Disclaimer: See prologue.
Chapter 19
Killing Silence
The room was elegant, and comforting. Vines encircled the pillars, and curtains of fabric colored in maroon and cream swayed in the breeze. There was a chaise lounge set in the middle of the room, with blankets and soft pillows set upon it that matched the curtains.
Arodwen went to the swaying drape, and tentatively pulled it aside. A gasp of awe came to Arwen's ears as Arodwen beheld the most beautiful sight. She could see so much of Rivendell from here... The sun was just beginning to set beyond the ridge, casting orange and red beams over the valley and city. The waterfalls reflected the glowing light into rainbows, making the scene before her a perfect beauteous vision.
"It is beautiful, is it not?"
Arodwen turned, letting the fabric fall back into place. Arwen was standing with a soft smile in the doorway.
"Yes, it is awe-inspiring..." Arodwen answered as Arwen stepped further into the room.
Arwen gazed around the room, gesturing to the small armoire against the wall. "There are gowns in the wardrobe for your use."
"Thank you milady." Arodwen said, giving the Evenstar a small curtsy.
Arwen gave a small heart-lifting laugh, shaking her head. "We share a common dislike for formalities, Arodwen."
Arodwen hesitantly returned the smile as Arwen pulled back the drape and tied it with a gold cord. "I truly hope that you will be happy here in Rivendell, even if Legolas will not remain."
Arodwen started, looking at Arwen in shock. "What do you mean?" she whispered.
"You care for him, as he does you; even if there is a bitterness in the air between the two of you now." Arwen said nonchalantly, looking out over Rivendell as she gracefully leaned against the pillar. She folded her arms across her chest, and sighed dejectedly.
Arodwen was still staring at Arwen in disbelief. How in Arda did the elleth know that? Was her face an open book of her feelings?
Arwen looked over at her, the smile still gracing her face. "Look not so surprised, Arodwen. I could see it in his eyes when I looked into them. He cares for you deeply. And I have known Legolas all my life; he does not even give friendship easily. You are truly blessed."
Arodwen shook her head, lowering her gaze as she slumped onto the chaise longue with her head cradled in her hands. "Nay, milady... I am cursed..."
Arwen's brows knitted together in confusion and worry. "My father has told me naught about you..." she said slowly, with the suggestive air that she wished to know more.
Arodwen raised her head from her hands, face looking quite expressionless. "If it would please you to know, then have a seat, milady. My tale is quite long..."
Legolas watched her concernedly all through the evening meal. She ate hardly anything, and said nought a word, save for an occasional whisper to Arwen, who sat next to her. Arodwen had only been ensnared in his eyes once this eve, when she first entered the hall. Now it seemed she was determined not to be caught again.
"What about her troubles you so, my friend?" Aragorn asked, pulling his elven friend out of his stupor.
Legolas shook his head, and down his full glass of potent elvish wine.
Aragorn stared at him, eyebrows raised. Legolas hardly ever drank Dorwinion wine. Yet now, he was on his sixth goblet.
"You cannot lie to me, mellon nin. Something must be bothering you, for you are drinking like a mortal man." (my friend) Aragorn teased.
Legolas gave low sigh, listening as the elvish minstrels began to play their songs, beckoning the elves to dance. "Aye, you are right, as always..."
"Nay, only when I want to be." Aragorn said heartily, standing up and catching Arwen's eye. The elven lady took the hint, and stood also. But not before hastily whispering something in Arodwen's ear that made her pale cheeks redden slightly as she stood up with her. Arwen gave her a nudge when she shook her head. The Lady of Rivendell gave Aragorn a pointed look, nodding ever so slightly toward the prince, and back at Arodwen.
Aragorn raised his eyebrows at Arwen, though understanding what she asked of him. What did his love know that he did not?
"Come now gloomy prince!" Aragorn said merrily, pulling Legolas to his feet. "Show those of Imladris how merry-making should be done!"
Arwen gave Arodwen a hard push in the elven prince's direction once he stood, gracefully extending her foot slightly so Arodwen tripped, and tumbled forward into his arms.
Legolas smiled down at her, his eyes full of warmth as she regained her footing. Arodwen glared at Arwen and Aragorn over Legolas's shoulder, both of whom just grinned mischievously, and danced farther away.
"It is a pleasure to hold you in my arms again, my Noble Lady..." Legolas said softly, taking one of her hands in his, placing the other on his shoulder, and returning his other to rest gently upon her waist.
Arodwen said nothing as he glided them both upon the dance floor, their steps even and fluid.
After at least a minute of silent dancing and twirling, he asked with the same softness, "Will you say nothing to me?"
Arodwen again did not answer, her eyes unfocused as they drifted around the room, looking at anything but him. His next words made her heart constrict...
"I beg of you, Arodwen, speak to me. My spirit is fading with my withering heart."
Arodwen stopped dead, oblivious that all the other elves danced around them still, and stared into his eyes... She visibly shook, her eyes glossing over, as she took a step back, and then another, freeing herself from his arms that fell limp at his side. In disbelief, she shook her head, a hand closing over her mouth in case the screaming inside her head would escape through her it.
Without a second thought, she turned and ran.
Legolas stood frozen to the same spot as Arodwen hurriedly exited the hall. He felt so helpless. Empty. Confused.
"What has happened Legolas?" Arwen asked. She and Aragorn had watched the entire thing from afar, and approached when Arodwen had begun to run from the room.
Legolas slowly turned to look at the Evenstar, his heart pounding uncomfortably against his chest. "I know not what caused her such distress, Arwen..."
Aragorn was frowning slightly at the doors out of the hall, as though they might open and she would reappear, saying it had all been a jest.
Legolas' vision was not cooperating with him; and his chest was paining him as well.
"I, I think I will retire for the night. I do not feel high in spirits this eve..." Legolas admitted, blinking several times to rid himself of the blurring.
Arwen looked at the prince of Mirkwood. His milky-white skin seemed to look dull. The pleasant elven glow that surround him was faint, and hardly noticeable. His cerulean eyes bore not only grief and confusion, but pain also. What had happened to her friend?
"I shall speak with her Legolas." Arwen said firmly, making for a side door that led to the corridors.
She was going to give Arodwen a stern talking to.
