Chapter 9

Emdiril threw the last of the books on the floor in frustration. The woman had spent the reminder of the last two days reading every single book and scroll and paper that had had anything to do with the Children of Earth, completely isolating herself. She had been determined to find out more about herself and her powers and the things she could do, but she still felt as though there was much more she had to learn. She silently cursed herself – maybe she hadn't read carefully enough. Squeezing her eyes closed, the redhead released a deep breath, desperately wishing a certain elf could once again help her make sense of the words she read. Emdiril missed Haldir, he had had a way of calming her like no one else could. Her eyes opened to the sound of the door opening – Arwen looked around the library and looked pleased when her blue eyes had found the form of her sister.

"There you are! We were getting worried." The elleth's voice filled the room and Emdiril watched on as Arwen approached her.

"My apologies…" Emdiril spoke lowly after she had cleared her throat. Her eyes fell onto the books on the floor and she pursed her lips. She had neglected her family and she felt terrible for it. The day Elrohir, Elladan, Arwen, Galadriel and herself had left Rivendell she had told herself she would be there and remain strong for those around her and she felt as though she had let them and herself down. Too caught up she had been in her own heritage and history that she had barely spent a moment with them.

Arwen sat next to the redhead, her eyes scanning their surrounding area.

"You read all of this?" She raised delicate eyebrows at Emdiril as she asked her questions, her eyes now on the woman who only nodded her head.

The elf then picked up one of the books and opened it, reading a few lines here and there. "These are about your beings." It was a statement and not a question and with that she closed the book to look at Emdiril, who was was still avoiding her gaze.

"Emdiril." The tone of Arwen's voice was soft yet demanding and Emdiril finally brought herself to look at the beautiful brunette.

"I'm sorry I haven't been there for you or our brothers. Or even Galadriel." Emdiril spoke hastily, not wishing for anyone to be mad at her. She already felt guilty enough."

"No need. We understand, sister." A smile crept onto Arwen's face and she stood up, extending her hand to the shorter woman, who took it gratefully. After helping Emdiril to her feet, she placed a hand on the other's shoulder.

"Though I understand why you would want to know, these books and stories do not define the beautiful creature you are."

Emdiril could not help the smile that spread over her face and her heart warmed at the elleth's words. Never had Emdiril noticed how mature and wise Arwen was. It was true. Yes, the tale about the cities' destruction were true. However, in no book it was declared how a Child of the Earth was supposed to act or behave like. There were no standards. She nodded her head in response, her red locks falling over her shoulders.

"I shall come with you to see our brothers."

"You cannot."

"What?!" Emdiril's eyes widened at the elleth's response and Emdiril grimaced, a hand finding itself to her brunette hair as she combed through it.

"They are no longer in Greenwood." She explained hesitantly, watching Emdiril's face carefully. Confusion was evident on the redheads' face so Arwen kept explaining.

"Our brothers were not entertained enough and they wished to go to Lothlorien. Galadriel granted them their wish." Emdiril's face dropped at the revelation. The twins had left and they hadn't even said their farewells.

"They did not wish to disturb you when they left." Arwen spoke up again, as though she had read Emdiril's thoughts. The redhead's eyebrows furrowed in a frown and she nodded. She had been quite distant and she could understand why they did not want to disturb her. Whenever she had been distant in the past, for whatever reason, if someone interrupted her she had been quite irritable which no one particularly enjoyed. A sigh escaped her lips and she nodded instead of speaking once again. "Galadriel and I are leaving when night sets in as well. You are welcome to join or stay and read more."

Emdiril bit on the insides of her cheeks and she pondered on the idea. Even though she so longed to see Haldir again, it seemed like such a sudden departure and she would actually miss Greenwood. She had grown fond of the kingdom and the elves within it. Especially Legolas. Her heart was heavy with the thought that she would never have everyone she loves in the same place again. Elrond and Celebrian were in Rivendell and so would Arwen, Elrohir and Elladan be. Haldir and Galadriel would remain in Lothlorien. Legolas would be here in Greenwood. She almost felt as though she did not know where she belonged anymore. The redheaded woman firmly believed that home is not a distinctive place, but that home could also be a person, or in this case an elf. Someone who made you feel welcome and comfortable at all times, no matter what was going on. Sometimes home is not a place, sometimes home is a pair of eyes and a beating heart.

"I will have to think about it," was her mere response.

"King Thranduil has sent you a dress for today's meal? You have not mentioned you were sharing a meal with him and Legolas?" Emdiril's eyes widened and her mouth shaped an 'o'. The woman had completely forgotten about the Elvenking's invitation. It was not common for elves to actually celebrate events such as conceptions apart from the first moment a young one is conceived, but Emdiril reckoned that since the king had lost his wife, it gave him a fond memory to remember and something to look forward to.

"Oh yes! I should prepare as we speak!" Emdiril nodded her head hastily as she rushed out of the library, her elven sister following suit.

"I can help, if you like." Arwen spoke softly, keeping up with Emdiril's pace.

"I presume you wish to do my hair?" A smirk tugged at the ends of Emdiril's lips as she looked upon the brunette who nodded. "I knew it."

Legolas cleared his throat as he made his way to Emdiril's chambers. He cursed his father for inviting Emdiril. He had not seen her since their awkward encounter in the lake and he did not wish there to be any awkward tension. He was about to knock on the door as it was opened and his eyes widened as he saw Arwen in front of him. He opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by Arwen's hand motioning behind her. "She is indoors. I'm sure she will not mind you entering." The brunette smiled at Legolas one last time before departing and Legolas glanced inside.

"Emdiril?" he asked softly as he entered, closing the door behind him. He heard feet shuffling and walking towards the main door hastily and not long after his eyes took sight of Emdiril in a long, dark green gown. It was evident that his father had chosen her attire, it was elegant and fitted the woman perfectly as it showed off her curves in all the right places. Her red hair was done up beautifully and she looked more formal than he had ever seen her. Nonetheless she was a sight to behold and he gulped before offering her a smile.

"You did not have to make such an effort, Emdiril." The elf said, his eyes scanning her once more. "You look beautiful."

Emdiril's cheeks turned pink at the compliment and she waved her hand in dismiss, "It was Arwen. The dress was sent to me by your father. I did not feel like I could refuse."

"I see." Legolas nodded his head once, grimacing. "I wish for you to feel comfortable though."

Emdiril quickly shook her head quickly. "I am comfortable. Though I feel different, it's a good different." The woman offered the elf a reassuring smile as she took a step forward. "Shall we go?"

Legolas returned her smile and nodded his head in response. He was grateful that she did not talk about what had happened the last time they had met, but he could not help himself when he glanced at her while they walked towards the hall they would be feasting in. He felt like she was absolutely beautiful, the way she spoke, the way she walked and everything about her was radiating with beauty. It ached his heart a little as he knew she was not his, nor would she ever be.