Disclaimer: Anything created by and belonging to Tolkien does not belong to me. Sigh…
Author's note: Ok, once again I must apologize. It seems that whenever I say I am going to do something it somehow backfires on me. I meant to get the start of the quest in this chapter; however it turned out way too long. So never fear it will be in the next chapter which should follow either later tonight or tomorrow seeing as it's already mostly written.
Chapter 13- The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
I awoke the next morning to someone shaking me vigorously. "Wha...?" I mumbled, sitting up slowly and focusing on the elf sitting on the edge of my bed. "Faelon? What are you doing here?" I asked incredulously. "Isn't this highly improper? And what time is it?" It was still fairly dark which usually did not bode well for whoever woke me up.
"I am here because you have got to get up and see this. Yes, it's rather improper, but you did not answer my knock and I figured the situation merits it. That and you never cared for propriety much anyway. Oh, and it is just before dawn." His leg was twitching he was so excited and he had a large smile on his face.
"YOU WOKE ME UP BEFORE DAWN?"
"Yes, yes, get over it and come on," he stated fairly exasperatedly as he began pulling me out of bed. "You are not going to want to miss this and neither do I-so hurry."
"Alright, alright," I grumbled, grabbing a tunic and leggings and going into the bathroom to change. "So what is it that is so important?" I asked of Faelon through the closed bathroom door.
"Lady Amani's prank was set-up last night and should be taking place as soon as she wakes up. I would like to witness the end result." Hearing this I sped up my routine and got ready in approximately ten seconds. "Let's go," I said opening the door and grabbing my shoes.
"That was quick," he commented staring at me amusedly while I hopped around trying not to lose my balance while putting my left boot on.
"Yes, well, you gave me a very good incentive." He gave me a speculative look when I grabbed my weapons.
"I don't think she will attack us. I don't know about you but I am not planning on being seen."
"Nor am I, but unlike you, I have training with Glorfindel and Legolas right after this and would like to have a quick breakfast instead of coming back here before my lesson."
He nodded. "Are you ready yet?"
"Yep," I said heading for my door and out into the hallway followed by Faelon, my gaze landing on Legolas' door. "You know his highness would wish to see this."
"Kate," Faelon whined, "We're going to miss it!"
"Oh don't be such an elfling. I am sure he can get ready just as quickly as we can." I gave Legolas' door several quick raps and then waited. I heard some rustling and then a bit of grumbling before the door swung open and he snapped, "What?"
"Geez...someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed," I muttered and Faelon just nodded.
Legolas grinned sheepishly and rubbed a hand on the back of his neck. "Sorry...I, uh, had a bit too much to drink last night and am paying for it this morning."
I nodded sympathetically. "I can underst-OW! Faelon, what?" He had poked me rather hard in the side.
"I did not risk death getting you up just to miss this," He stated, crossing his arms and giving me a pointed look.
"He woke you up?" Legolas asked, giving Faelon a hard look.
"Yes, I did," Faelon stated smugly looking Legolas straight in the eye. Legolas' hand tightened on the door.
I rolled my eyes. Males. "Anyway, we were wondering if you wanted to come with us to witness whatever is supposed to happen to Lady Amani this morning."
Finally drawing his gaze from Faelon, Legolas looked me in the eye, his gaze softening a bit and replied, "Yes, I would. I'll be ready in just a moment." The minute he shut the door I whirled on Faelon and hissed quietly so Legolas would not hear, "What the hell was that all about?"
"I do not know what you are talking about," he whispered just as quietly, leaning against the wall and folding his arms insolently.
"Don't lie to me."
"He's jealous."
"What?"
"He's jealous I woke you up... just like I knew he would be."
"So if you knew he would be why did you say something?"
"For exactly that reason."
"You wanted to make him jealous?" Now I am not dense, I knew where he was going with this; I just did not like it. I did not like it at all.
"Yes."
"WHY?"
"Hush, unless you want him to hear. He needed a reminder."
"Of what?" I was rather irate at this point.
Faelon put his hands on my shoulder. "That you are a beautiful, intelligent, kind, UNATTACHED ellith." And it was, of course, at that moment that Legolas opened the door.
"Am I interrupting something?" He asked raising an eyebrow and pinning Faelon with another hard glare.
"Maybe," Faelon said lightly, standing up straight.
Whacking him, I answered quickly, "No. Now can we go please?"
Legolas extended his arm to me and I took it quickly. Legolas shot what could only be termed a triumphant glare at Faelon and a very small part of me felt like cheering. Now I deplored Faelon's tactics, but Legolas' reaction had me hoping. However that larger part of me admitted that this was exactly what I should not want. If he returned my feelings it would be like opening a whole other can of worms. It's bad enough I'm here...but dating a main character?
I could almost feel Faelon's smugness. It was practically radiating off him. "Where are we going?" I asked of Faelon, glaring at him in the process.
He just smiled benignly and stated, "If you would be so kind as to follow me." He led us toward the part of the main structure where the offices were located and into the foliage surrounding them. He led us a ways away to another waterfall where I could see Arwen, Sunniva, Ailil, Tirithedain and Aragorn (who had unofficially added himself to this group now that he was back-go figure) all perched on top. Faelon climbed up first, followed by Legolas and lastly me. As I reached the top Legolas extended a hand to help me up the last couple rocks.
"Thanks," I said quietly, trying to ignore Faelon's smirk and not blush.
"Good morning all," Faelon said as we seated ourselves. "Ready for this morning's festivities?"
Their faces lit up like it was Christmas, which it actually was I realized suddenly. How could I forget that? But I suppose it was not too hard to understand. There were no decorations, no Salvation Army Santas ringing bells on street corners, no carolers. There was nothing to even remotely suggest the holiday season. It was depressing. Legolas must have noticed my changed demeanor despite my best attempts to hide it because he was staring at me concernedly. I shook my head and gave him a small smile. He sighed and removed his questioning gaze from mine. "Like you have no idea," I heard Sunniva say.
"So what exactly is supposed to happen?" Legolas asked and I checked back in, an attempt to distract myself with my own curiosity.
"Two words: Honey and feathers," Ailil stated gleefully.
We did not have to wait too long, about twenty minutes after we got there Glorfindel and Erestor entered their offices, and ten minutes later we heard the telltale scream. Glorfindel and Erestor raced out of their offices, obviously trying to get away before the other so they would not have to deal with the victim. We could just barely make out their conversation over the roar of the waterfall and the distance.
"Absolutely not," Erestor was saying. "I had to deal with Lady Wynona just yesterday. It's your turn."
"The hell it is!" I smiled, Glorfindel had obviously picked up some of our slang from his wife and it always humored me when he used it.
"Don't try and get out of it. You have no excuse."
"Oh but I do! I am supposed to meet Kate for her lesson in a half hour. I would be late if I had to deal with Lady Amani." Smirking he crossed his arms as if to say 'So there.'
Erestor did not say anything for a full thirty seconds before he growled, "Fine, go." Glorfindel grinned triumphantly and dashed by him down the hall. "But you owe me one!" Erestor called after him. Poor guy, I felt really bad for him. It was hard not to.
We pressed ourselves flat to the ground just in case she might glance our way, though we were probably far enough away and rather hidden it's better to be safe than sorry. And then...she came. We instantly burst into laughter. There was Lady Amani in all her glory, trailing goop and shedding feathers and she was livid. Erestor turned to her with a resigned look on his face. "Lady Amani," he said graciously with a polite nod of the head. "Come into my office... but please don't touch anything." That made us laugh even harder and I could tell Erestor was trying not to laugh as well. As soon as the office door was shut we sat up exchanging satisfied smiles and made to leave quickly so we could get away without being seen. Legolas and I had made our way to the dining hall seeing as the others had already eaten breakfast since they had either been involved or knew about the prank long before we did. We entered the Hall and I took my customary seat next to Glorfindel and dug in. Legolas was eyeing his food warily. "What's with you?" Glorfindel asked him.
"I am slightly hung over due to the twins wanting to celebrate their return and I am reluctant to put my stomach to the test. I know it helps to eat, but try telling my stomach that." He grimaced a moment longer then started eating gingerly.
I noticed Almira entering the Dining Hall and watched her take her customary seat next to Legolas, who eyed her cautiously. She was not even paying attention to him. In fact, she looked just as dejected as I felt. And it struck me at that moment how similar we really were. We were just two lost kids in a made-up world struggling to make sense of it all. This was even more apparent as lately she had been less…well, less Almira-ish these past couple days ever since her talk with Lord Elrond. She still hung out with the same crowd of snotty elleth and made snotty remarks but there was no real passion behind her words. Not like there used to be. It was as if it was simply a routine for her now and I wondered at this change in her. So it was that when she sat down I found myself wanting to reach out to the only other person I knew that could understand how depressing December was. Very quietly I said, "Merry Christmas, Almira."
Her head snapped up, as did Legolas' and Glorfindel's, and her surprised gaze met mine. She stared at me for a minute with an unfathomable expression and then said just as quietly, "Merry Christmas, Kate." She took a few bites of her food, then shook her head and set her fork down. Her breathing was a bit uneven and after a few seconds she stood and turned to leave. Standing quickly as well, I called, "Almira!"
She stopped and slowly turned to face me, just waiting for me to speak. I shuffled my feet a bit. "Maybe I'll see you around? You know we could maybe, uh...meet up later or something. I mean it's Christmas and no one should be alone on Christmas," I finished quickly.
She seemed surprised and hesitated for a moment before looking at me with what was probably the first genuine smile I had ever seen grace her face. "Yeah...yeah, I'd like that. Shall we meet after the evening meal? We could hang out in the Hall of Fire for awhile, maybe weird them out with some caroling. Perhaps Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer?"
I laughed. "That'd be great."
She nodded and left the Hall walking a bit taller and I resumed my seat.
"What was that all about?" Legolas asked surprised. "I have sensed a deep sadness from you all morning and I felt the same thing from Almira. Has something happened?" Glorfindel and Legolas were both staring at me with such concern and I felt my throat tighten. I missed my family.
"Today is Christmas. It is a religious holiday in my world, but it is also a cultural thing. People all over the world use this time to visit with their family and friends and travel great distances to reunite with them to celebrate. Today we open gifts from family and friends, gather together and eat a big meal and spend our time with those we care about. December is like the pinnacle of the Holiday season, full of good cheer and goodwill towards men; and can also be very depressing...if you must spend it alone."
Glorfindel placed his hand on my shoulder. "I remember Anna's first Christmas here. She felt exactly as you do now. I am sorry that I cannot make it any easier for you." I reached up and gave the hand on my shoulder a squeeze.
"What are you celebrating?" Legolas asked, and once again I thought I could sense a slight bit of jealousy radiating from him. But I really did not want to get my hopes up, at least not much more than they already were.
"Well, if you believe in this religion you are celebrating the birth of the most important person in that religion. If not then it is just a day you get off from work to spend with those that matter to you."
"And do you?"
"Yes." He nodded, willing to let that explanation suffice and I was grateful. Explaining Christianity was not something I wanted to try to do.
"What did you say to Almira?" Glorfindel asked curiously, an amused look on his face.
"I told her Merry Christmas, it is our greeting for this day." I added the last part for Legolas' benefit.
"What else?"
"I then asked her if she would like to spend some time with me after the evening meal. I know we usually walk and I hope you don't mind Legolas...it's just, well it's Christmas and-"
"I understand," he said, with a small smile but I could still sense his slight disappointment. What if Faelon was not as off base as I thought?
I glanced down at my plate, no longer hungry. "Are you ready?" I asked Glorfindel.
"Yes, let us go." I gave Legolas a small nod and spent the rest of the morning training, blessedly distracted. Afterwards I went back to my room and took a nice, long soak in the tub. I skipped lunch with Maerwen and the ladies because I figured I was a tad too down to be good company. So instead I stopped by the kitchen and grabbed some bread, cheese, fruit and a bottle of wine and went out into the adjoining garden. I stopped short, surprised to find Frodo sitting on one of the benches. "Hello," I said. "I hope I am not disturbing you." He jumped at the sound of my voice and I gave him an apologetic smile. "Sorry, I forget how quietly I move now."
He gave a small laugh. "Sure you do." I rolled my eyes. "Care to join me?" he asked.
"I would love to as long as you are sure I would not be intruding." I surprised myself by saying this because I had been seeking solitude, but his offer made me realize I really did not want to be alone. And the quiet, less boisterous hobbit was just the right person for some shared solitude. He waved my concern aside and I took a seat on the space next to him. "Would you care for some wine?"
"That would be lovely."
"Be right back." I fetched another glass, then poured the wine and handed him one of the glasses.
We sat in silence for a few moments just sipping the wine lost in our own thoughts, before Frodo broke it by asking, "So are you in love with his highness?"
I choked on my wine. It was another couple minutes before I could stop hacking enough to answer, "Maybe."
"Maybe?"
"Well, yes. I am kind of in the process of falling in love. Right now I am quite hopelessly in like."
"I see." I offered him some of my food, and he took a few slices of cheese and fruit. When has a hobbit ever turned down food? "In like, eh? Not love?" He was looking at me skeptically.
"Not love...at least not yet."
"Why so reluctant?"
"In the end I suppose I do not have any choice. I really cannot stop myself from feeling a certain way but part of me thinks I should try. I mean I am terrified that: 1) he won't return my feelings (I ignored Frodo's scoff); 2) that I will royally screw something up by being with him both literally and figuratively; and 3)That it would never work because he is way too good for me. You know the whole great guy and royalty thing."
"Your fears are unfounded."
"Not necessarily," at his withering glance I changed my answer. "Alright, of course they are!" I sighed. "But I have them all the same."
He nodded and patted my arm sympathetically. "Worry not; I think he would find your concerns just as preposterous as I do. But then again he is probably slightly biased." I smiled at his gentle teasing and admonishments.
"That's better! Now tonight is our final prank on Lady Valda and I must confess I am rather excited about it. This 'war' is making me feel like the mischievous child I used to be."
"Ugh, just about everyone in this place is older than me. Even Pippin!"
He laughed. "Only in years, Kate. Only in years." I spent the rest of my free time before my lesson with Erestor talking with Frodo. I confided in him about everything that had me down: Christmas, the quest, my romantic hopes. And he in turn confided his fears as well: that he would fail, that he'd never see the Shire again, that he'd lose himself. We gave what comfort we could, but in the end we both knew it was enough just to be there and be willing to really listen. It was a very cleansing time and I could not help but be impressed by what he was willing to do. And I felt slightly shamed. At the mention of the quest I had wanted to run in the opposite direction and here he was carrying the Ring. So I decided that it was time to stop acting like the quest was some kind of punishment and think of it like the honor it was. I mean people deemed us responsible and worthy enough to trust us with the fate of the known world and I needed to be more respectful of that trust.
"What are you thinking about?" he asked me gently.
"I was just thinking I need to stop being so fatalistic about this quest. It's not fair to everybody, including myself. People are counting on me; I should respect their trust more."
"I've been telling myself something very similar. However that is very hard to do when you are trying to take on a Dark Lord and you're four feet tall," he added wryly.
I laughed. "I can relate. I figure it's enough if we at least make an effort. Besides who's going to call us on it? We are the ones racing into the Land of Doom."
"Land of Doom?" he queried, the corners of his mouth quivering.
"Well, yes...Mordor does not sound quite dramatic or fatalistic enough." It was a ridiculous statement and he knew it. He started laughing and I joined in. Before we knew it we were both collapsed on the ground with tears streaming down our cheeks.
"What has gotten into the two of you?" asked Erestor from the doorway, a small plate of sweets in one hand.
"It...was...something...Kate...said," Frodo managed to rasp out.
"What...are...you...holding?" I asked, gasping for air.
"Ah, these are some candies I was bringing to our lesson. I had heard you were having a rather rough day so I thought these might cheer you up a bit."
"How thoughtful," I said sincerely touched, having finally reined in my laughter. I picked myself up off the ground and dusted myself off. "Are you ready to begin?"
"Of course. Good day, Master Baggins."
Frodo had risen as well and seated himself once again upon the bench. "Good day Lord Erestor, Kate." I took Erestor's arm, waved my goodbye to Frodo and we proceeded to the library.
Once there we seated ourselves at our customary table and Erestor pushed the plate of sweets towards me. "Well if you insist," I said taking a mini berry pastry. Biting into it I made a small sound of delight.
"I take it that it meets with your approval." Erestor was looking at me with an amused smile on his face.
I swallowed. "Very much so."
"Good. Now I know that today is a rather important holiday in your world, so I was wondering if today you would teach me about your world's respective holidays. If that is not too difficult for you," he added gently.
"I should be fine, especially if I keep downing these pastries."
He laughed. "I am glad my bribery is effective. Let us begin." At first it was a bit difficult speaking of the holidays from my time, but to my surprise it got easier as I got caught up in the telling of my stories and memories of the holidays. It was nice to think and speak of such joyous times with my family. We had gotten so involved in our discussion we were completely unaware of how much time had passed until the dinner bell rang. We rose and began making our way to the Dining Hall.
"I still do not understand how a large bunny delivering sweets to children has anything to do with the religious significance of Easter," Erestor stated with a shake of his head.
"Honestly...me either." He gave me a sideways look and then just laughed.
"I am guessing the tradition as been around longer than you have."
"Oh yeah."
We reached the table and he pulled out my chair for me. Once we were seated Glorfindel turned to me with a teasing smile and asked, "So did Erestor have you locked in the library all this time?"
I gave the Chief Advisor an affectionate smile as he rolled his eyes at Glorfindel's antics. "If anything it was the other way around. I believe that with my copious amount of memories and stories I kept him trapped there."
"Impossible," said Elladan, as he and his family were already seated. "Erestor held captive by one of his students? This I cannot believe."
"She speaks the truth," Erestor stated eagerly, "Though I was more than happy to listen. There are so many different cultures and religions, each with their own holidays. Fascinating! I wish I could go to your world and just study."
At the mention of my world, he shot me an apologetic glance but I just smiled warmly, if not a bit wistfully. "I wish you could as well. You would make the perfect anthropologist or college professor."
"Oh? What do these jobs entail?"
"Well, you are kind of doing them now or something similar. An anthropologist studies the origin, the behavior, and the physical, social, and cultural development of humans or in your case elves. As for the college professor you would specialize in whatever subject you wanted-math, history, whatever- and then just teach it to people like me who would go to whatever school you were employed at. So maybe you would be an anthropology professor. In fact, I can just see it now: you are in an office surrounded by books and artifacts and photos from your various research excursions poring over notes you took and trying to piece together whatever puzzle you are working on."
"That does sound quite similar," Elrohir admitted with a fond look at his mentor. "Especially that part about the books."
Erestor smiled. "Too true."
At that moment Almira entered the hall swiftly and took her seat, several other stragglers behind her. Dinner started soon after now that everyone was present. Again Almira was unusually reserved and ate each course quickly and quietly. Almost all of the table's occupants had been seen to stare at her curiously for a moment or two. But if she was aware of it she made no indication that she was or any recrimination of their behavior. Once the meal had ended she departed just as swiftly as she had come, leaving me greatly bewildered.
"I wonder why she left with such haste…and where was she going?" I asked of Legolas a tad worriedly as he escorted me to the Hall of Fire, which due to the imminent departure of the Fellowship was going to be used several times in the next few days as an attempt to brighten our mood. Good luck, I thought dispiritedly.
"I do not know but her behavior has been very curious as of late." With a roguish grin he added, "Not that it is not refreshing."
I could not help but give a small laugh. "I suppose I can not blame you for being more overjoyed at this change than concerned."
"No, you cannot."
We entered the Hall of Fire and made our way over to the table Arwen, Aragorn and the twins were occupying and seated ourselves. We were soon joined by Glorfindel, Erestor and Elrond. Faelon and his group of friends were seating themselves at the tables next to and around ours. I saw Ansa once again escorted by Nordithen enter the hall and I caught Bellon's gaze. I mouthed, 'Too young to be married?' He smiled in recognition of the words his friend had uttered on our trip to Imladris and broke our gaze to direct his fiancé's attention to the swiftly approaching pair. Maerwen smiled devilishly and winked in my direction. I gave a small laugh that drew the attention of the elves seated at our table.
"Why are you laughing?" Arwen asked, the others gazing at me curiously.
"Because Ansa and Nordithen have no idea what their friends have in store for them," I replied, nodding my head discreetly in their direction. They had seated themselves by now, with Nordithen still at Ansa's side. They all smiled knowingly. I fell silent listening to the music in the hall while the others discussed quietly just what Ansa and Nordithen's friends might be planning. The singing had not begun yet, allowing the room's occupants to chat for awhile. I let the music flow over me, letting it soothe me, a balm to my saddened spirit. I looked around for Almira, slightly anxious that she would blow me off. It was then I saw her entering the hall carrying two cups of what I could not tell. The hall quieted as she approached me. Our animosity was no secret and I could not blame them for being curious as to why she was seeking me out all of a sudden. She seemed somewhat nervous as she approached the table and placed one of the cups in front of me. "Merry Christmas," she said softly, before raising her glass to me and taking a sip. Slightly taken aback, I picked up my glass and returned the gesture, gasping in surprised delight after the first sip.
"Egg nog?" I asked incredulously, conscious of having the entire hall's attention focused on us.
She nodded vigorously, and spoke quickly in English. "I know I have been kind of a jerk, well I suppose there's really no kind of about it," she admitted ruefully. She sighed then continued. "I miss my home, my family and friends greatly…more than I could ever have anticipated. So when you reached out to me this morning…it really meant something to me and I realized it was more than I deserved." She was staring intently into her glass and I knew she was having a hard time trying not to become too emotional, as was I. She drew in a ragged breath. "I know that they all hate me," she drew in another ragged breath and glanced at the other occupants of the table, "and I cannot blame them."
"They don't hate you," I said quickly. At her dubious glance, I added wryly, "They just don't like you."
She gave a short laugh. "Fair enough. However I want that to change and I am willing to work to make it happen. And God knows it's going to take a lot of work. I have been this way for a long time and bad habits are never easy to change. But I figured if I was going to try, what better time than Christmas?"
"And the egg nog?" I asked gently.
She locked her apologetic gaze with my curious one. "Well…I have probably wronged you the most, aside from maybe Legolas (she grinned sheepishly) and I wanted to start making amends for it immediately, especially after this morning."
I nodded and stood. Smiling I lifted my glass and clanked it with hers. "Cheers." I took another sip and she followed suit. My eyebrows shot up as I recognized a certain ingredient. "You spiked it?"
She gave me a mischievous grin. "Of course, what's Christmas without the booze?"
I couldn't help but laugh, and she joined me. As our mirth subsided, I gave her a tender smile. "Thank you," I stated quietly. "This is the most thoughtful gift I have ever received."
She beamed. "Hopefully it will loosen you up enough to sing with me tonight."
My eyes widened and I quickly tried to contradict her. "Oh no, I can't sing. I can barely carry a tune-"
She rolled her eyes before interrupting. "You are a terrible liar. I heard you the other day and you are quite good. Besides you're an elf, and what elf has ever had a poor singing voice?"
I had to give her that one. "Wait-how did you hear me singing?"
"I was out on the balcony and you were in your room singing while you did God knows what; nice song choice by the way…very telling." She smiled slyly as I blushed. I remembered what she was talking about. One of the nights during the previous week, I had been tidying up my room and started singing 'Head Over Feet' by Alanis Morrisette.
"At least tell me I sang in English," I pleaded.
"No fear, you did. However you have no excuse for not singing tonight. You have avoided it for too long…much to a certain prince's disappointment I am sure." My mouth fell open. Smiling impishly she stated, "Now if you will excuse me."
"Aren't you going to join us?" I asked, regaining my composure.
Her smile changed to become more timid. "Thanks, but it's probably a bit too soon." Looking at the rather stunned occupants of my table, not to mention that of Faelon and his friends, I nodded understandingly. "Best to ease them into it gently," I stated dryly.
"My thoughts exactly." She bowed her head respectfully and I returned the gesture, before she moved off to stand with Lady Edhelûreth, an intensely shy elleth that appeared to be quite kind, even if she did associate with Lady Amani. Though, I mused, that was probably more out of fear than anything else. I seated myself and was greeted with the incredulous stare of my companions. They all were greatly surprised...unsurprisingly; all that is, except for Lord Elrond who was smiling at me almost smugly. He's a sneaky one, I thought. Even Glorfindel and Legolas were slightly taken aback at the friendliness between us despite having witnessed the morning's conversation between Almira and me. After a stunned moment, I was bombarded with questions.
"What was that?" asked Elrohir.
"Who are you and what have you done with the real Kate?" teased Elladan.
"What are you drinking?" Erestor asked.
"Is it poisoned?" Aragorn quipped, earning him a laugh from Arwen.
I held up my hands in supplication. "Almira has undergone quite the change, how or why I do not know. Though I am sure someone else does." I shot a pointed glance at Lord Elrond, who merely smiled blandly, before I continued. "Seeing as today is Christmas in our world, a holiday of good cheer and goodwill, she decided to begin her mission to make peace. And I have readily accepted as she is the only other person here to really understand the significance of Christmas." I sighed and looked down into the cup I held tightly. "Not to mention the difficulty of having to spend it relatively alone," I added very softly.
I could not prevent my eyes from tearing up and when I looked up I had eight sets of eyes fixing me with compassionate gazes. I took another sip of egg nog to give myself a moment to get control of my emotions, frustrated at my lack of self-control.
"You never told us what kind of beverage that is and what it is made of," Erestor reminded me gently.
"Egg nog," I answered gratefully, thankful to have something to talk about and forestall an awkward silence. "It is a sweet, dairy-based drink made with milk, cream, sugar, beaten eggs, and flavored with ground nutmeg and liquor such as rum, brandy, or whisky. And," I paused and took another sip and said, "I believe she used brandy."
"It's alcoholic, eh?" Elladan asked, suddenly more interested.
I gave a small laugh. "It can be."
"Can you make more? I would like to try some," Erestor stated.
"I would be interested to try it as well for I have often heard Anna lament the lack of it," Glorfindel said, and the rest nodded excitedly.
"Sure," I said amused, as always, at how eager elves were to learn or try something new. "I am sure I can get Almira to help me."
The Hall quieted down as the first singer took the stage. Song melted into song and time seemed to stand almost still as it always did. Just as I finished my egg nog, I felt a hand on my shoulder. "Ready?" Almira asked.
"As I'll ever be." I took a deep, steadying breath, rose (once again shocking the occupants of my table) and made my way to the stage with Almira. Once there she bent over near the side and picked up two guitars. "You do know how to play don't you?"
Surprised, I answered, "Yes, but how did you know?"
She shrugged. "I saw the ring on your finger and made an educated guess." And it was true, I had a guitar thumb ring (it wrapped around my finger like a spoon ring) that I had gotten at Hard Rock Cafe when I first started playing.
"Bimbo my arse," I muttered and she laughed as we moved two chairs to the stage and sat. "I trust you have a song picked out?" I asked dryly.
"Of course. I figure we start with 'O Holy Night' then you can pick." I nodded, we tuned our guitars, she gave me the chord progression and we launched into our song. It had never been an easy song to sing, especially when you only had a mediocre voice. But now that I was an elf it was like I had been professionally trained. This helped bolster my courage so that I was singing quite well and even enjoying performing. Of course, the spiked egg nog helped a great deal as well. Almira was way better than I had realized and was harmonizing with my part which made the song that much more powerful and moving. When we finished I shared a small smile with Almira at the rather stunned audience. Of course it took about five seconds before Lindir was asking us for another.
"What the hell?" I said. "How about 'O Come All Ye Faithful' then maybe something a little more upbeat?"
"Sounds good." We checked to make sure we were still in tune then began our new song. Now I was not so amazing that I could play any song asked of me, it's just that there are only so many Christmas songs and the number of Christmas concerts I had to do for my music teacher far outnumbered them, so I had quite a few memorized. We played several more including: 'Angels We Have Heard on High', 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing', and 'Joy to the World.' All of these we sang in Elvish, much to the delight of Lindir. When we finished we got quite the round of applause, which actually made me blush. Almira just smiled at me bemusedly. As we made our way off the stage, we were conversing quietly.
"Will you meet me before the evening meal? I'd like to make mass amounts of egg nog for Erestor and the others to try. They were quite intrigued by it."
"Of course," Almira answered. "But only if you'll get up and sing 'Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer' with me tomorrow."
I smiled. "In that case we are definitely going to be spiking our egg nog."
She laughed. "Most definitely. Until tomorrow."
"Until then," I said and took my seat at our table and found Lindir had joined us.
"Milady, you never told me you were so talented," he stated in mock admonishment.
"You never asked," I replied.
He laughed. "Fair enough. However now that I-nay, now that we know you will not escape performing easily."
"Why should you want to hear me when there are so many elves more talented than I?" I countered with a blush.
With a kind smile he reached out and patted my hands that were folded on the table. "Never fear you are just as talented (the others nodded their agreement causing me to blush even more). Besides how else will I learn the songs of your world if you do not sing them?" He finished with a wink.
"Point taken."
The rest of the time passed in quiet appreciation of the music until it was over and we left the Hall to catch what sleep we could. As Legolas and I made our way to our rooms the walk was filled with awkward silences broken up by inane small talk. It was during one of these pregnant silences that we reached my door.
"Kate, what is that hanging from your doorframe?" The sound of his voice startled me and I glanced up surprised. It couldn't be...
"It is mistletoe milord," Almira said from behind us. She was being escorted by Erestor, kind soul that he was he had obviously already begun to honor her efforts to make peace.
"Why is it hanging in the doorway?" Legolas queried, obviously suspicious because he could tell I was not pleased since I was trying to glare holes in Almira.
"It is tradition in our world to hang such a plant from the ceiling and if two people find themselves standing under it they must kiss," she stated, shooting me a smug smile. Erestor had started grinning as well. They bid each other goodnight, before Almira entered her room. But not before she uttered a final and triumphant, "Merry Christmas Kate!" Leaving an embarrassed me and a flabbergasted Legolas in the hall.
What a Sue, I thought. Since she was no longer trying to seduce Legolas she was obviously going to put all her energy and talents into trying to hook us up. I groaned inwardly. It almost might have been better having her hating me. "Look," I began anxiously not looking Legolas in the eye, therefore missing his tender smile, "I had no idea she was planning this. It's just a silly tradition and you don't have to-"
He lifted my chin with his hand and gently but firmly pressed his lips to mine, effectively cutting me off. I felt my eyes drift close. I began to respond and he lingered over my lips for a few seconds before breaking away and very quietly, his mouth but a couple inches from mine, whispered, "Merry Christmas, Kate." The feel of his warm breath on my skin caused me to shudder and open my eyes and meet his gaze. He was smiling tenderly at me. His gaze dropped down to my lips and he ran his thumb over them gently then pressed one more brief kiss to my lips before saying, "Good night." When he began to walk over to his room and opened the door, his action snapped me out of my state of shock and I regained my wits enough to whisper, "Merry Christmas, Legolas." He paused in the doorway, turned and gave me a breathtaking smile and I felt myself smiling in return. He shut his door and I exhaled the breath I had not realized I had been holding. I entered my room and fell back against the door unable to suppress the wave of giddiness taking over my body. I jumped around for a few seconds and did a little happy dance. I entered my bedroom and got ready for bed in a happy haze. I fell back on my bed in almost complete bliss. Almost because I could not help the small, nagging thought in the back of my mind that said this was not necessarily supposed to happen. But my heart would not hear it. I was simply too elated to dwell on that. I drifted into a contented sleep, a small smile on my face. After all, he kissed me. Since no one was watching I indulged myself, emitting a girly squeal, running and flinging myself onto my bed. I lay in complete disbelief and pleasure. Unfortunately, the ugly thought that having a more intimate relationship with his highness could throw a few things out of whack entered my mind. Sighing, I rose and made my way to my bathroom. But within minutes a silly grin was back on my face and I had resolved to enjoy having kissed Legolas for the night. I went through my evening ablutions before returning to bed and slipping into sleep with a smile on my face.
All of a sudden a scream pierced the night. I sat up fast. It had been close. I heard noises from Almira's room next to mine. Leaping out of bed, I put on my floral robe and went to my door. Opening it quietly, I peeked into the hallway. I heard Almira whimpering and threw caution to the wind.
"Almira, open up!" I cried, knocking on her door. "Are you alright?"
I heard a faint reply. "I don't know. I cannot make it to the door."
"Oh lord have mercy," I muttered anxiously, trying the doorknob. "Just had to lock the door, didn't you?" I pulled a pin out of my hair and started trying to pick the lock on the door.
"Well, your Lady love is definitely resourceful," I heard Elrohir say and turned to see him clap Legolas on the shoulder. I, of course, then promptly blushed.
"Do you need some help?" Legolas asked, as they made their way to the door and stood around me.
I shook my head, still blushing, returning my attention to the doorknob. "No I think I have things well in hand."
"Literally," quipped Elrohir, which made us chuckle.
"Kate?" Almira called anxiously. "A-Are you still out there?"
"Yes!" And then with a definite click she unlocked the door. "A-ha! Success! Almira I'm coming in." I pushed the door open, careful to remain outside in case the door was rigged.
"Will you look at our little elfling Elladan, all grown-up and paranoid," Elrohir stated proudly. They had taken to calling me elfling due to the fact that I really would be considered an elfing seeing as I was one of the youngest people in Imladris, previous mortality aside. I just rolled her eyes, allowing the nickname as always because I knew it was out of genuine caring and then entered the room. They waited outside the door seeing as it was improper to enter.
"AHH!"
"Kate, are you alright?" Leoglas called worriedly.
"Yeah...just seriously freaked out seeing as something relatively fuzzy just crawled over my foot," I explained slowly, creeping closer to the back of Almira's room.
"ACK! Oh dear god," I cried upon reaching her bedroom. The floor was covered and my skin began crawling as I realized it was covered in bugs. I backed up and took a running leap onto the bed, joining a terrified Almira "Almira...why is your floor moving?" I asked in a small voice.
"Kate...I think the question is what's moving on top of my floor."
"What's going on in there?" I heard Aragorn ask curiously.
"How am I supposed to know? I've never been in there before," Elladan replied.
"Ok, uh...I am going to need a man...ellon...whatever, someone of the male gender to come in here," I called. I hated being so stereotypically feminine and weak. Normally a bug was no problem for me, sans tarantulas. But this...there were hundreds.
I heard a crunch then Elrohir muttered, "Damn, what was that?"
I could hear them making their way to the bedroom cautiously, there was a slight scuttling noise, then they appeared and stopped on the threshold in shock. The floor was not quite covered in bugs, but it was close.
Legolas looked up and met my gaze. "Legolas, please get us out of here before they make a mass migration onto the bed. We already have a few scouts." I eyed the insects that had made it on to the bed distrustfully.
He laughed. "What? Not a fan of our multi-legged friends?" The others were trying not to look too amused because of the glare a fearful Almira was shooting them.
"Decidedly not….at least not this many. Help, please?" I am sure I looked rather pitiful as did Almira.
"Never fear, I will rescue you," Legolas replied in mock gallantry while sketching a short bow, at which I laughed and Almira rolled her eyes and made a gagging sound. He disappeared for a moment and returned with a couple torches, handing one to Elladan. They held the torches low to the ground near the bugs causing them to scurry away from the flame thereby creating a clear path from the bed to the door.
"Ugh, I think I have something crawling on me," Elladan groaned, "Several things actually."
"You are not the only one," Legolas muttered as they reached the edge of the bed.
I hopped off the bed and Almira quickly followed, latching onto me as if her life depended on maintaining contact. I rolled my eyes and practically dragged Almira out of the bedroom and followed them back into the hallway. Once there I flicked a couple of bugs off Legolas before blushing at his amused gaze. He smiled at my discomfiture. I could tell he loved it when I blushed. I turned her attention to Almira, who was staring in dismay at her room.
"You can stay with me for the night," I offered. Almira smiled gratefully, "Thanks."
"No worries."
"You know what this means don't you?"
I grinned deviously. "Payback of epic proportions?"
"Most assuredly."
"You already know who pranked you?" Aragorn asked surprised.
Almira smiled grimly. "Oh yes, there is only one person I told about my intense dislike for bugs: Lady Bunnestenniel."
I groaned. "She's been trying to befriend me for months." And it was true. Lady Bunnestenniel had approached me almost everytime there was a gathering of some sort. Generally I always managed to avoid her. She was not very subtle and would come straight for me. I did not trust her given that she was friends with Lady Valda and the like.
"To get close to Legolas," interjected Almira. "Like you would let her."
"Not a chance," I muttered darkly and Legolas looked bemused and rather pleased.
"Ah, how cute and protective," cooed Elrohir.
"I imagine you would feel the same about a certain someone," I stated defiantly, satisfied when his eyes widened and the rest of them turned to stare at him in shock (except Elladan who looked just as taken aback as Elrohir, though not as terrified). "Whose name begins with S and ends in-" I was prevented from finishing when his hand was hastily clapped over my mouth.
"How did you...?" he asked me incredulously, removing his hand from my mouth.
I smiled gently no longer willing to tease him due to his obvious terror. "I pay attention, and besides," I continued slyly, "You aren't the only one staring at your object of affection just a little too long."
"You think she likes me?" Elrohir asked hopefully.
"I know she at least likes you and I am pretty sure she has some deeper feelings for you too. But what do I know?" I squeaked as Elrohir picked me up and spun me around.
"This is wonderful," he said when he set me down, the same idiotic grin gracing his face that I had worn earlier.
"Now look what you've done," Elladan teased. "It was bad enough before, but now I am never going to hear the end of it. I am surrounded by lovesick elves. Disgusting."
"Tell me about it," Almira stated a bemused smile on her face. "Sickening."
"Careful-one day you are going to be the exact same way," Aragorn said pointing an accusing finger at them. "Then you will be forced to eat your words."
"That would not bother me that much as long as I was getting some," Almira said, a mischievous smile on her face. My eyes widened and then I and Almira burst into raucous laughter while the rest of them shared confused glances.
"Getting some of what?" Elladan asked perplexed.
Almira and I exchanged glances, and I shook her head unable to speak because I was still laughing too hard. Between laughs Almira managed to answer, "Some would say Legolas got some tonight." She nodded at the mistletoe and winked.
Legolas blushed, as did the others, though they were also amused at his expense.
"Though admittedly it does imply quite a deal more than kissing," I stated wiping the moisture from my eyes and giving Legolas an affectionate, if not slightly suggestive smile. his blush deepened and extended to his years.
The sound of footfalls caught our attention saving Legolas further embarrassment. They were not as heavy as a man's but definitely not as light as an elf's. We turned our heads expectantly in the direction they were coming from and waited for the hobbits to enter our line of sight. Upon entering the hallway and seeing us they stopped short.
"What's all this?" asked Merry looking relieved he had run into us and not someone like Glorfindel.
"I thought they did not like her," Pippin whispered with a not-so-discreet nod at Almira. Frodo sighed and shrugged his shoulder at Pippin's frankness seeing as he knew he forgot we could hear him and Sam was shaking his head disapprovingly. They had not been in the Hall of Fire seeing as they were preparing their prank and had missed the rather astounding reconciliation between me and Almira. Almira flushed and dropped her gaze to her feet.
"That situation has since been rectified Peregrin Took now that Almira has deflated her ego to a more tolerable level," I explained in mock sincerity. Almira's flush deepened but she returned my teasing smile with her own slightly self-conscious one.
"So is she no longer going to try and seduce Legolas? Or was that Kate?" Pippin asked looking confused. The three of us blushed as Aragorn and Elladan erupted into riotous laughter.
"Time to go! Wouldn't want you to get caught for your prank," Elrohir said hastily leading the hobbits out of the hall, preventing further awkward questions. He obviously took pity on us and due to my earlier news decided to help us out, though I could tell he would be laughing just as hard as his twin once out of earshot.
The three of us were glaring at Aragorn and Elladan who were not even attempting to contain their laughter when Faelon ran into the hallway looking absolutely petrified. They immediately stopped laughing after just one look at his anxious countenance. "Kate, Kate!" He ran up to me and grabbed my shoulders and saw Legolas tense, and I smiled in the inside at his protectiveness.
"Faelon, what's the matter?" I asked concernedly wrapping my hands around the arms he had placed on my shoulders.
"I received a letter from my parents earlier today but I did not get the chance to read it until now. She's injured, they were attacked and she was injured," he croaked. "What should I do? What should I do?"
"Who?" I asked patiently, lightly stroking his forearms.
"Here, just read it." He shoved a letter in my hand, spun away and began pacing with his arms crossed and brow furrowed in thought.
My eyes moved rapidly over the page. It seemed to be written by his mother, I could not be sure, it just had a feminine tone. I reached the part talking about an attack and realized Faelon's love had been injured quite badly on patrol. "Oh, Faelon," I breathed once I had finished, unconsciously pressing a hand against my breast.
"I know, I know," he moaned stopping and facing me. "I have no idea what to do. I cannot exactly just go racing off to Mirkwood."
Legolas started as the situation became more personal. "What does this have to do with my home?"
Faelon looked around him with a shocked expression, eyes widening in consternation as if realizing for the first time that it was not just he and I in the hallway. legolas raised an eyebrow and he turned to me imploringly.
"A dear friend of his and the patrol she was with was attacked in Mirkwood by spiders. She and several others were rather grievously injured," I explained grimly.
"Unfortunately it is becoming an all too common occurrence," Legolas stated gravely.
"You should speak with my father," Elrohir inserted gently, having recently reappeared. "Based on the circumstances I am sure he would permit you to go."
"Besides they could probably use another healer," Elladan supplied.
"He is right. Our healers have been working almost without rest since the shadow returned to our wood," Legolas said.
He looked at me again, obviously wanting my opinion. I gave him a small smile. "I'll help you pack."
He gave a short, decisive nod. "I'll meet you at the house in a few minutes," he stated gratefully, before walking off to presumably get permission from Lord Elrond to leave with the messengers in the morning.
I sighed before turning to Almira. "You can go ahead and take the bed. I don't think I will be getting anymore sleep tonight."
"Surely it cannot take that long to pack," Legolas stated, seeming rather uncomfortable.
I cocked her head to the side, studying him for a moment while he shifted uncomfortably before a knowing smile spread across my face. "Packing will not take that long but the elleth that was injured happens to hold a very special place in his heart. I will sit with him this night and give what comfort I can," I explained gently. "And I doubt I will be the only one," I added, spying Tirithedain swiftly making his way towards us.
"You heard?" he asked of me without preamble, stopping right in front of me, ignoring the rest of them for the moment.
"I heard. I offered to help him pack."
"Then I will gladly escort you to our home."
"Thank you. Allow me to grab my cloak and then we can go." He nodded and I rushed into my room emerging with my red cloak in hand. Turning to Legolas and the others with a lopsided smile and said, "Thank you for the rescue, until the morrow." Tirithedain just gave us a nod and slight bow.
They murmured similar sentiments and we disappeared into the gardens.
