Hey everyone! Sorry this has taken so long, it's been a very difficult chapter to write. And then I got writers' block. So thanks must go to María (Thuriniel) for her continuing support and listening and wonderful betaing and to Khazar for her fabby betaing too. I really don't know what I would do without them. And I must also thank Maram68 for her flashes of inspiration and general goodness. Thanks girls!

I know I say it every time, but I really do hope the next chapter is sooner in coming than this one, but life is about to get very hectic so I can't promise anything! As always, your feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank you to everyone who reviewed the last chapter. Here is Chapter 10 - Separations. Please read and enjoy, take care,

Emma

Separations

It was early morning and Eldirn was walking through the forest. After she had undressed and curled up in bed to rest the night before, she had found little peace with her own thoughts: wrestling with her conscience for many hours. As soon as the Sun had risen, she also rose, dressed and breakfasted, and soon found herself on the paths through the trees.

She was heading for Thranduil's study in the hope that she would find Legolas there. Eldirn walked the corridors for some time, praying she would meet him as she wandered and would not have to speak to him in the King's presence. It was to no avail. Gathering up her courage, Eldirn checked her appearance before retracing her steps back to the main corridor and on to Thranduil's study.

There were several people clustered outside already, and it was only very early morning. She vaguely recognised a couple as advisors who had worked with her father over the years. They looked at her with disapproval as if to ask what gave an elleth such daring as to bother the King with her trifling matters, when their business was of the utmost importance. Ignoring them, Eldirn walked confidently up to the guards,

"I am Eldirn Star-Watcher and I am looking for Prince Legolas. Is he here please?"

One of the guards nodded his head slightly and went into the study. There were an uncomfortable few moments, as Eldirn and the other occupants of the vestibule could hear the murmured conversations and a few snatches of words including her name and Legolas'. The guard returned and said,

"The King will see you."

Eldirn was puzzled. If Legolas was there, surely he would come out and greet her? She took a few tentative steps into the room. The heavy door swung shut behind her. Thranduil looked up from his work.

"Good morning Eldirn."

"Good morning, Sire," she said, curtseying.

"I gather you are looking for Legolas."

Eldirn nodded.

"He is not here."

"Oh," was all Eldirn could reply.

"He seemed a little distracted this morning. He was not concentrating on anything except his own thoughts so I sent him away. He could be on the archery ranges. That is usually where he goes when he is…" Thranduil chose his next word carefully, "…upset."

"Thank you, Sire," Eldirn turned to leave.

"Eldirn?" Thranduil called after her. "Eldirn, if things go badly between you and Legolas, then it will be highly likely that the guards to take you to Rivendell might suddenly become available, earlier than expected."

She nodded and left. It was kind of the King to say that, she thought. The distraction of packing would be welcome if things went badly, but what would Legolas do? Mind you, Eldirn added to herself, if it does go badly, it will not be my fault.

Legolas was indeed on the archery ranges. His stance was tense with frustration as he fired arrow after arrow into an abused target. Eldirn bit her lip as she watched him. She knew he would only feel worse than he already did once she had told him everything. She hated herself for that. Silently she walked up to him and called his name. Legolas immediately spun round to face her and with a speed she had never seen before he replaced his drawn arrow in his quiver and let his bow drop to his side. There was silence.

Legolas had had a sense of foreboding ever since Eldirn had left him in the forest the night before. He knew that Eldirn feared something or someone and he hoped to Elbereth that it was not him or anything he had done. All he had wanted was to show her how much she meant to him, but she had stepped back and run away. At first, he had been angry as he watched her shadow flit through the trees away from him. His fingers had clenched the fabric of Eiliant's cloak tightly, almost until the point of ripping it, until he remembered it did not belong to him and he should not destroy it. Legolas had put on a face of inner calm and sought his brother out in the crowds. Returning the cloak, Legolas had made his excuses rather abruptly, and disappeared off back to his talan.

In the dark he had lain on his back looking at the ceiling. The only image he had been able conjure up was of Eldirn's face as she had stepped back from him. In that moment he hated himself. His anger at her dissipated and he became angry and disappointed with himself for hurting her and ruining the entire evening. It was haunting the way she had looked at him, her eyes filling with tears and her lips quivering with fear and confusion. He began to convince himself that perhaps she did not feel for him as much as he had thought, but how could that be possible when he felt that he belonged with her?

"May I speak with you?" She asked quietly, breaking the silence, interrupting his thoughts.

Legolas nodded. They walked away from the other archers and into the trees. Eldirn stopped and leant against a tree. She watched Legolas take off his quiver and set it, and his bow, down reverently. He mirrored her stance, leaning back into the rough bark of a strong trunk. Again there was another silence as they watched each other, trying to gauge their moods.

Eldirn knew she must tell him straight away or she never would. Already she felt the tears began to form in the corners of her eyes. Fearing his reaction, Eldirn began.

"I am leaving the Greenwood," she said quietly.

"What?" Legolas asked, his voice full of emotion, not believing what he had just heard. His heart beat fast in his chest.

"I am going to Rivendell."

"Rivendell? Eldirn, why now? Why do you have to visit your family now?"

"I am not going to visit my family," she said carefully. "I will, but that is not the main reason I am going." She forced down the sob at the confused look on Legolas' face. "I am going to train to be a healer and to learn from Lord Elrond."

There was silence once more. Not even the birds moved.

"How long will you be gone for?" Legolas' voice quivered with fear. He dreaded her answer.

"Thirty years or so," she replied, trying to keep the tone light.

Legolas cursed as things began to fit into place for him.

"This is why you ran when I tried to kiss you," he accused. He had said what he had intended to do. He had stated his feelings for her without even realising he had done so.

"Please, do not make this any harder than it is already," Eldirn begged, her heart already breaking.

"Hard? Hard? You have had weeks to mention this Eldirn! Why must you do this now?" His temper began to overflow.

"Do you not think I have tried to tell you?" She snapped. "Do you not think me in enough pain already that you will force the entire blame for this on my shoulders? How do you tell someone you care about that you are leaving him, that you are going to be absent from his life for a long stretch of time? Again."

"Then stay." He begged, bridging the gap between them and taking one of her hands between his. He pressed it to his lips, kissing her knuckles desperately, caressing the inside of her wrist with his fingers. He pleaded with his eyes as he planted lingering kisses over the back of her hand, his gaze fixed on hers. He saw the first tears fall from her dark eyes as she shook her head.

"I cannot. It was written into the treaty your father signed. It is my duty." Eldirn wiped her eyes, but more tears fell. "It is my duty," she whispered. "Do not ask this of me."

Do not ask me to choose between the only two things I have ever wanted this much, she added silently.

"Forget duty!" Legolas cried. "Stay! Stay for me! You can learn the Arts here."

"Stay? You would have me forget my duty and bring dishonour to this entire realm, to your father? Is this what you know of duty?" She said spitefully and pulled her hand from his grasp, instantly regretting what she had said.

"You ask a Prince what he knows of duty?" He asked incredulously.

"Tell me Legolas, what has being a Prince brought you? Fine clothes, a privileged education and the attention of every attractive elleth in the Greenwood, a position that would be the envy of every ellon that serves others or toils away long hours working for things instead of just asking Ada. What would you know of duty? Your only responsibility is to get out of bed every morning and be present at festivals to eat the food that others have prepared! What would you know of duty?" She cried shrilly. Tears of rage now filled her eyes and she clenched her fists at her sides.

"You clearly know nothing of manners," Legolas replied angrily "Have you been dragged up so badly? Did your mother not teach you how to behave in the company of a member of the Royal Family? You ask me of duty and I will tell you of it. My duty is marry an elleth of a noble line, one suitable for Court and fit for my father's table. One I can trust not to keep secrets from me." He gave her a look of disgust that said more than any words could.

"I could never marry someone so utterly devoid of purpose or usefulness in life, nor one who makes demands of me when they have barely returned to my acquaintance for month," she retorted, letting her mouth run away with itself.

"You mean someone who you can twist around your little finger and who fits your ideas of purpose and usefulness," he corrected.

"At least I have ideas, Legolas, instead of drifting through life without course or aim and devoid of my own opinions and ambitions. Tell me what you do think of your father's settlement of the dispute over lands to the north, or the way Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn have assumed power in Lothlórien after Lord Amroth's disappearance? What do you think of the new proposals for changing the length of duties on the borders for members of the Guard, seeing as it would take your brother away from his family for much longer stretches?"

Legolas sat in stunned silence. He did not know what to say.

"Do not tell me," Eldirn said mercilessly, "you only write your father's instructions, you do not read them or bother to care how they will affect anyone."

Legolas' eyes had widened and glassed over. He stepped away from her and backed back into the tree. Eldirn narrowed her eyes, fished in her pocket and drew out the necklace he had given her the night before.

"You should take this back," she said. "I have never deserved it. There are others far more suitable to wear your gifts."

"Keep it. I could not bear to look at it," he spat back in reply. Legolas picked up his bow and stormed through the trees back to the archery range.

Eldirn's cry of anger and frustration resonated through the forest. She sank to the ground, silent tears rolling down her face.

Eventually after the shadows had shifted considerably, Eldirn picked herself up. Dusting off her dress, wiping the last remnants of tears from her face, she strode purposefully through the trees back home. Walking into the house she saw her mother sitting around the table with a few of her friends. Politely Eldirn greeted them, but retired to her room. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Dirty tear-streaks still marked her features. I must have looked quite a sight for mother's visitors, she rued.

Eldirn lay down on the bed and stared at the ceiling. Images formed in the mottled surface, but finding only Legolas' features among them, she rolled onto her side. Some time later she heard the door open. Her mother's concerned voice filled the silence.

"Eldirn? Eldirn, I am sorry, they just passed by. They are gone now though. What happened? Are you well?"

Eldirn felt the mattress move. Her mother sat near her head, stroking her hair.

"We fought," Eldirn said quietly.

Rodwen bent to kiss her daughter's head.

"Ai, iellen [my girl], there was nothing you could do. Do not blame yourself."

Eldirn rolled onto her back and looked at her mother's kindly face. Rodwen reached out and stroked her cheek. Eldirn said firmly,

"I do not. Though I think perhaps I said some things I should not have."

"Ai, Eldirn. Do not tell me! I do not wish to know what you and that opinionated mouth of yours has said this time! When will you learn?"

"I think this time was be the last time, Naneth. I should not force my thoughts onto others so freely."

"What did he say to you, Eldirn?" Rodwen asked, knowing that her daughter's attitude could only come from a disagreement of some magnitude.

"Nothing I did not deserve," she replied sadly.

"Do not be ridiculous. You argued, correct?"

"Yes."

"Then as you said things you did not mean, I am sure he did too. Eldirn, I saw the way he looked at you last night. He cares for you very much. Do not let one little thing get in the way of happiness. Remember what I said about there sometimes being only a short moment of joy and you should do all you can to hold onto that?"

Eldirn nodded.

"Well, sometimes the moment comes at the wrong time, when the situation is not right for it to continue. If Legolas is meant to love you Eldirn, he will, do not doubt that. And when the right time comes you will know it, Eldirn, and it will feel wonderful and you will know love so powerful that you will want to sing, dance and laugh all day. Tiro na estel! Hirithach veleth chín a chen hirithar. Erin arad chen cenithach i balan e-meleth a istathach 'lass thenid [Look to hope! You will find your love and he will find you. On this day you will see love's power and you will know true joy]."

Rodwen tucked Eldirn's hair behind her ear and kissed her cheek. "I will leave you now."

As Rodwen reached the door to leave, Eldirn remarked,

"The King said that if things did not go well between Legolas and me, the guards might be found more quickly than he had thought. We should start to pack my things."

"The King is very wise," Rodwen acknowledged. "Do not trouble yourself now. It can wait one day."

*

Unsurprisingly, the guards did suddenly become available. Eldirn had only one week to gather her belongings and get ready to leave. She knew what she was doing was for the best. Going to Rivendell would put Legolas out of her immediate thoughts and she could concentrate on her studies and settling in to her new home. She only wished that she did not have to leave him behind when he was hurt and felt only anger towards her.

*

Eldirn was seen all over the Wood in the next week, busily preparing for her departure and saying her goodbyes. Conversely, Legolas was not seen at all, after Thalion found him in the forest the night after the fight.

The King had suspected that the news would not go well between Legolas and Eldirn. Worried for his son, he sent Thalion look for his brother. Legolas had not proved easy to find. He had not been seen near the archery range or near the main villages in the surrounding area at all. Eventually, Thalion found him high in a tree overlooking the river and climbed up beside him.

"You heard then," Legolas said flatly, not looking at his brother, but gazing off into the distance.

"Yes," Thalion said gently. "Eldirn stopped by Adar's study this morning before she found you. He hoped you would come home by yourself."

"I wonder how long he has known she was going?" Legolas pondered.

"It matters not. He did not want to interfere," Thalion replied.

Legolas thought that over. He would not have wanted to hear about Rivendell from his father. Thranduil had made the right decision as far has his son was concerned. Perhaps he and Thranduil were finally coming to an understanding. That did not matter to Legolas, though; he had matters of the heart to contend with.

"Thirty years, Thalion," Legolas groaned.

"Legolas, it has been barely three weeks since you saw her at the festival."

"Does that matter?"

"Eldirn has probably been planning and hoping for this for years. You cannot ask her to give up her dream," Thalion reasoned.

"She should have told me," Legolas said stubbornly.

"Think how hard it must have been for her, Legolas. Did she ever try and mention Rivendell to you?"

"Once, but I stopped the conversation before she went any further," he said regretfully. "Oh what have I done?" Legolas cried, looking to his brother for help.

"It is no one's fault Legolas," Thalion said softly. He put a comforting arm around his brother's shoulders. "You must not blame yourself, Tithintôr."

"But I never told her how much I…"

"Do not say that," Thalion interrupted. "It will only make it worse."

"She was so angry at me, she said so many things. And I said things too," Legolas trailed off. He finally broke down. He felt Thalion pull them both closer together.

"Hush, I am sure she meant none of them. People say things when they are hurting and upset. Do you mean everything you said?"

"Yes… no," Legolas admitted between sobs.

They sat for a while. Legolas could only think about what Eldirn had said to him of duty, while Thalion wondered what Eldirn could have said to cause this reaction. Normally only Thranduil was able to reduce Legolas to tears.

After some time, Thalion said,

"Come home, Legolas. Eiliant will cook us something to eat. You should not be here."

Legolas did not say a word. He barely talked the entire evening he spent with Thalion and Eiliant, speaking only to thank her for the food and drink.

*

The next morning, Thranduil went to his son's talan while Legolas was still resting. His son was curled under the covers doing his best to look like he was sleeping. Like all parents, Thranduil was not fooled. His heart went out to his younger son. To be spurned in love was bad enough, but usually there were second chances. Sadly for Legolas, Eldirn would be caught up in the excitement of Rivendell for decades and he would not be able to maintain even a casual friendship to ease his suffering.

Placing a hand on Legolas' shoulder to gain his attention, Thranduil said,

"Legolas, I know you are awake. I must say this one thing and then I will leave you to your thoughts." Thranduil cleared his throat. "I am sorry ionnen [my son], for not warning you of this. I did not want to repeat the same mistakes I have made before and do more harm than good. Do you understand what I am saying?"

Thranduil would never forget the haunting look in Legolas' eyes in that moment, before he closed his eyes and rolled over away from Thranduil.

"You do not have to come back and work for me until you are feeling better, ionnen. I am sorry."

Thranduil left.

*

Eldirn was busy for the next seven days thinking about her new life and trying not to think about Legolas. He was left to brood, rarely leaving his talan. She was always in his thoughts. It was much discussed and worried over amongst the other members of the family.

It was the sixth day after Eldirn's revelation, and Thalion was speaking to his father in the King's study.

"He should be made to go and see her," Thranduil said firmly.

"No Adar," Thalion replied with equal gravity. "They are hurting enough at this separation. For them to see each other now and smooth things over would be much worse. At least they will have their anger to carry them through the next few years. We should be thankful for that, now matter how hard it makes it for the rest of us."

"And there is still hope," Thranduil said, trying to brighten the mood.

"Yes, there is." Thalion mused.

"When she returns perhaps things will be different. Legolas is young and maybe this is just a melodrama of youth."

"There are younger than he already married, Adar." Thalion pointed out. "Some even have infants of their own."

"True. Though it is always customary of those of our line to marry late, Thalion."

"Whatever may be, we can do nothing until Legolas consents to leave his talan and join the rest of the Wood again. Have you been in there Adar? He barely lets Anor [The Sun] in and rarely leaves his bed."

"I know, I know. Your mother wants him back in our talan until this passes. But what can be done? Do you wish me to go in there and force him to get up?"

"Eiliant has been taking him food at all times of the day and night."

"Well that will not help. If he thinks he can live like this for the foreseeable future then he is not going to do anything but sulk," Thranduil said. "I am at a loss. What do you suggest we do?"

"I do not know," Thalion admitted, "and that scares me. He even refuses to talk to me sometimes when I see him. He is never like that."

"Then we will have to trust in Elbereth and hope that he sees sense soon. I asked him if he wished to write any letters to Rivendell. Have you seen any?"

"No Adar."

"Then I suspect we will not get any. I shall have to write to Arwen myself then and ask her to take care of Eldirn."

Thalion bid his father good day and left. Thranduil picked up his quill and a piece of parchment.

Lady Arwen,

I hope this letter finds you well. You may wonder what business I have with you considering the manner of our last meeting. This letter is not so much about affairs between our realms, but rather a more personal matter.

This party carrying this, and all the other correspondence from myself to your good father, is accompanying a young elleth to train as a Healer. Her name is Eldirn Star-Watcher. Her mother is from Rivendell and she married and advisor of mine several centuries ago. He is a good elf. Eldirn is…

Thranduil broke off. He did not know quite how to describe Eldirn to Arwen. How could he relate the intimacy between Legolas and Eldirn without having to voice it directly? Thranduil thought for a minute and then took up his quill again.

…a particularly special friend of my son, Legolas. They knew each other very well in childhood and have recently become very close again. It would do me great service if you would watch over Eldirn during the beginning of her stay in Rivendell and show her the ways of your people. I understand from Legolas that she plays the harp very well. I doubt that she will be able to transport such a delicate instrument all the way over the Misty Mountains and I know she would appreciate the opportunity to play whilst she is staying with you. I do not know of the circumstances of her family in Rivendell.

You may be surprised that it should be me writing to you instead of my son. I will not reveal all the details to you of their friendship, but having heard of Eldirn's removal to Rivendell for possibly a considerable number of years, Legolas and Eldirn are no longer on the best of terms. Perhaps if you will not do this for me, then you will do it for my son and the time you shared together.

Thranduil.

*

The day of Eldirn's departure dawned brightly as she and her family and friends gathered together with the guards. She was saying her farewells. As Eldirn moved amongst the groups of friends she was surprised to see Eiliant and Thalion there as well. She approached them both warily, not knowing what to expect. She had been trying her best to put Legolas from her mind, though not succeeding very often. Seeing his brother and sister bought him to the forefront of her mind.

Eiliant spoke first.

"I am sorry Eldirn. I had hoped my brother would be here as well."

"I did not expect him, but maybe I was hoping," Eldirn admitted. "How is he?"

"Upset, sulking, angry. He has not left his flet in days." Thalion said bluntly.

"I am sorry. It is all my fault. I should have told him," she admonished herself for the umpteenth time.

"Hush, Eldirn, do not upset yourself," Eiliant said kindly. "Maybe when you come back things will be different."

"I should be surprised if he ever wishes to see me again."

"Oh come Eldirn!" Eiliant cried.

"Would you tell him I…" she broke off.

"Yes?" Thalion asked hopefully.

"No, it is best not to." Eldirn's voice was firm and it was clear to the other two that the subject of Legolas was closed.

"You have a good time in Rivendell," Eiliant said and kissed Eldirn on the cheek.

"Farewell, Eldirn," Thalion said.

"Farewell. Thank you for coming." Eldirn smiled weakly. She had been hoping Legolas would be there, she realised and she was disappointed not to see him. She wished he would turn up and tell her that all was forgiven and send her on her way with his blessings, maybe even continue what they had left off at the merrymaking, but it would not be so.

Putting on a brave face, Eldirn turned to say goodbye to Meliel. Meliel wrapped her arms around her and said,

"Aegas sends his greetings and good wishes. He is on duty today."

Eldirn nodded. Neither of them let go.

"Oh Eldirn!" Meliel began to sob into Eldirn's shoulder. "What will I do without you?"

"I am sure you will do well enough," Eldirn comforted her, rubbing her back. "Though you will have to find someone else to order around."

Meliel laughed, but still sobbed into Eldirn's shoulders for a little while longer. Eventually she let go. Dabbing her eyes, she kissed Eldirn on the cheek.

"Do not be too good, Eldirn. I will see you soon."

That only left her mother and father. Eldirn wrapped her arms around her father's neck and held him tight.

"Farewell Ada. I will miss you every day."

"I know sellen, we both will as well. Go and do your best and come back here soon."

"I will try and make you proud of me, Ada."

"You need not try Eldirn. I am already more proud of you than I could possibly describe."

For the first time that morning, Eldirn burst into tears. She clung onto her father's neck tightly, burying her head in his shoulder. Haedron did his best to comfort her, holding her tightly and soothing her gently. Rodwen wrapped her arms around her daughter too and she felt Eldirn turn and lean on her instead.

"Hush, Eldirn, do not cry. All will be well."

"But I will miss you so much." Eldirn's voice was muffled by her mother's body.

"And we will miss you Eldirn, but you must not worry about us. Concentrate on your studies and learning as much as you can from Lord Elrond. This is a big adventure, think of the excitement to come."

"Oh Nana!" Eldirn held her mother closer.

Rodwen leant down and whispered in her daughter's ear.

"Do not let what has happened this past month upset you while you are gone. There is nothing you can do about it while you are in Rivendell, Eldirn. Put it out of your mind."

"Yes Nana, I will do that." Eldirn said determined to do just as she was told.

Mother and daughter pulled apart.

"You have got all my letters and gifts for everyone?"

"Yes Naneth," Eldirn answered.

"And you remembered to pack all your new dresses and your jewellery?"

"Yes Naneth," Eldirn replied wryly, her smile returned.

"Then you had best go and not keep these guards waiting any longer. Have a safe journey, Eldirn."

"Navaer [Farewell] Ada, navaer Naneth. I love you."

Eldirn walked confidently to her horse and mounted it easily. The guards followed suit and with one last look at her friends and family Eldirn urged the horse on.

High above, Legolas watched the entire scene, though he could not hear all that was said. He was up amongst the leaves, hidden from view. He had been surprised that morning when Thalion arrived in his talan to say he was going to say his goodbyes to Eldirn. He had not realised her departure would be so soon, though he vaguely recalled his father mentioning it, and it had started in him a great desire to see her one last time. Quickly and carefully he followed the party as it moved slowly through the more populated areas of the forest. Tracking them was easy while they moved slowly and the trees grew close together so he could step or leap from branch to branch. If the guards had realised he was there they did not show it. He doubted Eldirn had seen him. Her attention seemed focussed on the path in front of her and nothing else.

Soon the party reached the Old Forest Road and the horses began to stretch their legs and canter hard. Legolas did the best he could, but soon he fell far behind. Stopping on an outstretched branch, he straddled it and leant back against the trunk watching the horses gallop off into the distance, dust flying up around them. He could see Eldirn's long, dark locks streaming in the wind as she rode and Legolas said softly,

"Navaer, Eldirn nín."