Note: my sincerest apologies once more! I've been busy with many things, mainly with my new Orlando Bloom site! . But I haven't forgotten about you at all. In fact, one of the things I did was research for further chapters. I am glad that everyone who posted reviews like the story so far! I'm having a hard time writing it, actually, as I keep changing the plot so many times. But I think I've got it set now. The story will become quite dramatic. You have been warned. So, yes, enough of my senseless ramblings, and onto the chapter. Enjoy!
Chapter Three: Taking Leave of the Beornings
On the final night of the Elves' stay the Beornings held a farewell feast in honor of Síriel. It was held outside amongst the trees, much to the delight of the Elves. There was much food and drink, and plenty of music to make the atmosphere a merry one. When dancing music was played, Síriel actually dragged Legolas to dance with her, much to the amusement of the others. The Elves and Beornings formed a cheering circle around the wedded pair as they danced together. Once again, Síriel danced in the manner of the Beornings, much to their delight, making Legolas giddy with excitement. He loved the seductive movements of the dance, especially when she bent her back towards him and rolled her shoulders. It was all he could do to stop himself from making love to her.
When the song ended, Síriel bowed. The Elves and Beornings asked her to dance again. She politely declined and sat down to rest.
"Ai, that was such fun!" she panted.
Legolas laughed softly.
"Indeed." he whispered, his sapphire eyes glowing.
Darrion approached, and asked her to dance with Legolas again.
"Oh, but I cannot. I fear I exerted too much force on myself, so now I must rest. Yet, perhaps Celebrindal will dance with him." she said.
Celebrindal, who was beside her friend, started.
"But my Lady…" she began.
Síriel shook her head.
"Celebrindal, how many times have I told you not to call me my Lady? Since when have I become of the nobility? I am merely Legolas' wife, nothing more. I still am your friend. And Legolas will not object. You are like a sister to him. You have helped us both very much." she said.
Celebrindal looked at Legolas, and he nodded.
"Síriel is right. Come, Celebrindal, do not be shy." he said, holding out his arm to her. "If you will not listen to Síriel, then I, as your Prince, command you to dance with me in place of my wife, who needs rest."
The silver-haired maiden knew she was defeated.
"As you wish," she said in her low voice, and took his arm.
From her seat, Síriel the half-elf watched as her husband danced with her friend. She knew Celebrindal was embarrassed and feared what the other Elves would think, but they knew what had occurred. And to ease her nervousness, Síriel ordered other maidens to dance alongside her, so that she would not be alone. She knew this would calm her.
Darrion remained with Síriel.
"That is your dearest friend?" he asked her.
"She is. She was the only one who accepted me for whom I was when she first met me. I confide my whole soul in her, and she keeps everything I tell her secret, even if it is not. She has the wisdom of the Elves where I have the folly of mortals. In everything she is opposite me. I am quick to anger and suspect others, whereas she is thoughtful and quiet. When she is with me she is not so shy, but I suppose this is natural amongst many maidens. She loves to serve others; I do not. Perhaps it is because of the way I was treated." she said.
"What do you mean?" Darrion asked curiously.
She then told him of how the Elves mocked her because of her skin and hair color, and belittled her because she was a half-elf.
"But not all are like that." she said hurriedly. She did not want Darrion to believe that Elves were just like all other races. "It was only a few of the nobles who did it to me, yet I was blinded by that and assumed that all Elves are proud and stiff-necked. Celebrindal attempted to tell me it was not so, but it was not until I met King Thranduil, Legolas' sire, that I believed her. In him as well I confided many things. And when I finally met Legolas, he further proved me wrong…"
She trailed off and turned to look at him, still dancing with Celebrindal, who now appeared to be thoroughly enjoying herself.
"It is astonishing that once I believed he had abandoned me. I still wonder even now if I was in my right mind at that time." she said to herself. "If I did not wed Legolas, Darrion, and wedded another, I would have perished. No one understands me like he does. He has been on the Quest and through it he became exposed to other cultures and people. His dear friend is a Dwarf, which is unusual for the two races, as there has been hatred between them ever since the First Age. He is more tolerant and open-minded about things than most Elves. He loves me for what I am, a half-elf. My status and appearance did not matter to him, and I think he loves me more because of them." she finished softly.
Darrion sat in complete silence the entire time Síriel spoke.
"Verily, Síriel, you are blessed. You are from two races, and you take the best from each to suit your needs. But to live amongst Elves is a dream that most never attain. I am glad, my kinswoman, to have finally met you. I have learned much from you already. It is my sincerest wish that you live forever in bliss with Legolas. He seems a fine man. I will not worry about your safety with him, or of the safety of your children." he told her. "I know you will be happy with him, you already are."
He was rewarded with a gracious smile from Síriel.
"I thank you for your kind words, Darrion!" she said warmly.
The following morning the Elves were ready to depart from the settlement of the Beornings even before the sun had risen. Yet they waited until their hosts had awoken and provided them with a large morning meal. Síriel was quiet as she walked alongside Legolas.
"I do not know if it is foolish of me—" she said quietly.
Legolas stopped and took her into his arms.
"It is not foolish, meleth nín (my love). They are your kin. I too am quite sad to leave them. There is still much I wish to know of their ways, but I suppose I will have to be content with what I managed to learn. The others are happy that we came here. And it was a good opportunity for them to meet people of other ways and cultures. They have never been more than a league away from the palace. Even though we are half-way to our destination, already they are changed." he said soothingly.
When they reached the horses, the Elves accompanying them were already seated astride their horses, waiting patiently for their Prince and his wife. Celebrindal helped Síriel to mount her steed. The Beornings were present, too.
"Well, this is the end, then." Darrion said slowly.
Síriel turned her emerald eyes upon him.
"Do not say this is the end, but merely a parting." she told him.
"Indeed, kinswoman." Darrion said.
"I thank you for your kind hospitality, Darrion." Legolas said.
The Beorning inclined his head.
"We thank you for accepting our invitation." he answered.
Behind him, his people looked at the Elves for the final time.
"Are we ready?" Legolas asked his people.
"We are, ernil (prince)." came the reply.
Legolas signaled to his herald, and the Elf blew his horn. The gates of the settlement were opened, and the Eryn Lasgalen Elves rode out. Síriel looked back once, and saw that Darrion was weeping.