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Chapter 3 - Back to Rivendell

As the sun rose, the cave shone blood red. Evanwyn woke up and looked around her. Aragorn and Gimli were still sleeping soundly however Legolas' figure could easily be seen at the edge of the hill, watching the sunrise. The view fascinated him. All of Middle Earth spread before him and Mount Doom's glowing peak was also visible.

"You've always loved the sunrise, didn't you Legolas?" she told him as she approached him.

"Had a goodnight?" he told her smiling, without specifically answering her question.

"Of course! This was the first night after many that I've slept without any fear.. I'm glad I met you"

"I'm glad we met you too…We should get going if we want to arrive at Rivendell soon"

"I'll go and wake the others then "she told him. She turned and was about to wake up Gimli ,when Legolas took hold of her arm and lowering his gaze to her throat where the pendant was hanging, he asked her : "So you've received it then? " .At first, Evanwyn didn't recognize what he was talking about but following his gaze, she immediately understood. "Of course I did, I've worn it since and it always brought me luck. I meant to thank you earlier but I forgot. Thanks, Legolas" she said as she smiled at him.

"I'm pleased you like it" he said as she turned to go and wake the others. Legolas remained where he was, staring at the now risen sun. His mind flooded with memories, of approximately one year ago when he left his place of birth to sit at the Council of Elrond. He could still picture Evanwyn's face as he visited her one last time before he went away. Her attractive elfin face was so full of sorrow because of his leaving that his heart nearly broke. He recalled embracing her one last time and sending a messenger with a gift for her, the pendant, she now wears around her neck. He was always so protective of her and he adored his friend.

Agreeing with Legolas' decision to set out for Rivendell as soon as possible, Aragorn woke up at once. However, Gimli took his time, grumbling that dwarves needed sleep in order to walk long distances. Within an hour, the four companions were on their way to Rivendell .

The journey was a normal one except for Gimli's and Legolas' arguments, but even these were considered as an average part of the day. As the sun made its way to its setting place, they stepped through the gates of Rivendell once more and made their way to Elrond's palace. The travelers were welcomed by Eowyn, the princess of Rohan and King Theoden's niece, who was staying at the palace, in order to celebrate Helm's Deep victory. She was introduced to Evanwyn and they became friends at once. Like Lady Arwen, they both had one thing in mind: to protect the people they love.

An elf-messenger came hurrying forward and after greeting Legolas, told him, that someone was waiting for him. Giving an apologetically look to his friends, he followed the messenger. Aragorn, Gimli and Evanwyn met Gandalf and he gave them a very warm welcome. After they told him their journey's accounts, he showed them their rooms and told them that they should get ready for the feast, Elrond prepared that night.

Legolas followed the messenger to a beautiful room, where two elven lords were expecting him. As he saw them, Legolas bowed. The two elves smiled to each other and one of them, who was Lord Thranduil, Legolas' father, greeted his son with a hearty embrace

"Welcome back son, It's been a while since I've seen you, I'm glad you're all right"

"I am delighted to see you too, father "

"I'm aware that you need your rest, but Lord Eolder here wished to tell you something"

Lord Eolder left his seat and approached Legolas, who was waiting for what the elven lord had to say. "Welcome back, I have heard a great deal of your doings in the fellowship, Legolas and I can say that I'm proud that you were chosen to represent our kin … But enough of this.. First of all I want to thank you for saving my stubborn daughter from a certain death "

"My Lord, you know, Princess Evanwyn is dear to me and I've always kept an eye on her whenever I could, but I must add she's a very brave lady and she really knows how to protect herself"

"I'm really glad to hear that, Legolas and I hope you continue to keep your eyes on her if she acts stubbornly again. That's all I wanted to say. I hope I'll see you at the feast"

"Thank you, Lord Eolder, I'll always be at your service and to you too, father." And with a final bow, Legolas left them.

Aragorn looked over the vast plain before him. Rivendell was famous for its magnificient views.

"What's a lone ranger doing here all by himself? "said a soft voice behind him. He turned to see who it was, although he actually did recognize the voice. His face filled with joy at the sight of his lady, but his mind filled with concern as he saw her face. The lack of immortality showed in her face and she seemed fragile to his eyes. She did felt fragile too, when he took her in his arms. "Are you all right? Why didn't you go to Valinor? "Aragorn asked her and his heart broke when he remembered that she had become mortal because of him.

"Because I still have hope, Aragorn. True, I do feel a little weak. But I'll be all right. In fact," she added with a glint in her eye. "I'm feeling very good right now". Aragorn smiled at her. "Just be careful now, Arwen" and he bent down to kiss her.

Eowyn's heart ticked as she saw the two lovers from behind the banisters. She turned away from the sight and wiped away a lone tear that had trickled down her cheek. She knew all about Aragorn and Arwen, as Arwen told her about her lover, during Eowyn's brief stay in Rivendell, but she still felt her heart break in two when she saw them together.

That night, as the world grew dark, Elrond's palace filled with soft elvish music and merry making. The tables in the great hall were full of delicious food and drink, and all elves and men were invited to celebrate, the victory at Helm's Deep. The 3 princesses, Evanwyn , Arwen and Eowyn made a beautiful entrance and right behind them , Legolas , Gimli and Aragorn were welcomed with praises and congratulations.

Lord Eolder was worried about his daughter's safety. Some time before they had all attended a brief meeting to discuss what Legolas, Aragorn and Gimli should do next. Their next quest was to go to Fangorn Forest and meet up with Merry and Pippin. Unsurprisingly, Evanwyn offered to go with them. Eolder did not permit it, and he was aided by Legolas who told her that Middle-Earth was now going through a time of great peril. But the princess insisted, balancing her argument by saying that she could help by taking care of the two hobbits when needed. Gandalf and Lady Galadriel advised Lord Eolder to let his daughter venture with the others. Finally, they all decided that the next day at dawn, Evanwyn should set out for Fangorn forest with the other three.

The celebration was in its midst and everyone was enjoying the feast. Gimli was busily savouring all the food before him and in the mean time talk to Legolas ,who was sitting quietly beside him . Aragorn was sharing a moment with Arwen while Siniver was there with his fellow elves, who followed him in whatever he did. Siniver was looking for Evanwyn ,when he heard an elf beside him say that the next day she'll set off again with Legolas and company. He turned and glared at the speaker, who shrugged and told Siniver where he heard the news. In a rage he tried to find her among the crowd. At last he spotted her, heading his way, unaware that he was there waiting for her. Evanwyn had a smile on her face and her light blue dress helped to bring the brightness in her face. Siniver approached her and grabbed her while pushing her in a corner where very few people could see them.

"So you're here at last, Evanwyn. I hope you would have come to me"

"Leave me alone, Siniver , you're hurting me"

"You are not allowed to tell me what I should do, I told you several times. How come you're going away tomorrow again?"

"Look Siniver, I'll do whatever I like okay?"

Enraged, he pushed her against the wall and tried to intimidate her.

Legolas was surveying the crowd before him when he saw his dreaded cousin in a corner. The Prince of Mirkwood didn't trust his cousin and his doings and decided to see what was going on. He excused himself and left Gimli, alone with the food. Not, that the dwarf would mind but anyway, Legolas approached Siniver and was shocked to see the princess with the elf.

"You better leave her alone" , Legolas said as he reached his cousin. Siniver recognized the voice immediately and smirking at Evanwyn, who was trying to get away from him, turned his head and walked towards Legolas, until he was exactly in front of him. Legolas remained where he was.

"A great welcome my cousin. I'm glad you're here right now ", Siniver uttered sarcastically with a false smile. "But I prefer if you hold on to your business and leave me alone" he added as he pushed Legolas and turned towards the princess once again. Legolas did not lose time. He grabbed Siniver from his robes and shoved him against the wall.

" You do me a favour, Siniver and leave Evanwyn alone . I can't imagine why her father chose you as her husband. A fine husband you'll be, I'm sure" Legolas added with a sarcastic tone as he let go of Siniver. The latter gave a sinister glance to Legolas and then to the princess and disappeared in the merry crowd.