." Celebfaer said then she closed her eyes briefly.
"Melamin......" Legolas started, pleading with her voice, but Celebfaer nodded she understood.
"I know and I won't. Now I think I need a rest." She said and Legolas nodded then picked up Feanin as the three of them walked out.
"Legolas, she is stronger than you think. She will be alright, just give her time." Gimli said when they were out of the room.
"I know Gimli." He replied and then he heard a screech.
"Your Highness!" One of the healers said in a high pitched tone. "Your highness, not the medicines!" She said and Legolas turned to see Feanin had opened the cupboard and was about to pull all the medicines out of their bottles.
"Feanin!" Legolas called and his son stopped then looked up at him.
"Da?"
"Come. Let's go for a walk." Legolas said and the child nodded before putting the bottles back and closing the cupboard then running over to where Legolas and Gimli stood.
"Feanin? Good choice." Gimli said then the three of them walked from the house of healing.
So preparations were made for the arrival of Arwen and sure enough a week and a half after the letter arrived, they heard trumpets sounding through the woods and guards reported back that the company from Gondor had arrived. So, Thranduil, Legolas and Eran were standing at the stables when they arrived, dressed appropriately to receive the only daughter of Lord Elrond and the Queen of Gondor.
Much to their surprise, Aragorn was also with them. He had started to age quite a lot now there was a small amount of grey visible in his head of midnight black hair hair. But he still possessed the spirit that had been with him as long as Legolas had known him. It was a kingly spirit and he would never lose it, no matter how long he had fought it.
Arwen on the other hand sat on her horse, next to her husband, shinning as radiantly as she had ever shone. The Evenstar had not aged a day and Legolas knew then what her choice meant. She would watch her husband turn grey and grow old, but she would never and it would not be until he died that she would chose to disappear from the world and dwell somewhere else. But she would never sail to Valinor and she would eventually diminish here on Middle Earth, but not until all that remembered her were gone. It was a sad thought and Legolas had to look away from her to chase the thought away.
Gimli was also there, standing proudly beside Legolas. He had decided to stay until Arwen arrived but now that Aragorn was here also it seemed as though Gimli would be staying until they left.
Aragorn and Arwen dismounted then bowed to Thranduil.
"We thank you for your hospitality, your highness." Arwen said and Thranduil nodded, mentioning for them to rise.
"Always will the daughter of Elrond be welcome here. As will the heir of Isildur, King Elessar." Thranduil said, addressing Aragorn.
"Thank you my Lord." He replied bowing his head slightly.
"Come let us take some refreshment." Thranduil said and Aragorn nodded.
"Thank you." He replied and he offered his arm to Arwen, but she shook her head, then she looked at Legolas.
"I must see her, for I fear the worst." Arwen said and Legolas nodded, with a smile.
"She is on the mend, but I will take you to her." He replied.
So, Aragorn, Gimli, Eran and Thranduil headed for Thranduil's study, while Legolas led Arwen to the house of healing.
"What happened?" Arwen asked on their way.
"She saved our child and did not wake up until the night before your letter arrived. She has been regaining strength since." Legolas said with a smile and Arwen nodded.
"How long?"
"A year and one half."
"That is a long time." Arwen said, frowning slightly as they came to the doors of the house of healing. "And your child?"
"He is as healthy as any eighteen month old."
"A boy? And does he have wings?"
"Nay, although Celebfaer tells me that if they are to appear they probably will not appear before the first one hundred years of life. Feanin is very much like me though, as you will see." Legolas said and Arwen smiled.
"Then he has spirit. Always a promising sign." She said with a smile as Legolas opened the door and they entered the house of healing. When the healers saw Arwen they bowed deeply, to which she just nodded in response.
"Your highness." They said to her, before repeating it to him.
Legolas led Arwen to the room where Celebfaer was, just as they heard a screech of pain.
"Feanin!" She shouted as Legolas entered the room, wanting to announce Arwen before springing her on Celebfaer.
Feanin had finally managed to touch one of her wings, but Celebfaer had turned so quickly that he had been thrown back and hit the wall. Hence the screeching and now he started to cry.
"I told you not to touch them!" Celebfaer called, warningly and then she fell back into her pillows. She still only had a small amount of strength, but Legolas saw that she was alright before he walked over to Feanin and picked him up, kissing him on the top of her head.
"Feanin, there is no lump, so you will survive." Legolas said and Feanin stopped his wailing. He was getting more restless and becoming more of a nuisance each day now. "Melamin, did he hurt you?" Legolas asked Celebfaer and she shook her head.
"Nay. But I do not fancy another trip to the top of Withered Heath any time soon, so we will have to keep him away from my wings." She said and Legolas nodded, then put him down and came over to the bed. "How is Arwen?" She asked and Legolas smiled.
"You can ask her yourself, melamin." He said and Arwen walked in the door.
Celebfaer smiled when she saw her. "Arwen! You have not aged a single day." She said and Arwen nodded then walked over to the bed where Celebfaer lay.
"It is my fate." She said sadly, taking Celebfaer's left hand. "No matter. Are you healed properly?"
"I will survive. Fairies always take a long time to heal." She said then she turned to look at the bed where Rosa lay. Her breathing was starting to slow, but Celebfaer had been true to her word, she would not try to save Rosa unless she knew she would be able to come back unchanged.
"Is she healed?" Arwen asked, following Celebfaer's gaze and Celebfaer shrugged in response.
"I fear she is passing. I think it is the price she had to pay for saving me. She was a dear friend." Celebfaer said and Arwen nodded, but Celebfaer grabbed her to stop her from going over to Rosa's bed. "You do not understand. She understood that by saving me the price would be paid. Rosa is old and though I will miss her, I realize that she will probably recover."
"Surely there is something I can do, Celebfaer. You taught me......" Arwen started but Celebfaer shook her head.
"I know what I taught you, but Rosa cannot be helped. It was her decision." Celebfaer replied. "But let us not talk of such things. How is Aragorn?"
"He is here in Eryn Lasgalen. His time is also nearing to an end and he told me when I made my decision to come that he wished to come and see you and Legolas one last time. So he has and I had already sent the letter, so I do hope it has not inconvenienced your father Legolas."
"Nay. It will be alright. There will be a feast held tonight in honor of the both of you coming to stay." Legolas said and Celebfaer shook their hands off and started to sit up. "Melamin?" Legolas asked, but she ignored him then she moved to the edge of the bed and put her feet on the ground. Using her wings to help her, she stood up then swayed slightly on her feet. "Melamin?" Legolas cried, running to her side. "What are you doing?"
"I want to get out of bed." She said, a determined look on her face and Arwen nodded then offered her shoulder for Celebfaer to lean on.
"You have not walked in a year and a half!" Legolas cried, but Celebfaer gripped Arwen's shoulder, taking a step forward.
"I must walk eventually Legolas. I want to be at the feast tonight." She said firmly and Arwen smiled.
"She always had spirit." Arwen said and Celebfaer took another step. This time, Legolas came to her other side and helped support her, in case she fell.
It took them the rest of the morning and all afternoon, but Celebfaer was determined and she was finally able to walk without the support of either Legolas or Arwen. It was a slow walk, but she was walking.
Smiling, Celebfaer walked to the door, then opened it and looked out at the healers.
All four that attended the house of healing nearly fell over with shock when she walked out to one of the chairs and sat down.
"Your highness!" The eldest one said coming over to feel her forehead and make sure everything was alright.
"I am fine, Merci." She said. "Though I am a little hungry, is there anything here that I can eat, or shall I go to the kitchens?"
"Nay!" Merci said, losing colour at her suggestion that she would walk to the kitchens. "I will make you something here." She added and then she set about making something for her, while another of the healers brought Celebfaer a piece of lembas.
"Thank you." Celebfaer said as she took a bite.
When she was finished eating, she stood up, swaying a little, but she turned and went back to the room, and got into bed.
"Legolas, fetch one of my dresses, please." Celebfaer said and he nodded, then he kissed her, before taking Feanin and going to fetch an appropriate dress for Celebfaer to wear that evening.
Arwen smiled at her. "I am surprised you did not do this earlier, Faer hen."
"I could not. Legolas made sure I was not to get out of bed until I was strong enough and the healers enforced it as though it was the law. Though Feanin has spent many hours with me and I keep having to use all my strength to fend him off."
"Children are like that." Arwen replied and Celebfaer nodded.
Then someone knocked on the door.
"Enter." Arwen called and Aragorn walked in the door, smiling at his wife, then nodding to Celebfaer.
"I was told I would find you here. But where is Legolas?"
"He is running an errand." Celebfaer replied and Aragorn smiled.
"You are recovering then?"
"Yes. In fact I am going to be at the feast tonight." She replied and Aragorn frowned.
"Are you sure that is wise?"
"Yes." Celebfaer said and then the door burst open to reveal Feanin.
Aragorn turned and looked at the child then nodded. "This is your son?" He asked and Legolas replied, walking into the room, carrying a pale green dress.
"Yes. Feanin." He said then he draped the dress over a chair, before he introduced Aragorn to Feanin.
"If not for the hair, Legolas I could have sworn he was a small version of you." Aragorn said and Celebfaer laughed.
"He is certainly his father's son." Celebfaer said and they all laughed.
So Aragorn and Arwen stayed for a while longer before they had to leave to prepare for the ball. But Legolas would not let her leave his sight, so he decided to help her in to her dress, but Feanin was taken by one of the servants to prepare for the feast himself.
Celebfaer was glad Legolas had decided to stay and help her, because he was more gentle than any servant would ever had been and when he was finished he brushed her hair, then braided it the same way he had the night before their wedding. She smiled at him, running her fingers through his hair then she kissed him.
"Thank you melamin." She said and he smiled.
"For you I would do anything. I just do not want you to have another child. I could not handle the feeling of almost loosing you again." He said then he kissed her tenderly.
"We shall see what happens Legolas. Now, you must ready yourself." She said. He had brought down his tunics as well when he had brought down Celebfaer's dress, so now she walked slowly over to the chair and picked up his tunic. So she helped him dress and she smiled at him when they were done. "You do look quite the sight." She said with a smile and he offered her his arm.
"Come let us find our son, then we shall head to the dinning hall." He said and she nodded, then took his arm and they made their way slowly towards Feanin's room, but Feanin caught up to them before they could go and search for him. So they walked to the dinning hall together, the three of them and when they arrived, Thranduil was a little surprised to see Celebfaer, but they walked slowly to the table and Legolas pulled the chair out for Celebfaer, then let her sit down, before he sat down himself.
"It is good to see you up and about Celebfaer. We feared the worst." Thranduil said and she nodded.
"I could not miss seeing old friends." She replied and the king smiled at her.
Then Aragorn and Arwen walked in. No matter how old Aragorn looked, they still made a beautiful couple. They were just right for one another and it made Celebfaer smile to see them together. She squeezed Legolas' hand underneath the table and he smiled at her, squeezing her hand back, reassuringly.
********************************
Later on that evening after most of the Elves had gone to bed Celebfaer was almost at the end of her strength and she asked to be excused. The night had been quite enjoyable, except when the music had started and most people had got up to dance. Legolas had stayed by her side, but she could see him itching to dance, so she had ordered him to go and watched him dance with all his cousins, Arwen and every other married woman that asked, and was allowed by her husband. It made her smile to see him happy. But the evening had been a late one and it had taken its toll, even if she had just been sitting the whole night.
Thranduil, Eran, Arwen, Aragorn and Legolas were the only ones left at the table when she announced that she was tired, as Feanin had been taken to be put to bed hours before by his maid. Instantly Legolas turned to her and nodded.
"I shall take you then, melamin. It has been a tiring night and tomorrow Arwen and Aragorn shall still be here." He said and she nodded then smiled at him.
"Thank you, Legolas. And I apologize." She said to the others but Thranduil shook his head.
"Your health is important Celebfaer. Besides it is rather late and we should all be getting to bed." Thranduil said.
"The ride was long, and Aragorn is not as young as he used to be." Arwen said with a smile and Aragorn gritted his teeth, but said nothing as he stood up, ready to leave also.
So Celebfaer and Legolas headed towards the house of healing and the others went their separate ways.
They made it to one of the numerous fountains in Eryn Lasgalen, before Celebfaer forced herself out of her husbands grasp and sat down on the edge of it, looking into the water. Cupping her hands, she put them into the water then splashed it on her face, liking the refreshing feel it gave her.
"Melamin, we should continue to the house of healing........" Legolas started but she shook her head then turned to look at him.
"I refuse to go back there Legolas, and you cannot make me." She said with surprising strength, which caused Legolas to look straight into her eyes. "I am stronger than they believe I am." She said softly then she looked away, towards the sky and the stars. "I miss the sight of the rising sun filling our room with light, which assures me there is hope each day." She added and he nodded, then with one swift motion he had picked her up and he was carrying her towards their room.
Enjoy.
Chapter Twelve: Recovery
The next day Legolas woke up feeling happy for the first time in over a year and a half. The sun was just peaking up over the horizon when he awoke and he wondered why he had woken up so early when suddenly he heard a giggle coming from the door, seconds before something threw itself on top of him, knocking his breath out of him.
"Da!" He said happily and Legolas laughed then embraced his son.
"Feanin." He said happily and then the child wriggled around until he was under the covers and he hugged his father.
"Ma be okay?" He asked him then and Legolas nodded then looked down at his son.
"She will. She may take a while to recover from such an event, but we must be patient and give her all the time that she needs." Legolas said and Feanin nodded.
"Good." He said and then he fell silent and Legolas watched as the sun rose completely, bringing light to even the darkest places of the wood and lighting up the room as only the sun could. It had been one of Celebfaer's favourite things to do, watch the sun rise and then marvel at how brilliant the room looked when the light from the sun had lit it up.
Legolas knew that it was going to be a good day, no matter what happened. Celebfaer was awake and alive and that meant she would be better very soon. Not only that, but their son was as healthy as he should be. Life couldn't get any better than it was at that moment and Legolas knew that he would be happy for the rest of his days as long as Celebfaer did not ever fall pregnant again. Only then would he begin to worry once more. But she was not better yet, so at the moment he would concentrate on the positive things.
So, Legolas lay in bed for another half hour with his son, before he rose to dress. There were many things he needed to do today before he went to look in on Celebfaer. Things he had neglected after hearing that she was awake. Though it puzzled him a little that Feanin had known that his mother was awake before Legolas himself had. Could it be possible that Feanin and Celebfaer were linked in some way? There was only one way to find out and that was to ask Celebfaer herself. But first he had things to do.
When he was finished dressing, he beckoned to Feanin, who first pretended to be asleep before he realized that Legolas was smarter than that and then he just started to whine, but Legolas told him to stop being a baby, even though he technically still was. That was the only thing that would get him out of bed. It seemed that he had inherited his father's pride and Legolas smiled as he dressed Feanin. His son was so much like him that it was uncanny. The only thing that made them different was Feanin's brown hair and the fact that he slept with his eyes closed.
Legolas had just finished wrestling Feanin into his clothes when a servant knocked on the door.
"Enter." He called and she walked in holding a rolled up piece of parchment.
"This came for you from Gondor, your highness." She said and Legolas nodded then took the letter out of her hand and he ripped it open, reading the contents, fearing the worst.
'Legolas,
I hope this letter finds you well. I'm writing because I heard the news that you and Celebfaer have been graced with a son. It is fantastic news and I was glad to hear it, however the servant that carried the word also said that Celebfaer had fallen ill, which is ill news indeed. So I am happy to announce that I will be traveling to Eryn Lasgalen and I should arrive within a week or two of this letter. I hope that this does not inconvenience you, but I feel that you may need someone to share your grief with and I may also be of some assistance to the healers. My father taught me a few tricks that they might not yet know.
I look forward to seeing you soon.
Arwen Undomiel Queen of Gondor.'
"Was there any other news?" Legolas asked and the servant nodded.
"But an hour ago a Dwarf arrived demanding to see you, though he would give none his name. The head of the guard is down at the entrance trying to calm the Dwarf until he will state why he is here." The servant said and Legolas laughed.
"Take me to the Dwarf." He said, then he mentioned for Feanin to come with him. But his son moved too slow, so after they had gone halfway, Legolas told Feanin to head to the house of healing so that he could meet him there.
Legolas heard his old friend before he saw him.
"So much for Elvish hospitality! I demand to see Legolas and I want to see him now!" Gimli was saying and Legolas laughed then he walked around the corner and he saw him.
Gimli was glaring at the two Elves that were trying to prevent him from walking any further and although the Dwarf was half their size the Elves looked as though they would have to draw their knives to prevent the Dwarf from doing anything rash. They even looked a little scared of Gimli, who was resting his hands on his axe as though he were ready to draw it.
"You stupid Elves. Let me see him!" Gimli said and then he had taken quite enough. "LEGOLAS!" Gimli shouted looking up at the trees as he stepped back from the Elves. "GREENLEAF GET DOWN HERE AT ONCE!" Gimli shouted once more and Legolas laughed, which was when Gimli finally saw him. "Legolas, it is about time you got here. I have been trying to tell these Elves to let me in, but they refuse to listen. They think I am an enemy!"
"Gimli, you will wake the whole kingdom." Legolas said as he came up to where his friend was standing and he put an arm on his shoulder. "How have you been my friend?"
"I was fine until these Elves showed up." He said and Legolas laughed, then he turned to address the Elves.
"It is alright, he is a friend and he will not harm you unless you give him good enough reason to." He said and the Elves bowed to him then walked away, leaving Legolas and Gimli alone. "What brings you here my friend?" Legolas asked when they were alone.
"Why you of course! I received news that you were back from your journey, so I came. And I had hoped that you would come hunting with me." Gimli said and Legolas laughed.
"I would beat you yet again my friend. But I regret that I cannot. Celebfaer is ill and I must tend to her and our son, Feanin." Legolas said and Gimli laughed.
"You have a son? Fantastic news. You must at least have a celebratory drink with me."
"As you wish. Later on tonight we shall, but now there are other things I must see to. I'll make sure you are shown to some rooms and then I will come to see you." He said.
"The Lady Celebfaer? Where is she?" Gimli asked and Legolas sighed.
"She is in the house of healing, but she has only just began her recovery. It would be best if you did not disturb her Gimli, for I do not know how she will take surprises. I shall come by later and we can go and see her together." Legolas said and Gimli nodded.
"I shall be in the dining hall!" Gimli replied and Legolas laughed, then watched as Gimli headed in the direction of the dining hall. He had been to Eryn Lasgalen before and he knew his way well.
Legolas went in search of his father.
An hour later Legolas went to the dining hall to get some food himself and he found Gimli was still there. Eran had found him and was sitting chatting to him as though they were old friends. Although most of the Elves thought Dwarves were strange and many avoided Gimli when he came to stay, Eran was not one of them. He liked to talk to Gimli as much as Legolas and so Gimli had accepted him too. It was almost as though Gimli was a brother to the both of them, though Thranduil was still uncomfortable with the Dwarf, though it was his way. Thranduil had in fact locked up Gimli's father in the dungeons once, though the information had been kept from Gimli and Thranduil. If either knew it could end in bloodshed.
"Ah. He comes." Gimli said raising his cup to Legolas before emptying its contents and burping rather loudly.
Legolas laughed then picked up a piece of bread from the chef's before he headed in their direction to eat.
They talked for an hour or so before Legolas decided to go down to the house of healing and see if there had been any change with Celebfaer during the night.
The healers were glad to see Legolas, but they tried to stay as far away from Gimli as possible, though Gimli walked right beside Legolas, proudly, so it was hard for them to avoid the Dwarf.
"She regains her strength, your highness. Although Rosa has not yet awoken since yesterday when she spoke to you my Lord." The healer they spoke to said.
"May we see her?"
"Yes. The young prince is in there at the moment and I am sure she will welcome the new faces." The healer said and Legolas laughed. He knew what they meant. Feanin could be tiring sometimes and Celebfaer really was in no state to be annoyed by Feanin.
Legolas walked into the room, and he saw Celebfaer sitting up, the colour back in her face, but she was still awfully thin. Feanin had just discovered her wings, moments before Legolas had walked in, and he kept trying to touch them and make them flap, but Celebfaer was trying to avoid his touch. She knew that as he was a child he did not know how to be gentle and it was possible that he would break them, something she did not want to happen because cleansing them again would be a very long journey.
"Feanin!" She said in a disapproving voice, when they walked in the room. Her voice had recovered by now because Legolas recognized it and by the look of her she was almost back to normal. "Feanin, please, my wings are not to be played with....." She started and then she stopped when she saw Legolas, throwing him a pleading look. "Melamin, you have created a monster!" She exclaimed and Legolas laughed.
"We have created the monster, Celebfaer. It was not entirely my own making." He said and she laughed then she saw Gimli.
"Can it be?" She asked and Gimli bowed.
"Lady Celebfaer I have come to visit. Though I will not stay for long, but I wish you to get better soon." He replied and she smiled then put her hand to her head, fighting a wave of dizziness.
Legolas rushed to her side and took Feanin off her before he put his hand on her forehead.
"Rest, melamin. You should not take on too much." Legolas said and she nodded.
"I know."
"I have more news, but it may not be an appropriate time to tell you. I will let you rest." Legolas said, leaning down and kissing the top of her head.
"Nay. Tell me now I have strength." She said looking straight into his eyes and Legolas knew he could not argue with those eyes, so he obliged.
"Arwen is on her way to Eryn Lasgalen. She will be here within two weeks." He said and Celebfaer nodded.
"That is fantastic news Legolas. I have not seen her in over a year and shall look forward to greeting her again."
"It is good to see you are on the mend." Legolas said after a brief silence and she nodded, then she turned so that she could look at Rosa lying in the bed next to her.
"I am worried for Rosa. If I had the strength I would try to find her." She said and Legolas shook his head, grasping her hand as though he was about to loose her again. He could not handle that, not now that she was awake and on the mend.
"I do not think that is wise. Rosa is who saved you."
"I know. I somehow feel as though I should save her also." Celebfaer said then she closed her eyes briefly.
"Melamin......" Legolas started, pleading with her voice, but Celebfaer nodded she understood.
"I know and I won't. Now I think I need a rest." She said and Legolas nodded then picked up Feanin as the three of them walked out.
"Legolas, she is stronger than you think. She will be alright, just give her time." Gimli said when they were out of the room.
"I know Gimli." He replied and then he heard a screech.
"Your Highness!" One of the healers said in a high pitched tone. "Your highness, not the medicines!" She said and Legolas turned to see Feanin had opened the cupboard and was about to pull all the medicines out of their bottles.
"Feanin!" Legolas called and his son stopped then looked up at him.
"Da?"
"Come. Let's go for a walk." Legolas said and the child nodded before putting the bottles back and closing the cupboard then running over to where Legolas and Gimli stood.
"Feanin? Good choice." Gimli said then the three of them walked from the house of healing.
So preparations were made for the arrival of Arwen and sure enough a week and a half after the letter arrived, they heard trumpets sounding through the woods and guards reported back that the company from Gondor had arrived. So, Thranduil, Legolas and Eran were standing at the stables when they arrived, dressed appropriately to receive the only daughter of Lord Elrond and the Queen of Gondor.
Much to their surprise, Aragorn was also with them. He had started to age quite a lot now there was a small amount of grey visible in his head of midnight black hair hair. But he still possessed the spirit that had been with him as long as Legolas had known him. It was a kingly spirit and he would never lose it, no matter how long he had fought it.
Arwen on the other hand sat on her horse, next to her husband, shinning as radiantly as she had ever shone. The Evenstar had not aged a day and Legolas knew then what her choice meant. She would watch her husband turn grey and grow old, but she would never and it would not be until he died that she would chose to disappear from the world and dwell somewhere else. But she would never sail to Valinor and she would eventually diminish here on Middle Earth, but not until all that remembered her were gone. It was a sad thought and Legolas had to look away from her to chase the thought away.
Gimli was also there, standing proudly beside Legolas. He had decided to stay until Arwen arrived but now that Aragorn was here also it seemed as though Gimli would be staying until they left.
Aragorn and Arwen dismounted then bowed to Thranduil.
"We thank you for your hospitality, your highness." Arwen said and Thranduil nodded, mentioning for them to rise.
"Always will the daughter of Elrond be welcome here. As will the heir of Isildur, King Elessar." Thranduil said, addressing Aragorn.
"Thank you my Lord." He replied bowing his head slightly.
"Come let us take some refreshment." Thranduil said and Aragorn nodded.
"Thank you." He replied and he offered his arm to Arwen, but she shook her head, then she looked at Legolas.
"I must see her, for I fear the worst." Arwen said and Legolas nodded, with a smile.
"She is on the mend, but I will take you to her." He replied.
So, Aragorn, Gimli, Eran and Thranduil headed for Thranduil's study, while Legolas led Arwen to the house of healing.
"What happened?" Arwen asked on their way.
"She saved our child and did not wake up until the night before your letter arrived. She has been regaining strength since." Legolas said with a smile and Arwen nodded.
"How long?"
"A year and one half."
"That is a long time." Arwen said, frowning slightly as they came to the doors of the house of healing. "And your child?"
"He is as healthy as any eighteen month old."
"A boy? And does he have wings?"
"Nay, although Celebfaer tells me that if they are to appear they probably will not appear before the first one hundred years of life. Feanin is very much like me though, as you will see." Legolas said and Arwen smiled.
"Then he has spirit. Always a promising sign." She said with a smile as Legolas opened the door and they entered the house of healing. When the healers saw Arwen they bowed deeply, to which she just nodded in response.
"Your highness." They said to her, before repeating it to him.
Legolas led Arwen to the room where Celebfaer was, just as they heard a screech of pain.
"Feanin!" She shouted as Legolas entered the room, wanting to announce Arwen before springing her on Celebfaer.
Feanin had finally managed to touch one of her wings, but Celebfaer had turned so quickly that he had been thrown back and hit the wall. Hence the screeching and now he started to cry.
"I told you not to touch them!" Celebfaer called, warningly and then she fell back into her pillows. She still only had a small amount of strength, but Legolas saw that she was alright before he walked over to Feanin and picked him up, kissing him on the top of her head.
"Feanin, there is no lump, so you will survive." Legolas said and Feanin stopped his wailing. He was getting more restless and becoming more of a nuisance each day now. "Melamin, did he hurt you?" Legolas asked Celebfaer and she shook her head.
"Nay. But I do not fancy another trip to the top of Withered Heath any time soon, so we will have to keep him away from my wings." She said and Legolas nodded, then put him down and came over to the bed. "How is Arwen?" She asked and Legolas smiled.
"You can ask her yourself, melamin." He said and Arwen walked in the door.
Celebfaer smiled when she saw her. "Arwen! You have not aged a single day." She said and Arwen nodded then walked over to the bed where Celebfaer lay.
"It is my fate." She said sadly, taking Celebfaer's left hand. "No matter. Are you healed properly?"
"I will survive. Fairies always take a long time to heal." She said then she turned to look at the bed where Rosa lay. Her breathing was starting to slow, but Celebfaer had been true to her word, she would not try to save Rosa unless she knew she would be able to come back unchanged.
"Is she healed?" Arwen asked, following Celebfaer's gaze and Celebfaer shrugged in response.
"I fear she is passing. I think it is the price she had to pay for saving me. She was a dear friend." Celebfaer said and Arwen nodded, but Celebfaer grabbed her to stop her from going over to Rosa's bed. "You do not understand. She understood that by saving me the price would be paid. Rosa is old and though I will miss her, I realize that she will probably recover."
"Surely there is something I can do, Celebfaer. You taught me......" Arwen started but Celebfaer shook her head.
"I know what I taught you, but Rosa cannot be helped. It was her decision." Celebfaer replied. "But let us not talk of such things. How is Aragorn?"
"He is here in Eryn Lasgalen. His time is also nearing to an end and he told me when I made my decision to come that he wished to come and see you and Legolas one last time. So he has and I had already sent the letter, so I do hope it has not inconvenienced your father Legolas."
"Nay. It will be alright. There will be a feast held tonight in honor of the both of you coming to stay." Legolas said and Celebfaer shook their hands off and started to sit up. "Melamin?" Legolas asked, but she ignored him then she moved to the edge of the bed and put her feet on the ground. Using her wings to help her, she stood up then swayed slightly on her feet. "Melamin?" Legolas cried, running to her side. "What are you doing?"
"I want to get out of bed." She said, a determined look on her face and Arwen nodded then offered her shoulder for Celebfaer to lean on.
"You have not walked in a year and a half!" Legolas cried, but Celebfaer gripped Arwen's shoulder, taking a step forward.
"I must walk eventually Legolas. I want to be at the feast tonight." She said firmly and Arwen smiled.
"She always had spirit." Arwen said and Celebfaer took another step. This time, Legolas came to her other side and helped support her, in case she fell.
It took them the rest of the morning and all afternoon, but Celebfaer was determined and she was finally able to walk without the support of either Legolas or Arwen. It was a slow walk, but she was walking.
Smiling, Celebfaer walked to the door, then opened it and looked out at the healers.
All four that attended the house of healing nearly fell over with shock when she walked out to one of the chairs and sat down.
"Your highness!" The eldest one said coming over to feel her forehead and make sure everything was alright.
"I am fine, Merci." She said. "Though I am a little hungry, is there anything here that I can eat, or shall I go to the kitchens?"
"Nay!" Merci said, losing colour at her suggestion that she would walk to the kitchens. "I will make you something here." She added and then she set about making something for her, while another of the healers brought Celebfaer a piece of lembas.
"Thank you." Celebfaer said as she took a bite.
When she was finished eating, she stood up, swaying a little, but she turned and went back to the room, and got into bed.
"Legolas, fetch one of my dresses, please." Celebfaer said and he nodded, then he kissed her, before taking Feanin and going to fetch an appropriate dress for Celebfaer to wear that evening.
Arwen smiled at her. "I am surprised you did not do this earlier, Faer hen."
"I could not. Legolas made sure I was not to get out of bed until I was strong enough and the healers enforced it as though it was the law. Though Feanin has spent many hours with me and I keep having to use all my strength to fend him off."
"Children are like that." Arwen replied and Celebfaer nodded.
Then someone knocked on the door.
"Enter." Arwen called and Aragorn walked in the door, smiling at his wife, then nodding to Celebfaer.
"I was told I would find you here. But where is Legolas?"
"He is running an errand." Celebfaer replied and Aragorn smiled.
"You are recovering then?"
"Yes. In fact I am going to be at the feast tonight." She replied and Aragorn frowned.
"Are you sure that is wise?"
"Yes." Celebfaer said and then the door burst open to reveal Feanin.
Aragorn turned and looked at the child then nodded. "This is your son?" He asked and Legolas replied, walking into the room, carrying a pale green dress.
"Yes. Feanin." He said then he draped the dress over a chair, before he introduced Aragorn to Feanin.
"If not for the hair, Legolas I could have sworn he was a small version of you." Aragorn said and Celebfaer laughed.
"He is certainly his father's son." Celebfaer said and they all laughed.
So Aragorn and Arwen stayed for a while longer before they had to leave to prepare for the ball. But Legolas would not let her leave his sight, so he decided to help her in to her dress, but Feanin was taken by one of the servants to prepare for the feast himself.
Celebfaer was glad Legolas had decided to stay and help her, because he was more gentle than any servant would ever had been and when he was finished he brushed her hair, then braided it the same way he had the night before their wedding. She smiled at him, running her fingers through his hair then she kissed him.
"Thank you melamin." She said and he smiled.
"For you I would do anything. I just do not want you to have another child. I could not handle the feeling of almost loosing you again." He said then he kissed her tenderly.
"We shall see what happens Legolas. Now, you must ready yourself." She said. He had brought down his tunics as well when he had brought down Celebfaer's dress, so now she walked slowly over to the chair and picked up his tunic. So she helped him dress and she smiled at him when they were done. "You do look quite the sight." She said with a smile and he offered her his arm.
"Come let us find our son, then we shall head to the dinning hall." He said and she nodded, then took his arm and they made their way slowly towards Feanin's room, but Feanin caught up to them before they could go and search for him. So they walked to the dinning hall together, the three of them and when they arrived, Thranduil was a little surprised to see Celebfaer, but they walked slowly to the table and Legolas pulled the chair out for Celebfaer, then let her sit down, before he sat down himself.
"It is good to see you up and about Celebfaer. We feared the worst." Thranduil said and she nodded.
"I could not miss seeing old friends." She replied and the king smiled at her.
Then Aragorn and Arwen walked in. No matter how old Aragorn looked, they still made a beautiful couple. They were just right for one another and it made Celebfaer smile to see them together. She squeezed Legolas' hand underneath the table and he smiled at her, squeezing her hand back, reassuringly.
********************************
Later on that evening after most of the Elves had gone to bed Celebfaer was almost at the end of her strength and she asked to be excused. The night had been quite enjoyable, except when the music had started and most people had got up to dance. Legolas had stayed by her side, but she could see him itching to dance, so she had ordered him to go and watched him dance with all his cousins, Arwen and every other married woman that asked, and was allowed by her husband. It made her smile to see him happy. But the evening had been a late one and it had taken its toll, even if she had just been sitting the whole night.
Thranduil, Eran, Arwen, Aragorn and Legolas were the only ones left at the table when she announced that she was tired, as Feanin had been taken to be put to bed hours before by his maid. Instantly Legolas turned to her and nodded.
"I shall take you then, melamin. It has been a tiring night and tomorrow Arwen and Aragorn shall still be here." He said and she nodded then smiled at him.
"Thank you, Legolas. And I apologize." She said to the others but Thranduil shook his head.
"Your health is important Celebfaer. Besides it is rather late and we should all be getting to bed." Thranduil said.
"The ride was long, and Aragorn is not as young as he used to be." Arwen said with a smile and Aragorn gritted his teeth, but said nothing as he stood up, ready to leave also.
So Celebfaer and Legolas headed towards the house of healing and the others went their separate ways.
They made it to one of the numerous fountains in Eryn Lasgalen, before Celebfaer forced herself out of her husbands grasp and sat down on the edge of it, looking into the water. Cupping her hands, she put them into the water then splashed it on her face, liking the refreshing feel it gave her.
"Melamin, we should continue to the house of healing........" Legolas started but she shook her head then turned to look at him.
"I refuse to go back there Legolas, and you cannot make me." She said with surprising strength, which caused Legolas to look straight into her eyes. "I am stronger than they believe I am." She said softly then she looked away, towards the sky and the stars. "I miss the sight of the rising sun filling our room with light, which assures me there is hope each day." She added and he nodded, then with one swift motion he had picked her up and he was carrying her towards their room.