Some Rather Important Talks
A few days passed, that were beautifully uneventful. I could explain all in great detail of efforts put in, stories that were told and so on, but alas, that would take far too much time, in which things would slowly but surely dull. Legolas and I, along with Gimli and the Hobbits put much effort into the restoration of Gondor and Minas Tirith. It was an event to witness, people rejoicing everyday in the streets, now unburdened from the cares and depression that the shadow of Mordor had cast upon them.
Out quintet stuck together for the most part, our restoration efforts being simple- there was not much physical damage done to the city, so we compromised heavy labour to instead hand out soups and medicines, and to help with the conditions of the camps below. Imrahil's host was still here, but slowly departing back to Dol Amroth. Rohan too, seemed to have set up camp at the foot of the city. After the questioning of a few Rohirric folk, I soon found out that Eowyn was safe and well somewhere in the city; but unfortunately, I could not find her, so we met not.
Of Aragorn and Gandalf, we saw little. They were entangled in the affairs of the countries, often in deep counsel with Lords Imrahil and Eomer- whom had come to take his uncles place after his death in the battle of the Pellennor Fields. It was greatly saddening for such a kind and noble man to have met such an austere fate, yet gratifying to know that an equally great man was to take up his place.
Henceforth, it surprised and amazed us all when on the rare occasions each of us were called upon by them to be consulted-yet, this was not because of favour or without reason.
Legolas was asked upon matters involving his realm, in which he spent many hours of deep conversation with them. When he came out he told us of how they had asked of relations with the Mirkwood elves, of messengers and the best paths to take through and of the matters of elves within the other realms. As it so happened they had also asked him to become part of their council- he was a royal as any of they were, and his years would lend experience. Though one oft' forgot it, he was an elven prince, and quite possibly more well versed than any of them in matters of ruling. Yet he politely declined, and in his own retelling "these are matters of men, in which I would only interfere."
Gimli's contribution, whilst looking quite small, was actually quite remarkable. Part of the outermost wall had been crushed by a rampaging Oliphaunt, its structural security henceforth being compromised. Being a dwarf, and having incredible knowledge and skill in architecture, Gimli's help was remarkable.
He was also asked by Eomer about the condition of Helm's Deep- for that fateful explosion had led to a third of the wall falling to rubble. He said he needed a better look at it, but one day spent at the least three hours in deep conversation of the new (if unofficial) Lord of the Mark. By the end, late at night when the rest of us were preparing to retire, he gleefully refused to tell us any detail, instead throwing phrases such as "it will be a work of art" at random, to tease us. We were left in great curiosity, and perchance, slight irritation at him. Yet we bided our time and waited, until he was ready to reveal.
Then, to my immense surprise, I to was called upon. At first, my initial thoughts were that there was no reason for this; I was a random, a person of little importance in matters of things. A quirky individual indeed, but worthy to be held in deep counsel with Lords? Most certainly not. But as things turned out, I did have some very valuable knowledge stored within that head of mine.
Geography, trade routes, roads, open lands and areas full of highwaymen. My knowledge of Middle-earths layout came at hand, because not only did I know where things were-you could get that off a simple map- but what condition they were in, what the people were like, crime rates, campsites. This essential knowledge was what I was able to give to my world. I soon found myself absorbed in creating trade routes, Calvalry movements, choosing which roads would be the best for safe travel of goods, or for quick messaging. Where a certain road might have once been the quickest way to Dol Amroth, there was certain information- such as there had been a great landslide on it the previous year, which completely cut off all horse access- that one simply could not get from general information.
Of course, there was Gandalf to thank for the idea of pulling me in. But I soon found that despite my disability occasionally causing problems(pointing to things on maps for oneā¦rivers and main roads are much the same) I found myself enjoying the task. Here was something that I could actually be actively useful in. The coordination on my part only lasted but a day(with a few questions asked of me here and there once or twice after), but I left feeling fulfilled, and the Lords were very happy with the plans that had been drawn up. Even if I had had to crudely draw it all in the dirt outside, to be quickly copied onto paper by another. The mental image I conjured up was quite amusing I must admit- three kings and a commoner sitting there in the dirt like children.
There were of course, now that things were organised and the hubbub had calmed down, that we were able to have peace. Sometimes out quintet would sit in the house and talk, share stories and play games(the hobbits taught us this fascinating game called 'tiddlywinks'. Although childish and a little silly, it was fun to play. And despite my primary weapons being things that are thrown or flicked from my wrist, I was absolutely awful at it-I blame the blindness).
No matter what we did though, there was always an underlying worry for Frodo and Sam, who were still yet to wake. We would all often visit them-even if all that happened was the sound of their soft even breathing, in and out, in and out. They sounded quite healthy, but nobody knew what they would be like when they awoke. Changed Hobbits, for certain. Anything else was a complete mystery.
Often, Legolas and I would go off alone. Nobody minded, nor did they suspect anything I think- apart from likely, the very perceptive Gimli. But he said nothing if he did notice anything. Often we would walk around the many gardens, contemplating things in silence. Sometimes we talked small conversation. Often we found a bench and sat in comfortable silence, purely glad and grateful that we were able to be in each other's presence. Now that chaos no longer held reign over all, enjoying the small things in life became an important blessing.
Of course as the hours flew away, and we steadily found our bond growing deeper and stronger, something had to happen. Our relationship was unconventional at best- questions began to arise in our minds, questions that could not be answered by simple logic or reason. In my mind grew mainly, concerns of the future. What was to do? Should we keep it secret, as my existence always had been, would I return to Mirkwood with him; and if so, what would his father the King think of it. I was not sure what Legolas had been thinking, but I believe it was along the same lines. The silence could not go on. Something had to break the ice.
So of course, eventually, with much stuttering, blushing, embarrassment, and more, one of those talks arose. You know, the ones where you are required to plan out the future even though the future is unknown and your relationship has only just begun to blossom? Yes, one of those ones. Unlike many relationships, which from what I have heard, often take a couple of years to reach the stage of needing to plan a future, due to the unique circumstances and Legolas's rather royal position, it was unavoidable.
We got through it. Eventually. After four hours of awkwardness and embarrassment, it was over. Only the most rough and basic of scaffolds had been laid out, yet the fact that there was something was what mattered in the blunt truth. Yet as stereotyped and boring as it may have ended up sounding, we did become the better because of it. Despite the worry for our friends, and the questionable future, when he brushed his lips against my cheek and our fingers laced together, I felt the happiest and most relaxed I had felt in a very long time.
A/N-Heyo all, hope your happy to see me. Mainly just fluff and passing time in this chapter since I couldn't think of anything useful to put in (grrr, you guys were meant to inspire me! Pesky readers...just kidding:P) Please review:) I will give you cyber cupcakes.
