longivity101: thanks! yeppers! Rivendell. how exciting. next chappie will be better though! this one's kinda short!
sebstar: thanks much for the thoughtful review!
suzie: thanks for the compliments! hehehe! read on.
loveroflegolas: hmm…perhaps I could work one in. would you like to be nilfalath's girlfriend? give me a name for your character and I could give you a guest appearance!
Megara: thanks! read on!
Leah's Lovely: umm, not telling, but if you guess in the next review, I'll let you know if you're right!
beautystar: hehehe. I love softball. it's just that I haven't picked one up since last season and my shoulders are really sore from batting practice and throwing so much! man, I wanna live in Maine! Virginia sucks!
xSilverShadowsx: sorry if I wasn't too clear on that. it's several days after they had their spat if you didn't get that later into the chapter. thanks for the review!
aurora-myst: thanks so much! wow, a favorite story? coolbeans!
Legolaslover: thanks a bunch. I love my Nilfalath. he's my latest obsession, and apparently loveroflegolas agrees! thanks for the encouragement!
PinkAphid: thanks. I try to add lots of detail so people know what I'm talking about! hehehe. I had to have them make up, or it would have been a really nasty rest of the story! thanks!
Marisa: ew, flu time! I get that stupid thing once every single year. yuck! yea, varsity! hehehe. thanks so much! pool of goo? wow. that sounds kinda painful. hmmm, laptop in the bathroom? I'd have to take the batting roster with me to see when I had to bat though. otherwise, good advice! thanks!
Disclaimer: I own nothing that you recognize as Tolkien's, but I wish I did. Anybody wanna help me kidnap a naked Legolas?
Chapter 27
Nilfalath immediately felt the comfort of being home wash over him as soon as his mount cleared the gates. The words Legolas had spoken had clouded his mind, but they slowly faded away and all was replaced with joy as he spied his father coming down the stairs from the Last Homely House. The trees here were kept in perpetual autumn and always seemed to be changing colors. Fresh green vines climbed up the gates behind him just as they had a century ago. Water surrounded the Elven refuge, and the falls could be heard plummeting from every location in the small city. The spires and gables from the main building stretched into the sky in the near distance. Small porches and gazebos could be seen surrounding the house, and another building was hidden away in the trees beside him – the stables.
He slid off Tathar's back and took about three steps before stopping to greet his father. He embraced the elder Elf warmly and gave his back a few pats.
"It is good to see you again, ion-nin," Arcollo said softly. "We have much missed your company these years past."
"It is good to be home, Ada," Nilfalath stated, pulling back to give his father a smile.
"I see you bring your sister with you," the Elf lord intoned. "And my son-in-law."
"She wished to see you, Ada. And he would not be left behind."
Arcollo glanced at the elleth that sat atop a well-bred Mirkwood steed. She was much as he remembered her: the same wavy locks as her mother, the piercing green eyes, and the pale cream colored skin of the Rivendell folk. Her eyes came to a rest on him after taking a cursory glance at what was around her. The beauty of Rivendell had seemed to overwhelm her, but the amazement quickly vanished from her eyes as she stared at him curiously.
Elenayave wasn't sure at first who Nilfalath had immediately greeted upon arriving, but the moment she took a closer look, her heart sped up in her chest. The Elf lord had long blond hair and keen blue eyes. His facial features were much the same as her brother's, and he was slightly taller than the younger ellyn. It only took a minute for Elena to realize she was looking at her father, dressed regally in his formal robes.
"Ada?" she questioned quietly, nudging Patrosh closer to the Elf. Her eyes narrowed to get a better look, and when he nodded, she grinned and jumped off her horse's saddle. She threw her arms around him and locked him in a snuggly embrace and refused to let go.
Arcollo was surprised at first, knowing his daughter was not usually the affectionate type and was slightly better at hiding her emotions. But he quickly wrapped his arms around his little girl and smiled.
"I have missed you so, sellen," he replied, pressing a soft kiss against her cheek. "And I apologize for not making it to see you when you were ill."
"Never mind it, Ada, for I came to see you instead! Nilfalath said that you might be able to help me regain my memories, because you know I lost them after my accident. And you know what? I don't remember Rivendell ever being so far away!"
Arcollo felt his brain reel with all the information she was babbling out and he laughed, pushing his index finger against her lips to silence her. "Hush, Elena. And don't talk so fast. I can hardly understand you!"
"Oh," she said as her cheeks flushed to a cheery shade of pink, and she lowered her eyes. "Sorry. But I am so happy to see you, Ada. And I have so much to tell you!"
"I'm sure we can go over everything once we're all inside at sitting at the table. You must being hungry, and in need of a bath after your journey," her father intoned, giving Legolas a wink.
Despite Elenayave's somewhat disappointed look, Legolas responded, "That would be most appreciated, Arcollo. I do feel rather grimy, and I believe Lena should take a few moments rest before sitting down for a long story." He quirked his brow and glanced at her with a grin. His smile widened when he saw her cross her arms over her chest and roll her eyes.
"It's settled, then. We can meet before the hour is over. I will be more than ready to listen to such a tale then," Arcollo answered, catching on to Legolas's teasing almost immediately. "Perhaps you should bathe as well, Elena. You've gotten dirt all over your face."
Elenayave stared back at him agape and self-consciously rubbed her face and glanced at her fingers. "Do I?" she inquired, looking back at Legolas.
"You do," Nilfalath broke in, placing his hand on her shoulder. "And you smell like a horse."
"So do you!" she cried, smacking at his hand playfully. "We all do, if you haven't noticed!"
"Now, now, children. Stop arguing," Arcollo urged. "Elena, why don't you head into the house and get yourself cleaned up? You two gentlemen, if you would come with me, and you can bathe in the guards' quarters."
Elenayave made a sour face. "Why can't Legolas come with me?"
"Because I wish to hear this story sometime today, as it were," Arcollo stated matter-of-factly. "And if I send the two of you together, you may not ever emerge again."
"You place so little trust in me, Arcollo?" Legolas asked lightheartedly.
"I do not doubt your virility for one minute, Legolas. It is the time limit I worry about. Besides, I suspect Lord Elrond would be most charmed to find both of you in his bathing quarters."
Legolas gave him a cheeky grin and said, "Not a problem," and then took off after Nilfalath and his father. As they disappeared around the bend in the path, Legolas turned and waved to Elenayave and gave her a quick wink, and then vanished behind the trees.
Elenayave smiled as she watched them go, and sighed as she turned back to the Homely House. It had been such a long time since she'd been home last. Now, if only she could remember how to get to the bathing quarters Lord Elrond had always let her use.
quick update and kinda short, but the next chappie is gonna be really good. hopefully, I'll have it up by Thursday this week. for all you Elladan and Elrohir fans, get ready! the twins are in for some mischief time next chappie!