Disclaimer: See prologue. Some dialogue in this chapter is from the Fellowship of the Ring. I do not own it, but have used it in full understanding that is the work and property of J.R.R. Tolkien.
Chapter 18
I Want to Go Home
Legolas felt like he was going insane.
From the moment they had left her room, she had not said a word. To anyone. She answered with simple shrugs, nods, or shakes of the head. And if asked a question that required more than a 'yes' 'no' 'maybe' or 'I don't know', she simply wouldn't say or do anything. Her eyes were almost always downcast, and held a glossy look about them, as though she was always on the verge of tears.
The fifth time she did not answer Legolas's question to what ailed her, his patience visibly broke. His eyes darkened with frustration as he grabbed hold of her horse's reins, halting the two while nearly shouting, "What do you want from me, Arodwen! What is wrong!"
He watched as she took the reins stoically from his hand, her eyes slowly raising to meet his gaze. Legolas felt his breathing hitch in his chest. Sweet Valar! What had happened to her bright eyes? Why did they look so dull and lifeless? How had the amber color lost it's bright sheen and sparkle? The rest of her looked completely normal, but her eyes... They scared him. They saddened him; made him feel weak and guilty.
Her pale lips parted, and she finally spoke for the first time in two weeks. "What I want, Prince, is to go home."
"You cannot go back there! I promised that I would watch over you here, and keep you safe!" he answered, trying to ignore the sinking feeling in his heart.
The unfamiliar eyes narrowed, and she spoke softly, in a deadly voice. "Promised. Just like you 'promised' never to command anything of me?"
"You must stop this Arodwen!" Legolas reprimanded, his anger slowly rising, degree by degree. "You are acting immaturely over something as ridiculous as that."
"Your broken promises, which you first swore to me with such compassion, are now ridiculous?" she asked, her tone completely unchanged.
"You know what I mean!"
"I'm afraid that I do not, milord."
"You are just as guilty as I! Denying me leave to so much as speak to you!" Legolas argued, staring at her hooded head as it returned to it's bowed position.
"For the reason of which is now occurring." Arodwen said, making to urge her horse forward, but Legolas reached out to grab the reins again, but her hand smacked his away. He looked at her in shock, but she did not meet his gaze. "Mind your own horse, prince. I am capable of mine."
Celion caught Legolas's eye, and merely shrugged sympathetically. "Rivendell is nigh a league my prince. We should reach it by late afternoon, early evening." he called, trying to turn the awkward silence.
Legolas replied with a nod. "Quel." (good)
Arodwen lightly squeezed her horse's sides to a slow trot, away from Legolas, who threw his hands to the sky in silent desperation. Celion had to fight hard not to laugh.
Arodwen thought Rivendell was one of the most beautiful places she had ever seen.
Rainbows glinted in the mist of the many waterfalls that fell around the refuge and valley. The trees that were everywhere dazzled her with their autumn colors. She had never seen the leaves in such perfect shades of red, green, orange, and dusky purple. The songs that the birds sang were so different than those she listened to in her own world. They were sweeter, and filled with something that she couldn't recognize. But it filled her with great warmth and a soothing happiness.
The path led along the edge of the cliff, and down into the valley. The scenery of beautiful trees before them gradually dissipated until they reached the end of the forest, and the elven refuge was visible to them.
'Such beauty... there is no other word for it.' she thought, gazing around with brightening eyes. The stonework was more beautiful and graceful than that of Mirkwood. Interlacing vines and branches of trees were carved in the white stone of the bridge, pillars, and buildings.
As they crossed the bridge, she looked down at the raging waters of Bruinen. The swift current that crashed over the smooth worn rocks could easily sweep away anyone.
She noticed that none of the trees had been felled in order to build the structures. All the establishments curved around the trees, or else was built with the nature remaining inside. As she gazed about the city, she saw a few elves here and there, walking as though in slow motion; their movements more graceful and fluid than anything. The courtyard they entered held a little less than a dozen elves.
One was the most prominent, dressed in robes of dark red and gold velvet, with an intricate gold crown-like circlet resting upon his forehead. Arodwen assumed at once that this was the Lord Elrond. He held himself with dignity, and his presence seemed to demand respect, though the elf-lord did not request it. His face was that of a stern father; lips pursed, high cheekbones, stoic expression. But his calm grey eyes were soft and gentle as they gazed upon the approaching guests.
An elleth, more beautiful than any she had ever seen, stood a few steps behind his side. Dark ebony hair cascaded down her back in exquisite waves, shining in the sun. Tall she was, but lithe and petite looking. Her face held no flaw, only ethereal beauty. That was what she was; beauty. A fallen star walking the earth. Her light blueish-grey eyes were accentuated by the splendid gown she wore: shimmery cerulean fabric with silver leaves embellished upon it, under a cobalt colored velvet cloak that was held by a magnificent silver clasp in the shape of a butterfly. Her gaze and expression was as stoic as the man's.
Arodwen couldn't help but notice the other two ellons standing near to Elrond. Both were identical; dark haired, grey eyed, and fair. High cheekbones, thin lips, tall and lithe like all the elves. But their grey eyes twinkled with something strange as they looked at Legolas. It took a moment to realize what it was. And when she did, she discerned who they were. Mischief... Elladan and Elrohir...
Legolas halted his horse, dismounting in a fluid motion. He gazed around at the whole of Rivendell for a moment, a smile gracing his features, before he allowed the elf who had stepped forward to take his horse.
Arodwen dismounted as well at the beck of the other elf who had claimed her horse. She then kept her eyes downcast, her hands folded politely before her.
"Welcome!" greeted Lord Elrond, his voice warm and his arms outstretched in a sign of greeting. "Welcome Lords and Lady of Mirkwood." He stepped forward to meet Legolas, and they greeted each other in the elven fashion by placing their hand over their heart. "Thranduillion, how come you here? You and your companions were not due for at least another fortnight. May I suspect there is trouble in the north of Mirkwood?"
"Alas, there is always trouble in Mirkwood with the growing shadow. But the reasons for our early arrival are not of that, but of the creature Gollum left in our keeping." Legolas answered sadly.
Arodwen raised her eyes, and found gaze ensnared by the Lady Arwen's. Those eyes, filled with so much knowledge and emotion, scrutinized her soul and thoughts to her very inner being. The raven-haired beauty astonished Arodwen when her lips formed a friendly smile.
"I see. I had noticed that the creature was not with you. How have Thranduil's people allowed it to escape?" Elrond asked, his eyes slowly hardening as they turned to more serious matters.
"Not from lack of watchfulness, my lord, but perhaps from over kindliness." Legolas retorted, hiding his slight anger that Elrond thought of his people as so idle. "Whilst we allowed him to climb a tree under guard, we were ambushed by orcs. There were far too many for us to conquer, and we were unprepared. They took the creature Gollum, and fled. We suffered casualties and many injuries, but made with all haste here to deliver this grievous news."
Elrond gave the prince a reassuring smile, grasping Legolas's shoulder. "Worry not, young prince. There is no one to blame save the yrch. You were unprepared, and outnumbered." (A/N: yrch is the elvish word for orcs) he said, heartened to feel Legolas's worry seep away. "Those summoned for the council will arrive shortly within the next two weeks. The Council is to take place the moment all are present."
Legolas nodded in understanding as Elrond released his shoulder.
"Your minds and bodies are weary from your hastened journey. Rooms for your use have already been prepared. The evening meal will be served in the hall in a little over an hour." Elrond said, beckoning forth a dark-haired elleth, and requesting that she show the elves to their rooms.
The ellons in the Mirkwood company bowed to Lord Elrond before following the maiden up the stairs to the corridors beyond.
As Arodwen made to follow, she started at the voice of Lord Elrond.
"Stay yet a moment, Lady Arodwen." he asked, a hand held out for her. His grey eyes offered her reassurance, and his smile warmed her heart.
With a small curtsy, she reluctantly placed her hand in the elf-lord's.
Legolas was torn between asking Arodwen for a private word, so he could continue their discussion from earlier, and going to his room. But fate would have neither, as the twins accosted him, dragging him off to the hall and speaking of pranks, riding, and patrolling.
Arodwen listened to Lord Elrond as he led her down an open corridor, Arwen following silently. He spoke of how Mithrandir had informed him of who she was, the situation, and danger she faced. And how he would have her stay here as long as she pleased, and be treated as one of the family.
"I am very much in your debt, Lord Elrond." Arodwen said, bowing her head to him.
"Nay, child. A gift of kindness should never make the receiver indebted." he paused, laying a hand on her shoulder, and drawing her gaze. "I sense that you are troubled, Arodwen... Confused... Over what, I know not, but it troubles me."
Arodwen looked away. "I do not wish to speak of it, milord..." she whispered. "It is not of dire concern, and does not affect you in any way. Let not my troubles become yours, milord, for you have already given me so much."
Elrond smiled, and gave a small nod. "Very well. But I feel that you should solve the problem before it overwhelms you. Will you do this child?"
Arodwen did not look up at him, and she felt her hands clench involuntarily. "I, I cannot promise this, Lord Elrond... Such a matter as this is not easily solved or remedied."
"Then may I offer you my help? I can sense your emotions strongly, and it pains me to know you are so distressed." Elrond said.
Arwen had said nothing, but she could see and sense far more than her father could... When one is in love, they can see it easily in others who are. "Adar..." she said at last, making both Elrond and Arodwen look at her. "The Lady is tired, and I am sure she would like to bathe before dinner is set on the board. I will watch over her, ada. Avo osto." (Worry not)
Elrond looked between his daughter, and Arodwen, and then he let his gaze bore into his daughter's. There was something shining there that he could hardly read... She knew what troubled Arodwen, and yet he did not...
"Very well, iell nin." (my daughter) Elrond sighed. "I believe the guest chamber next to your own would suite her nicely." he turned to Arodwen with a warm smile. "Rest well, and I shall see you at the evening meal."
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Teaser: Legolas and Arodwen (after being tripped by Arwen and caught by him) dance together at dinner. What will he say?
