Disclaimer: Once again…not mine. This is getting almost painful.
Chapter 14-So It Begins
It was a tense group that gathered at Faelon's house. Maerwen, Ansa, and I were busy helping him pack as he was rather distracted and could not necessarily be trusted not to forget something important. Nordithen and Tirithedain were readying his horse and weapons, while Bellon was seeing to gathering foodstuffs for the journey. When we had finished all the necessary chores it was less than an hour from dawn and we had gathered in the kitchen of the house he shared with Nordithen and Tirithedain, and recently Bellon (he had now moved to the house he had built to get it ready for when Maerwen would move in) to share a small breakfast before he left.
"I just cannot believe this has happened," Faelon stated for the hundredth time.
"She is still alive, comfort yourself with that knowledge," Ansa said gently, placing a hand on his arm.
"I know and I am grateful. But what am I supposed to do when I get there? Things were awkward enough when I left. What if she...loves another?" He barely choked out this last part.
"I think you would have heard about it if she did. As for what you should do...focus first on helping her recover and then worry about wooing her," I said as encouragingly as possible.
"I am sure you will know what to say and when to say it in regards to declaring yourself. You have always had impeccable timing and perception," Bellon stated, laying a supportive hand on his shoulder.
"Thank you, all of you. This night would have been unbearable without you," Faelon said his eyes bright as he looked at us gratefully.
We smiled, murmuring words of comfort and support then spent the remaining time in relative silence until it was time for him to leave. We walked with him to the main gate of Imladris where the messengers from Mirkwood were waiting. When it was my turn to say goodbye, I held him in a tight hug. "You be safe, ok? Don't do anything stupid." He chuckled as he returned my hug.
"I won't. I promise I will make it there and back in one piece." He drew away from me and pulled a small object from his belt. "I had meant to give this to you the day you were to depart with the Fellowship, however circumstances have since changed." He held out a small dagger, and pressed it into my hands when I hesitated to take it. It was about eight inches long, with a simple gold hilt and the handle was wrapped in red leather. "It's my lucky dagger, it's come in quite handy and it is small enough to hide in your boot. It would give me some comfort to think that you might use it while on the quest."
"Lucky dagger, huh? Well God knows I'll need all the luck I can get." Hugging him one last time, I whispered, "Thanks...for everything."
"Anytime. You take care of yourself too. Don't do anything stupid."
I laughed and nodded, not trusting my voice. He released me and mounted his horse seeing as it was time for them to depart. I stood there with the others as we watched them ride out of Imladris and down the main road. I was aware of Maerwen sliding into Bellon's embrace, and Nordithen placing a tentative arm around Ansa who blushed deeply but did not pull away. I felt like the odd man out, aside from Tirithedain. Loneliness rose up within me but before it could really take hold I felt a warm hand take hold of mine. I started and looked to my right and found Legolas there, missing the glances my friends exchanged next to me.
"He will be alright," he whispered.
I just stared at him in bewilderment before turning my gaze back to the riders, releasing a pent up breath in the process. "I know." We stayed that way until they disappeared from sight and then Legolas led me back to my room so I could change before we went to breakfast.
I entered my room and made my way swiftly to the bedroom to find Almira spread out over the entire bed and the sheets in complete disarray. I had to smile slightly at the thought that it was probably a good thing I had not slept here because she would have kicked me into oblivion. I went through my morning routine as quickly as possible: slipping on a tunic and leggings, tying back my hair, and finally strapping on my weapons. I emerged from my room to find Legolas leaning against the archway that led out into one of the gardens. He had already fixed his gaze on me having heard me coming. He extended his arm to me and we proceeded to breakfast in silence. We arrived to find Glorfindel and Erestor already there like usual and I saw them exchange concerned glances.
"Am I correct to assume that your present demeanor has to do with the departure of a certain healer?" Glorfindel asked as we took our seats.
I nodded glumly. "The path to Eryn Lasgalen is undoubtedly a dangerous one, but Faelon is a capable warrior as are the messengers that accompany him. All will be well, you shall see." Glorfindel patted my arm before returning to his breakfast. I ate in relative silence, as the hall continued to fill. However, I felt my mood lightening as I took comfort in their words and finished my breakfast.
"Where did you get that?" Glorfindel asked, apparently noticing the dagger I had set on the table next to me as we stood to leave.
"Faelon gave it to me. He said it was lucky."
"Is it now?" Glorfindel said a disbelieving but teasing smile on his face.
"Who knows? I certainly hope so...I am going to need all the luck I can get to survive this quest," I added dryly. I saw a quick look pass between Erestor and Legolas but I had no idea what to make of it. We bid them goodbye and made our way out to the training fields where Glorfindel decided it would be a good idea to show me how to use that dagger in all types of situations. By the end of the lesson I was very aware how useful and thoughtful Faelon's gift was. I proceeded to the archery field and paused a moment to admire Legolas as he practiced. He did not seem to be aware of my presence as I was several minutes early and had come up quietly so I could observe him...but he probably was. He had his blond hair braided in what were considered warrior braids, one thicker braid on top of his head and two small ones on the sides. His clear blue eyes were focused on the target and his face held the look of deep concentration. He had finely chiseled features, the kind models back home would kill to possess: high cheekbones, straight nose, and proud chin. And his body...I sighed. He was lean and all-muscle, absolutely no fat anywhere on his body as if is body just resented the very idea. All in all he was the kind of male that could reduce any female to a quivering mass of hormones, and I was no exception. I smiled dreamily. I had never considered blonde-haired, blue-eyed guys my type, but every time I saw Legolas the butterflies that lay dormant in my stomach when he wasn't around took flight and I had to control the impulse to giggle like a twelve year old girl that just saw Justin Timberlake.
"His form is quite good, yes?" I blushed deeply at the double entendre as the amused masculine voice snapped me out of my musings. I noticed Aragorn had come to stand next to me...and Legolas had finished his practice and was looking at me with a small smile on his face. "Perhaps one day you will attain it." Anymore blood to my head and I would have an aneurism.
"I should be so lucky," I quipped, my face on fire. Aragorn laughed lightly and sauntered away to go practice as Legolas walked over to me, his smile seeming to widen with every step.
"No need to ask if you heard," I stated dryly, my face still flaming.
"None whatsoever. I am deeply flattered though that you find me so attractive it's distracting," he replied devilishly, taking my hand and pulling me onto the archery field and over to our usual target.
"How come the earth never just opens up and swallows you when you need it the most? Answer me that," I complained as my blush slowly dissipated and we stopped in front of the target.
He laughed and lifted my hand to his lips where he pressed a soft kiss which flamed my blush back into life. Smiling and running a hand tenderly down the side of my hot face, he said rather cheekily, "There is no need to be so embarrassed. There is nothing wrong with finding me attractive. I would be quite put out if the ellith I cared for did not."
"I'll just have to be careful to avoid looking at you in dangerous situations lest your handsomeness be my downfall." My words did not have the effect I planned. His face grew serious and the grip on my hand tightened.
"I promise you that I will never let harm come to you if it is within my power to prevent it," he stated fervently.
To say I was surprised at such an oath would be an understatement. I was absolutely floored. "Legolas...you don't, I mean you shouldn't..." His finger on my lips silenced me.
"I can and I will," he said quietly. "I care for you Kate; therefore I will protect you to the best of my abilities."
Moved by his declaration, I responded quietly, "I care for you as well and would make the same promise." With a self-deprecating laugh, I added wryly, "Though that is not saying a whole lot seeing as the best of my ability is drastically less than yours."
"It is enough that you are willing to make such a promise," he said softly, leaning into kiss me. However the moment his lips touched mine several catcalls sounded from the members of the Rivendell Guard that were practicing, causing us to break apart. Legolas just laughed as I buried my once again flaming face in my hands. "See?" I murmured, "Now would be a great time for the earth to just split right open and swallow me."
"I am afraid there will be no such convenient escape for you. It serves you both right seeing as that is not the subject you should be instructing her in," a smirking Glorfindel stated sending a pointed look at Legolas before crossing his arms and leaning against the fence that surrounded the archery field. Looking up I was pleased to note that Legolas was blushing slightly now as well. Of course, it was nowhere near the color staining my face.
After an awkward moment, Legolas just laughed again. "True enough. Come; let me help you attain that form." He winked and I gave up on depleting my blush.
"I take back everything I ever said. If I die, it will be solely out of embarrassment not distraction or lack of observation," I cried. More laughter issued from both elves as I took my place in front of the target and began my drills. Once finished I proceeded quickly to my room to bathe and prepare for lunch at Maerwen's house. I finished my bath and put on my bra and underwear. There was no way I was giving those up. I had not been raised as to be comfortable wearing just a chemise and dress. Plus my shape made that a little awkward. I was bustier than most elleth and I was not about to run around Imladris looking like Oprah on a treadmill. I donned my chemise content with the extra layer and moved over to my wardrobe and opened the doors. As I stood there debating what I wanted to wear I had to laugh at myself. Lately I had been taking more care with my appearance and had absolutely no doubt that it had to do with a certain ellon. I was never a slob, but I noticed I made sure to look as good and as feminine as possible and it had me amused. I finally decided on the red dress I loved so much. It was fitted to accentuate my shape but not constricting and had flowing sleeves, like all elven dresses and I finished by donning matching red slippers and a woven gold belt. I parted my hair down the middle and then pinned the upper layer back on each side to keep it from getting in my face. I couldn't stand eating my own hair. Satisfied with my appearance I left my room and made my way quickly to Maerwen's house. As I entered and made my way to the kitchen, I heard them chattering excitedly but when I appeared in the doorway all conversation ceased and they fixed me with mischievous and delighted faces.
"How was practice today Kate?" Maerwen asked slyly, no doubt having heard about the goings-on from her betrothed.
I blushed and sat myself down at the table with a slight groan. "It was the most nerve-wracking experience of my life."
Ansa, possibly the sweetest ellith to ever walk the face of this earth, gave me a sympathetic smile. "I can only imagine. I would be so nervous trying to practice with my significant other watching me!"
"Though I am sure Nordithen would love it," interjected Sunniva, causing Ansa to flush all the way to the tips of her pointed ears.
I returned her sympathetic smile. "I was so nervous, not to mention frustrated. I was never this distracted before!"
"That's probably because he never kissed you before!" Eydís proclaimed. "Maerwen was a mess for days after Bellon kissed her for the first time!"
Maerwen tried to summon the ire to glare at her but only ended up laughing merrily. "Unfortunately it's quite true." She got a dreamy smile on her face no doubt reliving the moment and we all smiled indulgently. It was nice to watch someone so in love.
"Though, that was not the first time he kissed me," I admitted, too excited about my late night kiss to keep it a secret.
"Oh really?" Lena drawled. "Do tell." And the others nodded eagerly, leaning forward onto the table we were seated at in anticipation.
So I told them all about the mistletoe, the kiss, Almira's part in it and all the events that had taken place up until now, including the pledge he made the and declaration of his feelings. "It was lovely," I finished on a sigh.
"How odd of Almira though. She was so avid about pursuing Legolas it is hard for me to believe we are discussing the same ellith," Sunniva stated.
"Tell me about it," I said dryly.
"Although I have noticed a definite change in her attitude. She has been much nicer and more considerate these past few days that I've helped her ready for dinner," Elwen supplied, looking relieved about it.
"As strange as it is, I do believe her regret and sincerity genuine," I stated.
"Lady Amani is not going to like this," Lena warned, though she looked quite pleased at the prospect. "She will not take it well that Almira threw her over to be friends with you."
I shrugged my shoulder nonchalantly. "She'll live."
"The question is: will she let you live? Once she finds out you and Legolas are quite a bit more than friends she, and her harpies, are going to be mightily upset," Maerwen said. "Not to mention Lady Valda and her ilk."
"Oh please, from what I have heard about Legolas he is fiercely loyal and protective. He will not let anything drastic happen to Kate. Especially now that he has admitted he cares for her," Sunniva stated airily.
"And who told you that about Legolas? A certain twin perhaps?" I asked of Sunniva with a teasing smile. And for the first time, in what could very well have been her entire existence, she blushed and her eyes widened in consternation as the rest of our friends looked on stunned.
"You...I...how?" she managed to stutter out, and Maerwen and Ansa began to chuckle uncontrollably at the fact that the tables had been turned on Sunniva who had ever been the one to be forward in teasing them about their love interests. Elwen, Lena, and Eydís soon joined in on the laughter at the mutinous look on Sunniva's quickly reddening face.
"I noticed that you have been glancing quite often in his direction when he is not looking, and he in yours," I stated gently, feeling slightly guilty for exposing her obviously well-kept secret. "Not to mention that you both have some how managed to randomly run into each other quite frequently."
"Do you think he knows?" she asked worriedly, glaring at her friends who were just now quieting their chuckles.
"No, he is hopelessly oblivious when it comes to this sort of thing, as are you...not to mention everyone else who has ever been in such a situation," I teased. "But I think he likes you just as much as you like him."
"Really?" she asked, so hopeful I had to smile as I had been in her position not so long ago.
"Most definitely," said Maerwen. "Kate is right. He has managed to end up running into you at the end of your shifts. That never used to happen."
"And he could never give me a good reason for it..." Sunniva added wistfully.
"Well he cannot very well tell you he's madly in love with you and cannot go more than a few hours without seeing your face!" Lena joked, placing a reassuring hand on Sunniva's arm.
"This is crazy!" Sunniva cried, her distress surprising us. "He is a Lord and I am a seamstress...not to mention the difference in age. How could he want someone like me?"
"Honey," I stated firmly. "I know exactly how you feel. I, a one-time mortal girl just had an Elven PRINCE who is 3,078 years older than I am tell me he cares for me. Trust me; I have the same doubts about whether or not I am good enough. But I figure if I am brave enough to give this relationship a shot then you sure as hell should be."
"Besides, it is for him to decide whether or not he wants to be with you. The twins were never caught up on titles and such. You know as well as I how much they dislike elleth like Lady Valda and Lady Amani," Maerwen argued. "You do him a great disservice if you think him willing to judge a maiden by the cost of her gowns."
"True, he has always been so courteous to me and all of us. He never came across as condescending." A pause. "You really think he likes me?" Sunniva asked, as the others looked at me speculatively. I had the inside scoop seeing as I spent so much time with Legolas who was one of the best friends of the twins and it was slightly humorous to find myself in such a position when not too long ago I was the one in the dark.
"Yes, I really do. However, if it will make you feel better I will do a bit of discrete snooping but only if you wish it of me."
She looked rather relieved, and the others looked excited about we might find out. Sunniva's eyes regained that devious sparkle. "Yes, let us see what we can find out. I would be interested to do a bit of investigating myself. Perhaps wind up near the training fields when he is practicing? I hear it is quite entertaining to watch them practice."
"Most definitely," I agreed, the twins did have a lot of admirers and many elleth came to watch all the warriors train though it was mostly spouses or their intended. However it was also not uncommon for others to stop by now and then just to show that by their interest they were grateful and supportive of the warriors' efforts.
"As an upstanding citizen it would be remiss of me to never have visited at least once," she continued.
"True. Besides you would have Maerwen to go with and maybe even Ansa," Eydís stated, causing Ansa to blush though she did not deny it.
"And Kate will be there, so you can always fall back on the excuse of going for moral support," Elwen said with a quick grin.
"And I most definitely need it," I said trying to infuse lightness into my voice but not quite pulling it off.
"Still dreading the Quest?" Sunniva asked sympathetically.
"You mean my impending doom?" I said grimly.
"Now, now," Ansa soothed, taking my hand. "Do not be so fatalistic. The situation is infinitely better than what it used to be. For one, Almira has reformed and two, Legolas has given you a vow that he will look after you. And he is a fearsome warrior."
"A fair point," I conceded. "It's just hard not to be terrified now that the time to leave is upon us."
"We're going to miss you," Elwen said, giving me a small smile. And the others murmured their agreement. A glum silence descended on the group before Maerwen broke it. "Oh, hang it all! I refuse to mope about during these last few days before you leave. You are allowed to be glum but not for extended periods of time. I, and the rest of these elleth," and she pinned them with a stern glance, "will make absolutely sure of it."
I had to laugh at her commanding tone, as did the others. "Yes ma'am," I stated doing a quick salute. "And I think some food would go a long way in preventing said glumness," I teased.
"I concur," Lena agreed heartily. "We always get so caught up in talking that we forget one of the main reasons for our gathering: lunch!" Laughter ensued once again as we went about filling our empty stomachs. The rest of the time was spent gossiping about the goings-on in Imladris, with much teasing for those of us who found ourselves with love interests.
I left Maerwen's house feeling lighter than I had in days. I had a little time before my lesson with Erestor so I proceeded to and entered the gardens I frequented with Legolas to find Boromir standing and staring at the statue of Lúthien. I stopped in surprise. "Good afternoon, my lord."
He visibly started and turned to face me quickly. Obviously he had not heard me coming. I should really work on that, I thought, seeing as I hated when the other elves did it to me. "Good afternoon, milady." He bowed and I curtseyed. And then...silence.
"So," I started, "How are you?"
"I am well, thank you. And yourself?"
"I am well," I replied. After another few moments of awkward silence in which I could practically feel his anxiety, I could not take it anymore and blurted out, "Have I done something to offend you?"
He was clearly taken aback because he was looking at me if I had just sprouted horns and a snout. "Of course not, milady."
"Then why are you so uncomfortable around me?" I pressed.
He sighed. "Because...because I am uncomfortable with the idea of a female going on this quest. Not to mention two." Oh no, please tell me that does not mean what I think it does.
"I am afraid you will hold us back and create unnecessary risk on an already extremely perilous journey." Once again, why would it ever be something other than what I think it might mean?
"You're serious?"
"Yes. It is not the way of Men. Women are meant to stay at home and tend to the domestic responsibilities in life. You should be raising a family and managing a household...not riding off to war." He was now frowning slightly.
I could not believe it. Sexism was staring me in the face. "I am not some helpless maiden. I trained diligently and can handle myself," I stated, trying to remain calm and be persuasive not offensive.
"True and that is commendable." He shrugged. "You are a kind and agreeable woman, but a woman nonetheless."
Oh hell no. "Really? I had not noticed," I said sarcastically.
"I am sorry to offend you, for I do truly like you. However I have a right to believe what I do. And you may have trained but you are not that good a warrior and I do not want to have to worry about protecting you as well as myself." His voice now had a definite edge to it.
"And the Hobbits? What about them? They don't have ANY training. But I suppose that does not bother you because they are males."
"That does not change the fact that you do not belong in battle," he stated heatedly.
"You do not even have a good reason as to why," I retorted angrily.
"You are a woman! You are not and will never be as strong as a man!"
"That may be so. But like it or not I am going on this Quest." I stalked out of the garden and down the hall towards the main wing and Glorfindel's office. I needed to rant. I knew the twins and Legolas sometimes spent their afternoons there, helping him with paperwork or just spending time with the golden warrior who was like an uncle to them. However I was hoping they were not there at the moment. Today was apparently not my lucky day I concluded when I heard several voices floating from the room. Oh well, too late now. I threw the door open and delighted in the loud noise it made when it hit the wall. The elves inside jumped. Glorfindel eyed me warily. "Oh dear, what now?"
"I HATE men," I growled, entering the office and slamming the door shut. I ignored their wincing and began pacing beside his desk.
"Why? Did Estel say something to offend you?" Elladan asked, looking taken aback at the very idea.
"Not Estel, Boromir," I ground out.
"What did he do?" Legolas asked sternly. And if I was not so pissed I would have been all a-flutter at how concerned he seemed to be. Sad, isn't it?
"He basically told me I have no right to ride to war and that I should stay home and raise children." I wanted to break something just thinking about it.
"Ah yes, I forgot about this particular custom of men," Glorfindel stated softly, looking amused at my ire.
"Oh yeah? I am assuming that was before you decided to send me on this quest with a misogynistic pig," I snapped sarcastically. "You should be raising a family, managing a household," I mimicked, stopping my pacing. "As if," I stated defiantly, hands on my hips as I glared out the window. "I am NOT just a breeding machine."
They laughed at that and I crossed my arms and sulked slightly. Legolas stood from his seat and wrapped a comforting arm around my shoulders. "I am sure that is not what he was implying and that he meant no disrespect. It is simply tradition in the world of Men for the women to manage the households while the men go off and fight."
"Trust me, I know," I said emphatically. "I was raised in the world of men. However, my nation had finally advanced beyond that. Women were finally considered equals to men. And when I was born it had only just happened about a hundred years prior. There were still some men that did not think I had the right to do anything other than cook, clean, and raise children. Granted they were not the majority, but still it's annoying. I'm smarter than that and I was raised to believe I could be more than that. Not that there is anything wrong with motherhood. Raising kids is definitely on my list of things to do…just not yet. I'm only eighteen! I'm not ready to be popping out kids yet."
"Too bad Legolas," Elrohir stated with a wink. I, ever so predictably, blushed. Legolas gave him a withering look but the twins were immune to such things. I mean come on, look at who their father was.
"Peace elfling. Elves do not maintain such traditions as you know. No one expects you to get married or pop out kids until you want to," Elladan said, smiling at my blunt description of birth.
"I know, I know and I'm grateful. Ugh, it just reminded me that I will be with men for the majority of this quest. Having to deal with such prejudice is not going to be easy," I grumbled, still agitated. "Especially since I will always be around Boromir and have to put up with his polite condescension, which is such a bummer because he seemed so cool."
Legolas gave me a half hug with the arm around my shoulder. "At least you will have the opportunity to prove him wrong while on this Quest. Until that time as he changes his mind, if ever, you must remind yourself this was how he was raised. He is still a most honorable and considerate gentleman."
"I know," I sighed. "It just sucks he also happens to be a sexist jerkface."
They laughed, and Legolas pressed a kiss to my temple, which helped to soothe the rest of my indignation. Pathetic, I thought, just pathetic. What was happening to me? I must be broken.
"Not this again," groaned Elladan.
"Oh hush and let them enjoy it," said Glorfindel sternly, before continuing in a softer voice, "They will have precious few moments like this on the Quest."
At once the smiles fled from both our faces. Legolas tightened his arm around me, and I brought mine up and wound them around his waist, leaning into his side tucked under his shoulder. After a few quiet moments in which the reality of how much everyone's life could and would be changed by the war settled around us, I stated wryly, "Well, that was certainly a buzzkill." It was enough to cause all the ellyn in the room to quirk a brow. Elves and their eyebrows, I mused, unbelievable.
"When someone says or does something that ruins the mood," I explained.
"I like it...buzzkill," Elrohir mused.
"Expanding our vocabulary are we?" Erestor asked as he entered the room. "More of Kate's slang?" He pronounced the word with that peculiar accent they all had when using English.
I grinned. "I will never get over you guys using English. It's just so surreal. Are you ready to go to the library?"
"Yes, but first I must speak with Glorfindel...in private." He shot us all a LOOK and we filed out into the hall and I was slightly disappointed at having to relinquish my hold on Legolas. Yep, I am definitely broken. A few minutes later Erestor emerged and extended his arm to me. "Shall we?"
"But of course," I replied. "Gents, until later."
They smiled bemusedly and replied in kind before Erestor led me to the library where he lectured me on history for the next hour. After the lesson, I made my way to the kitchens to see if Almira was already there. She was.
"Hi," I said, still feeling a tad awkward at our sudden friendship. She had all the supplies laid out in front of her, and the head cook Afanen was there also who I quickly greeted as well.
"Hi."
"Are we ready to start?" Afanen asked gently, sensing our rather obvious discomfort.
"Yes," Almira replied enthusiastically, seeming to decide that she was going to make this work no matter what. Heartened by her attitude, I nodded and gave them a wide smile. We started the process of beating the eggs then mixing it with the milk, cream and sugar, then adding the brandy before finishing it with a sprinkling of ground nutmeg. As we continued on making several batches there was a bit of small talk made, interspersed with silence as we would get caught up in our task. It was during one of these silences a horrifying thought occurred to me. "Almira...are you trying to Sue-ify me?" I asked incredulously, staring at her.
She looked up at me surprised, her facial expression stuck somewhere between offended and mildly amused. "Sue-ify you?"
I shifted uncomfortably, feeling a bit guilty for being so suspicious. "Look, I am sorry to be so skeptical...it's just what we are doing is rather Sueish and then there's the mistletoe, the singing, and well, I just don't want to be a..." I trailed off pathetically at the disappointed look on her face. Way to go, I mentally kicked myself. She helps you out and you throw it in her face.
She sighed and looked down at her hands which had since stopped whisking the eggs in the bowl she held. "Look, I honestly can't blame you. I'm a Sue and I always will be. I just don't want to be the heinously obnoxious and infuriating kind anymore. I'll try and control my Sue-like tendencies but I can't make any promises. And I definitely am not trying to convert you."
"Thanks for the honesty. Sorry to doubt you." I gave a sheepish grin.
"Thanks for the second chance. And don't worry about it. I suppose if I were you I would be wondering the same thing." She smirked. "Though I don't think you can find fault with the outcome of the mistletoe."
"No I cannot," I conceded blushing.
She looked at me with a teasing smile on her face. "Is that all your gonna give me? No details?"
I laughed somewhat self-consciously before launching into the events of the past day and night, with her sharing my surprise at Boromir's position on female warriors.
"Oh fudge, as if this quest was not going to be awkward enough." She emitted a frustrated sigh as she added the nutmeg to a last glass of egg nog and the first bell for dinner rang.
"I know," I said as we helped clean up, then washed our hands and proceeded to the dining hall after thanking Afanen profusely for promising to bring the drinks out with the meal so we would not have to cart them around. "But at least he is not a jerkface otherwise. I mean he did try and keep us from fighting."
"Fat lot of good that did," she muttered.
"And who's fault was that?" I said.
"Ok, mine but I still can't believe it. This is just great. He hates me enough as it is." We took our seats in the near empty hall.
"That could be because you glared at him for the ENTIRE Council and every time you saw him after that," I stated wryly. "Not to mention the death threat."
"Ok, true," she admitted sulkily. "But I have not glared at him lately," she added quickly. "That has to count for something right?"
"It's a start," I said and she sighed. At that moment Glorfindel and Erestor entered the hall and took their seats.
"Good eve, Kate, Almira," Erestor said, smiling kindly at us and Glorfindel nodded at us, a similar smile on his face.
"Good eve," we chorused.
"How are you ladies doing?" Glorfindel asked, politely though I could tell he still had a hard time with Almira's attitude adjustment as he was eyeing her a little warily like she might leap across the table and profess her undying love or whatever.
"I am well," Almira said demurely, obviously just as uncomfortable as Glorfindel.
"Me too," I stated, trying not to laugh at them both. By now people were steadily filing into the hall and our table was mostly full. At the end of the table Elrond and his family were engaged in a discussion about something or other, Aragorn entered with Boromir who avoided looking at me as he took his seat (which was almost impressive because he was the man who sat next to Legolas which was almost across from me), Legolas entered not a moment later and gave me a wink and a warm smile as he sat, Bilbo and Gloin followed discussing where the best ale could be found pausing only long enough to drop a quick hello before continuing in their debate.
"Did you catch as much grief as I did about this morning from the twins?" I asked Legolas.
He gave a short laugh. "Aye, if not more. After all, it is the twins we are talking about."
"You both realize you will never live that down, don't you?" Erestor said with a smirk.
"Even so," Legolas stated while sending me another wink, "I'm not complaining."
I smiled, extremely proud of myself for managing not to blush and replied, "Me either."
"Shameful," Erestor drawled, smiling even wider at both of us. At that moment the rest of the Hobbits entered looking very smug, followed by the rest of the dwarves, Lindir and a few of his young students. Dinner began soon after they took their seats and Almira and I exchanged excited glances, eager to see what they thought of our egg nog. When it was placed in front of us with the first course, Almira and I reached for ours almost at once. "Cheers," we said before taking our first sips. The elves tentatively followed suit and looked quite pleasantly surprised at the taste.
"I hope you made more," Erestor stated amused, looking at the twins who already downed about half of their first glass.
"Me too," said Elladan. "This is quite delicious."
"Truly. Why have we never come up with this before? And...you do have more right?" Elrohir was smiling sheepishly.
"No worries there," Almira replied. "We made several batches."
"Oh good, then I won't feel so bad about finishing this glass," Legolas said.
I laughed incredulously. "You cannot already be done!"
"In my defense it was a rather small glass," he said trying to look serious and failing miserably.
Glorfindel was shaking his head. "Ai, Erestor, whatever are we going to do with these young ones? Always in a hurry, are they not?"
Erestor laughed at the indignant look on the faces of the twins and Legolas. From there dinner progressed in a pleasant and easy manner. Afterwards we once again made our way to the Hall of Fire, Legolas escorting me like usual.
"You are slightly drunk are you not?" he asked, the corners of his mouth turning up into a slight smile.
"I don't know what you are talking about," I stated but my ridiculously large smile contradicted my statement.
"Oh really?"
I leaned in and whispered conspiratorially, "I might be just a tad drunk...but don't tell." Now there is not a super high alcohol content in egg nog, but this was countered by the fact that I could not remember how many glasses I had and that I had eventually switched to wine.
He laughed. "Milady your secrets are safe with me."
We took our seats in the Hall of Fire chatting merrily about this and that until it was time for the singing to start. Almira came over almost immediately and dragged me towards the stage.
"Let's get this over with," I stated, feeling slightly ridiculous that I was about to sing 'Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.' But the egg nog and wine kept me from backing down, wonderful stuff.
"Ready?" she asked, a large smile on her face that I couldn't help but return.
"As I'll ever be." We launched into our song and the elves expressions were just priceless. I had a hard time singing because I was working so hard trying not to laugh. When we finished we left the stage to a smattering of confused applause and collapsed into laughter.
"That was definitely different," Lindir stated bemusedly when I reached my table.
My laughter subsided, and I replied, "We could not resist. It's such a funny song...though I suppose you have to know a great deal more about Christmas for that to apply."
"I suppose," he said giving me an affectionate smile.
The rest of the time passed in comfortable silence as we enjoyed the singing of the bards. The twins got up to sing, and I was impressed by how talented they were. Somewhere along the way, Legolas took my hand and I resolutely ignored the whispers and rather hateful glances from Lady Amani and Lady Valda. I was not going to let them ruin what small happiness I was feeling. However I did mouth a 'thank you' at Maerwen and her friends who I noticed had been glaring right back at Lady Valda and Lady Amani and their ilk. God I was going to miss them. I also noticed that during the course of the evening Elrohir and Sunniva had disappeared. I smiled, maybe I would not have to do any snooping after all.
I felt Legolas nudge me and then whisper in my ear, "Seeing as we are now short a member and are no longer pranking Almira, what say we improvise?"
"What do you have in mind?" I whispered back.
"Well Almira has a prank to repay, does she not? Why not help her out?" I smiled at his suggestion and nodded. I caught Elwen's attention and moved my eyes towards the door and she nodded before excusing herself from her table and walking outside. Legolas and I followed suit, ignoring the resigned looks on the faces of Glorfindel and Erestor. Parting from Legolas I went over to where Almira was sitting with Lady Edhelûreth and asked her if she would be willing to speak with me outside. She aquiesced and we met up with Elwen and Legolas in the hallway.
I took a deep breath. "Almira...we are the ones who started all the pranks and seeing as you have since reformed it would be rather unjust to continue pranking you. Therefore we would have Lady Bunnestenniel take your place and have you join us in pranking her seeing as you have a good reason to want to do so." We all grinned a little sheepishly at telling her the truth.
But she just shook her head ruefully. "I should have known." After a moment, she gave a devious smile. "I'm in. What's the plan?"
We smiled and I announced, "We dye her red by planting dye in her liquid soap."
She laughed and rubbed her hands together, Mr. Burns style. "Excellent." Her impersonation made me laugh and Elwen and Legolas just exchanged glances and shrugged. Elwen led us to her room, proving it pays to have a maid on your side. Lady Bunnestenniel lived in what was the Imladrin equivalent of apartments occupied by mostly unmarried elves. She unlocked the door and we slipped silently inside. Elwen stood guard by the door and Almira, Legolas, and I slipped into the bathroom and began pouring the dye Elwen had supplied us with into her bottle of what was the equivalent of Elven gel. Legolas was standing at the bathroom door, listening in case Elwen called a warning.
"Done!" Almira whispered triumphantly.
"She's coming!" Elwen hissed, skidding to a stop in front of the bathroom door. We exchanged panicked glances before Legolas whispered hurriedly, "We can go out the windows."
We nodded and he opened the bathroom window. Elwen clambered out first, followed by Almira, then me, and finally Legolas who drew the windows shut behind him. We crouched low to the ground and snuck along the wall until we reached an entrance to the hallway. Legolas entered first, making sure the coast was clear before nodding to us. We entered the hallway and headed back to our rooms. We parted with Elwen who took the pathway in the garden near our rooms towards the house she shared with her friends. Almira smirked at Legolas and I before bidding us a 'Good night' and slipping cautiously into her hopefully bug-free room.
A tense silence descended upon Legolas and I. "So," I ventured, "I'll see you in the morning for breakfast?" Lame. Lame, lame, lame. Of course I'll see him at breakfast, I thought, as I have for the past couple months.
He just quirked an eyebrow and instead of answering me said playfully, "Two steps backward and I would be honor bound by tradition to kiss you."
"Two steps, eh? Are you worth it?" I teased.
He pouted. "I am hurt you even have to ask."
I took two steps slowly backwards, my heart hammering against my ribs and looked at him expectantly. "What hurts is that I have to rely on tradition to get you to kiss me," I said softly, a slight smile on my face as the air around us thickened and he advanced towards me.
"Now be fair," he whispered, his mouth just a few inches from mine, "I tried to kiss you on the archery field."
"Forgive me, I-" But apparently he was done talking. As his lips caressed mine, I stood up on my tiptoes and slid my arms around his neck. He was quite a bit taller than me at 6'2" and this way it would be a bit easier for him to kiss me and I was all for that. He slid his arms around my back, pulling me closer and deepening the kiss. He only pulled his lips from mine when the need for air overpowered us.
I drew in a shaky breath. "Hot damn."
He laughed, one hand lightly stroking my back seeing as he had not released me. "Is that all you can say?"
I nodded. "You, sir, have seriously limited my ability to think straight." He gave me another one of those breathtaking smiles before leaning down and recapturing my lips. It was then I decided that breathing was overrated.
"I could barely believe my eyes in the Hall of Fire when I saw you two together and now I would not mind stabbing them out," Lady Amani sneered. Her voice startled us causing us to break our kiss and I would have moved away had Legolas not kept one arm firmly around my waist. "What a shame to waste your kisses on someone so unworthy." I flushed and lowered my gaze to the floor. She had touched on a sensitive issue and had no comeback.
"Worthier than you," Legolas said coldly and I was about to call him my hero and make goo-goo eyes at him when Lady Amani's next words processed.
She smirked. "Pity. You were such a good kisser too." My head snapped up at that and I felt Legolas tense. My face a mask of disbelief, I stared at Lady Amani incredulously.
"You did not tell her?" Lady Amani crowed giving a short laugh. "Oops," she said, before giving Legolas a savagely pleased smile and walking passed us further down and out of the hall.
Legolas turned to look at me, but I could not move. I just kept staring staring at the place Lady Amani had just been standing as everything began falling into place. "Kate, I-"
"Why didn't you just tell me?" I whispered softly.
"It happened centuries ago. We shared a few walks, a kiss or two. Nothing serious," Legolas hurriedly explained. I deliberately stepped out of his embrace.
"That's funny because that sounds awfully similar to what we have," I said quietly trying to keep my emotions from spilling over. I could tell he was not pleased with my comparison.
"It is not even remotely similar. I care for you," Legolas stated in a tight voice.
"Yet you could not even clue me in to the fact that one of my mortal-alright, immortal-enemies is your ex-girlfriend?" I asked incredulously.
"It was not important," he snapped.
"Not important? Not important? It would have been a damn good way of explaining why she disliked me so much! Tell me, does Lady Valda dislike me for the same reason?" I exploded.
"You are being ridiculous," Legolas all but snarled.
"And you are evading the question," I hissed.
"Maybe." Brilliant response, Legolas. Way to be mature, I thought.
"Maybe?" I repeated sarcastically. "As in you are too embarrassed to just say yes?"
He held his silence, glancing down the hall. But really, what could he say. Suddenly I was no longer angry, just sort of sad. I did not want to be angry with him. Besides, did I really have the right? I did not exactly exist at the time. Deciding space would probably be a good idea, I gave a slight nod and turned to enter my room. Before I had twisted the doorknob, Legolas grabbed my upper arm but I could not turn to look at him.
"Kate," he said softly, "I swear I did not think to mention it. Both relationships, if you can even call them that, happened several centuries ago and I really did not feel the need to bring them up. Please there is no need to get upset. They are long over and I never cared for them the way I...the way I care for you."
The pause caught my attention and I turned to face him. Had he been about to say something else? That was an issue for another time when I was not so annoyed or tired. This episode had brought back another and I decided to voice my thoughts. "It's ironic isn't it?" At his confused look I smiled slightly and explained, "Not so long ago at this very spot you took me to task for not telling you about my knowledge of the quest. In fact, you were quite upset about my omission. It's just odd to find myself in a similar position." I sighed and took his hands in mine, keeping my gaze fixed on them instead of him. I would need to work on my resolve in the future, or he would be able to get away with murder and I would still be pining over him. "I'm not upset, not really, and maybe I am blowing this out of proportion. I suppose I just figured that an ellon whom I had been spending so much time with would have deigned to tell me something so important."
I could tell the fact that I could quote his exact words had the effect of doubling his already large amount of guilt. Which was not really my intent...or not much anyway. He squeezed my hands before removing one of his from my grasp to tilt my chin up so I was looking him in the eye. "I'm sorry. It was inconsiderate of me not to tell you and for you to have to find out his way. I should have just told you the truth, but..." To my surprise he started flushing.
"But..." I prompted, feeling faintly amused and rather curious.
"But I really was kind of embarrassed. I had told you of my dislike for them and their behavior so to admit I might be the cause of it and that I had been involved with them...I did not want you to think ill of me. I had already started to be interested in you as more than a friend at that point," he confessed with a sheepish grin.
I gave a small laugh. It did make sense. "Well in that case..."
"I take it that means you forgive me?" Legolas asked hopefully, echoing my words as I had echoed his.
Smiling in acknowledgement, I replied dramatically, "I suppose. But only if you consent to walk with me. Such a night should not be wasted."
Legolas returned my smile and led me to what I considered our garden and we walked until we reached the statue of Beren. Once there I flopped onto the grass and stared up at the stars, a contemplative mood overcoming me.
"What?" he asked, laying down next to me and I debated whether or not I was brave enough to move closer.
"It's funny to think these are the same stars I will look at thousands of years from now in my backyard," I stated softly. I made up my mind and scooted over next to him before curling up by his side and laying my head on his chest. I could tell he was smiling as he brought his hand up to stroke my hair.
"You no longer think this might be a different world than your own?" I felt the rumbling in his chest as he spoke.
"No. These stars are familiar," I whispered. The hand stroking my hair stilled. I closed my eyes at the pain I felt then Legolas encircled me with his arms. I appreciated his silence and quiet comfort. Propping myself up on my elbow I looked down at him and uttered a quiet, "Thank you," pressing a soft kiss to his lips before laying her
head back down. We sat like that for a moment before I said softly, slightly embarrassed, "Would you stroke my hair again?"
Again, I felt his smile. "Gladly."
When I felt myself starting to drift in and out of consciousness I knew I needed to catch some sleep. I regretfully propped myself up on one arm and stared down at Legolas.
"You have no right being so gorgeous." He gave a soft laugh and I blushed realizing I had spoken out loud without intending to.
"What if I told you I was thinking the same thing?" he asked playfully, lifting his head to kiss my chin.
"I'd tell you that don't have to lie."
"Do not be so hard on yourself. You may not be the most attractive ellith in the world but you are very beautiful in your own right."
I was about as red as a tomato. "Don't you think you might be a bit biased?"
"Completely. But I was giving you my honest opinion. My bias is that you are the most beautiful elleth in the world."
I groaned and dropped my head onto his chest. "Why are you so wonderful?"
He gave a startled laugh. "You sound as if you are disappointed."
"I'm not. I am just doomed to be constantly blushing thanks to you. People will think I have changed color as well as species."
He gave another soft laugh. "Unfortunately for you I love it when you blush and will unapologetically do my best to make sure you do."
"You're horrible."
"You're beautiful."
"Stop that."
"Never."
I couldn't help but smile. Damn my feminine susceptibility to flattery. We slipped into silence again and as I felt myself start to be pulled towards the world of dreams I remembered why I had originally sat up. Once again propping myself up I looked down at him and quietly announced, "I need to sleep."
He grinned ruefully. "Forgive me, I forgot you did not rest last night."
"No worries." I stood and he followed suit before taking my hand and walking me back to my room. "The way I figure it we should be taken advantage of sleeping in a soft bed as much as possible," I stated.
"Too true. I am going to miss blankets."
"Me too." As always a heavy silence descended on us at the thought of the quest. We reached my door and I had to smile upon seeing the mistletoe. Seeing my smile, Legolas followed my gaze and said with a roguish grin, "That has to be my favorite thing about Christmas." I laughed before giving him a quick kiss and bidding him a soft good night and entering my room. I changed and prepared for bed swiftly. And the minute my head hit the pillow I was out.
The next four days came and went far too quickly. They were filled to the brink with preparation, practice, and what little diversion I could manage. Maerwen and her friends helped me decide what few things I would bring on this quest, helped me pack them efficiently and kept me sane as I fretted over any and all decisions. In a final test of my skills, Glorfindel had me spar with several of my guy friends from the Rivendell Guard, and while predictably not good enough to beat them I held my own long enough to be deemed far better than any of the enemy (praise God). Otherwise my routine was the same as it had been: breakfast, training, lunch at Maerwen's house, lessons with Erestor (he had been paying special attention to the history surrounding the ring-go figure), snack with the hobbits (and I noticed Frodo was particularly quiet as of late), some light reading or geography lessons with Legolas, dinner, and finally time in the Hall of Fire or walks with Legolas before retiring. We had been spending as much private time together as possible because we knew we would get very little, if any, while on the quest. This mostly amounted to us losing sleep since that was the only time we could find seeing as our days were so full.
So it was that I awoke on the day before we were to depart a bit tired, but nonetheless quite content. Well, as content as I could be with the quest hanging over my head, I admitted to myself.
I readied for the day, throwing on a tunic and leggings, tying my hair back and strapping on my weapons. I met Legolas in the hall and we proceeded to breakfast. As usual we took our seats with Glorfindel and Erestor and they greeted us rather half-heartedly.
"I cannot believe you leave tomorrow," Glorfindel said softly.
"You're preaching to the choir," I muttered.
"I am going to miss those phrases," Erestor said.
"Keep this up," I said fixing them with a stern glance, "And you'll make me cry."
"I know, I know," Glorfindel sighed. I gave his arm a slight squeeze. He patted my hand and gave me a brief smile before staring back down into his bowl of porridge glumly. The rest of breakfast passed in silence before Glorfindel and I headed to the training fields for the last time. We would not be leaving until evening of the next day but I was supposed to spend the time resting and conserving my strength.
"En garde," he said with a smile before attacking. His wife's hobby was fencing hence him knowing the terms.
I laughed and parried his strikes, at which he cried, "Touché!" We continued on until Glorfindel finally had me at the tip of his sword. "Do you yield?"
"But of course." He helped me up and we stood their awkwardly. "Thank you...so much," I said. Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry I chanted to myself.
"You know that is not necessary," he stated softly.
"You know it's deserved," I replied just as quietly.
He bowed his head, arm across his chest in the Elven gesture of respect. Touched I returned the gesture before turning on my heel and walking quickly to the archery field. Any more and I would be crying my eyes out. I reached the archery field and the usual target before Legolas took one look at me and pulled me into a tight hug, running a hand over my hair soothingly.
"Stupid Elf Lords and their kindness," I grumbled after a few minutes. Legolas chuckled slightly before stepping away, putting his hands on my shoulders and leaning down to look me in the eye. "Are you alright?"
"Yes." He nodded and positioned himself in front of the target next to mine and began his own practice. As I started firing, my mind began to wander.
"You are not concentrating." Legolas' soft voice snapped me out of my daze, and I realized I had been reaching for an arrow that was not there.
I sighed. Most of my arrows had barely even hit the target. "Sorry."
He waved it off and walked with me to collect my arrows. "I am having a hard time focusing as well." There was no need to explain why, we both knew what had us distracted.
I looked at his target, with his arrows all clustered neatly in the center. "I can tell," I said dryly. He gave a self-conscious shrug before rolling his eyes and starting to pluck out his arrows. "Come on. Let us remove these out so we can be that much closer to finishing."
I nodded and began removing my arrows before following him back to shoot another round. We finished practice about an hour later and were heading off the archery field when I noticed certain ellith by the training field. "Well what do you know," I said amusedly.
"What?"
"Look who showed up," I nodded in the direction of Maerwen, Ansa and Sunniva.
Legolas grinned deviously. "That must be why Elrohir seems to be having a hard time focusing." I switched my attention to the twins who were sparring. It was quite evident Elrohir focus was not entirely on his opponent seeing as his eyes kept darting in the direction of Sunniva. This was also evident due to the giant smirk residing on Elladan's face. As we came up to the ring they had been sparring in, Elladan tripped Elrohir and had a knee on his chest and dagger at his throat.
"Do you yield?"
"Aye," Elrohir said ruefully allowing his twin to pull him to his feet. A playful smile lighting his face at the sight of Legolas and I, he said, "Ah, your highness, come to show off for your lady?"
"Is that a challenge?" Legolas replied, dropping me a wink.
"Mayhap."
"Then I accept." Unstrapping his quiver he handed it as well as his bow to me. "Prepare yourself to be awed by my pure masculine power," he whispered to me with a teasing smile.
"I'll try," I replied with as much sincerity as I could muster. "But if I faint I expect you to carry me back to my room."
"Of course." He smiled and stepped into the ring, unsheathing his twin daggers as he did so. I moved over and sat with Maerwen, Ansa and Sunniva and set Legolas' weapons down next to me reverently.
"Fancy meeting you ladies here," I said merrily, watching as Legolas and Elrohir began to circle each other slowly.
"Yes what a pleasant surprise," Maerwen said. I could tell her attention was half on the match in front of us and half on Bellon who was a few rings away who happened to be sparring with Nordithen. Ansa, as shy as always was trying to glance over at Nordithen as discreetly as possibly. The fact that she did it every twenty seconds pretty much ruined her attempts. And of course Sunniva and I were staring at Elrohir and Legolas respectively. Elrohir finally attacked and the match proceeded from there in a flurry of movement that really did leave me awed. Their movements were so fluid and so fast, blades clashing as they slashed and parried, sliced and blocked. Finally Legolas flicked one of the daggers from Elrohir's hand, then grabbing his wrist, twisted Elrohir's arm behind his back, bring his blade to his throat. Elrohir yielded, the same rueful grin from earlier gracing his face.
"Twice in one hour," I whispered to Sunniva mischievously, "Think you he is distracted?"
She blushed lightly, but it was there. "One can only hope," she whispered just as mischievously. I laughed, grabbing his weapons and stood up as Legolas made his way over to me. "I'll see you ladies for lunch."
"Until then," Ansa stated, and the others nodded though their expressions were rather sad. After all, it was our last lunch until God knew when.
Legolas stopped in front of me and I handed him his weapons. "Thank you," he said quickly strapping them on before extending his arm to me and leading me towards our rooms.
"So," he drawled after a few minutes, "Are you going to tell me how amazing I am or does it go without saying?"
I arched a brow at him teasingly. "You do realize I am not here to stroke your ego right?"
"If not my ego...what will you stroke?" He raised an eyebrow in return, that roguish grin on his face and I just had to laugh.
"On second thought, I'll stick to your ego." He pouted good-naturedly, before pressing a kiss to my temple and entering his room.
As usual I bathed and changed before heading to Maerwen's house. The gathering was not exactly merry but that was to be expected. I left her house and headed to the library with a heavy heart.
"Goodbyes suck," I said as way of greeting.
"I take it that means they are no fun," Erestor said sympathetically.
I nodded morosely. "I was thinking that today we could just talk in place of me teaching," he stated, looking at me speculatively.
"About what?" I asked.
"Anything and everything."
"Alright," I said slowly, wondering where he was going to go with this.
"I was so angry when I discovered Isildur did not throw the ring into the Fires of Mt. Doom and that Elrond did not just push him in and end it."
I gave a short laugh at the seemingly random statement. However I knew better. Elves never said or did anything that did not have a purpose. "I often wondered the same thing," I replied.
"Though I wonder would I have done any differently if I had been in his place? Could I have killed him? But then I think the question is should he have been killed?"
I waited wondering just where he was taking this. He was staring out the window pensively. "Fate and destiny are complex and delicate things. For whatever reason Isildur was apparently meant to keep the ring and die later; who knows how different life would be had he destroyed it?"
"Well there would be no need for this quest," I said a tad bitterly.
"True. But what other evil would have replaced it? There is a balance to everything and it seems you cannot have good without evil. So perhaps a quest would have been needed just for a different reason. Yet like you, I cannot see all ends and it is pointless to ponder what could have been."
I stayed silent. I had no clue what to say. I had no idea where he was going with this. He sighed. "You have been tasked with a difficult charge: to make sure the future unfolds as it should." Oh that's where he's taking it. He turned and locked his gaze with mine. "Yet I would tell you that you cannot change what is meant to be, regardless of what you may or may not do."
"So," I said almost hopefully, "You think my going is pointless."
He smiled gently. "No." I rolled my eyes and his smile widened. "I think it will be beneficial to the Fellowship to have someone who knows what could happen because should things be drastically different from what you expect it could mean that the enemy has someone who knows the future as well, an intimidating concept."
"I never really thought about that," I stated, imagining what it would have been like to fall into the clutches of someone like Sauron and shuddered.
He noticed and gave me a sympathetic smile. "I figured," he stated smugly. I stuck out my tongue and he gave a short laugh. "Do not worry. Your going is not pointless or futile nor is it unimportant. We are not asking you to look into the future, merely to keep both eyes open in the present. Do not think you will have to be responsible for the fate of the known world, destiny takes care of itself."
"How do you do it? Can you just read people's minds? You always seem to know just what's bothering a person. It's disconcerting," I declared.
"Legolas thought the same thing."
"Oh? What was he worried about?"
"You," he stated succinctly.
"Really?"
"Are you surprised?"
"Not surprised that he would…just surprised to find myself with someone to worry about and who worries about me. That is what is surprising and unexpected."
"It is a strange spot to find one's self in. It happened upon me just as unexpectedly." He smiled reminiscently.
"I sense a story here," I stated in anticipation. Erestor, like Glorfindel, was someone I had always been quite curious about.
"It is a long one," he warned.
"We've got plenty of time until dinner," I reminded him.
"True enough." And so we spent the rest of the afternoon with Erestor telling me countless stories and memories as I hung on every word. When the dinner bell rang, Erestor was just finishing a story about a competing suitor for his now wife.
I was completely caught up in the tale, I think I even stopped blinking. "So I punched him in the face," he stated calmly as we exited the library.
"You didn't!" I cried, coming to an abrupt stop and beginning to laugh. I could hardly imagine so reserved a character as Erestor decking someone.
Stopping and turning to face me, Erestor said indignantly, "Is it really that unbelievable?"
"You punching someone in the face?" I gasped, pressing a hand to my chest. "I'm afraid so. You are so…so calm. I just have a hard time picturing it."
"Yes, well, I suppose I have mellowed with age," he stated dryly.
"Though you did have a good reason."
He smiled mischievously. "The same reason as you did for punching Almira perhaps?"
"Well, admittedly it was a combination of things. I wasn't entirely staking a claim on Legolas."
"No?"
"No, though if Lady Amani keeps this pathetic behavior up I won't be held responsible for my actions."
"Is it wrong to hope that she does?" Elrohir called from behind us.
With my spiffy elven hearing I had heard people, though I did not expect it to be the person I was talking about. Thanks for the heads up, Erestor, I thought as I glared at him. He just smiled innocently and I gave up, turning to smile affectionately at the twins, flushing slightly. My gaze moved to Legolas and I felt my smile widen of its own accord. Could I be more transparent? He did not seem to mind as he returned my smile just as warmly.
"Yes…but only because it would force me to endure another of Glorfindel's fearsome lectures," I teased.
As the second dinner bell rang Legolas offered me his arm. "Forgive me Erestor but I am going to steal her away from you."
"I do not really think it is stealing since she goes willingly," he said wryly. We laughed and walked the rest of the way to the Dining Hall exchanging light banter. We entered and took our seats, greeting those already there.
"Have you seen Lady Bunnestenniel yet?" Almira asked, leaning excitedly onto the table.
"No," I replied disappointedly. "You think she'll come to dinner?" I asked hopefully.
"Would you?" Legolas asked dryly.
"Point taken."
As always dinner began as soon as the Dining Hall was full. While the majority of the Hall's inhabitants were carrying on as usual, the main table was unusually subdued. This was to be our last formal dinner and it seems we could not bring ourselves to be joyful or anything remotely close. This, of course, had the unpleasant effect of spreading outward and affecting the entire hall so that by the end of dinner very few people were smiling and just about everyone was talking gravely about the quest, those of us going on it and what they thought would happen. It was the most uncomfortable dinner I had yet had the displeasure of attending.
We adjourned to the Hall of Fire hoping it would lift our spirits and knowing it was not likely. Legolas, Erestor, Almira and I stood to one side of the hall close to one of the side doors into the gardens. Without discussing it we had positioned ourselves here in case we felt the need to make an escape.
"God this is depressing," I stated swiping my second glass of wine from a passing server and promptly downing it.
"Tell me about it," Almira groused.
"Planning on drinking yourself to happiness?" Glorfindel asked of me as he came to stand with us.
"I was wondering the same thing," Legolas stated dryly.
"Thinking about it," I replied curtly.
"You have to admit it is tempting," Almira said as she stared down into her second glass thoughtfully.
"I daresay it is," Erestor conceded at which Glorfindel quirked a brow. "What?" he continued a bit defensively. "It is."
Glorfindel just smiled and took a sip of his wine in response and then promptly choked on it.
"Are you alright?" Erestor asked, thwacking him on the back.
He shook his head and pointed in the direction of the main entrance. We turned to see what could have caused such a reaction and admirably suppressed what would have been near-hysterical laughter. Lady Bunnestenniel was stalking towards us, her garish appearance causing most elves to try and hide their laughter while her friends murmured about the injustice in shocked and angry whispers. The bright red we had dyed her clashed rather heinously with her dark orange dress which otherwise would probably have looked rather amazing as she no doubt meant it to.
She made her way over to our circle and stopped right in front of me. I stared at her in fake concern before asking "Why Lady Bunnestenniel you are practically red in the face…has someone done something to upset you?"
The twins had walked in the side door near us in time to hear that last comment and hastily turned and walked right back out where there loud guffaws could be heard. As for the rest of us in that circle: Almira had her eyes squeezed shut and a hand clasped desperately over her mouth to prevent her laughter from pouring forth, Legolas was biting his lip so hard I was afraid he might draw blood while Glorfindel and Erestor were trying to look disapproving but were being prevented from pulling it off by the smiles tugging at the corner of their mouths.
Lady Bunnestenniel let out a howl of frustration. "You did this!"
"Did what?" I asked innocently.
"THIS!" Lady Bunnestenniel cried waving her red hands in front of my face.
"Oh that. I can honestly say I am not responsible for dying you that rather lovely shade of red."
"I do not believe you. I saw you leave the Hall of Fire early yesterday. You were up to something." She stated while placing an accusing finger just inches from my face.
"I left the Hall early as well," Legolas stated smoothly. "Surely you are not insinuating I would have anything to do with this?"
Lady Bunnestenniel looked extremely flustered. "No...I...you...but she..."
"She was with me," Legolas stated calmly. At the look of shock and angry disbelief on Lady Bunnestenniel's face my smile got just a bit wider.
She opened and shut her mouth a few times before finally speaking. "I am not stupid-"
"Could have fooled me," Almira muttered having finally controlled her laughter.
Lady Bunnestenniel glared at her before continuing in a dangerously low voice. "I know you did this, both of you." She was staring pointedly at me and Almira.
"And...?" Almira supplied, as we waited for her to finish her threat or to even make one. However we were waiting in vain because after a few moments Lady Bunnestenniel just gave another frustrated cry before turning on her heel and marching over to her friends who instantly set about trying to soothe her.
"Anyone else feel like they are in an outtake of 'Mean Girls' or is that just me?" I asked a bemused smile on my face.
"I think that is just you and me," Almira said, shaking her head at the elleth surrounding Lady Bunnestenniel who were glaring at her and I.
"Apparently you can do no wrong," Erestor said to Legolas. "You probably could have admitted to the whole thing and they would still find a way to blame it on anyone but you."
"It's amazingly useful," Legolas stated cheekily.
"It's pathetic," I said.
"And annoying," Almira added.
"Not to mention illogical," Glorfindel said. Legolas just rolled my eyes. We moved towards the table where Lord Elrond was sitting alone. Aragorn and Arwen were nowhere to be found. Not that I blamed them. Despite having to worry about Legolas' safety at least I would be near him. The music had begun to wind down and the first singer was taking the stage. I noticed the twins were sitting at the table next to us where Faelon and his friends normally sat and were entertaining them with their usual antics and storytelling. I also noticed that one particular twin's gaze kept straying back to Sunniva. I scoffed. And he had the nerve to tease me? I was distracted when Legolas slipped her hand into mine. Time drifted away from us and I was powerless to stop it. When it reached the midnight hour I looked at Legolas turned to me and I gave a small nod. He rose and helped me to my feet. We walked back to my room for the last time and paused outside the door. Legolas drew me into his arms without a word and just held me.
"Legolas?"
"I was just thinking about what Glorfindel said. We will have little to no privacy on this quest and so I would take advantage of what little time we have left," he explained and I tightened my arms about him.
"He surprised me greatly when he came to our defense," I murmured.
"Oh? Why is that?"
"You remember that rather intense training session the day of my first archery lesson?" Legolas nodded and I continued, "Well we had been arguing about my feelings concerning you. He warned me against said feelings as they could be distracting. So to have him suddenly championing our cause was surprising."
"Does he disapprove of us?" Legolas asked, slightly alarmed.
"No...he was just worried I think. Besides you saw how he stuck up for us."
"True." I failed to suppress a traitorous yawn and I felt Legolas sigh. After another moment he slipped a hand up to cup the back of my head, tilting it back before leaning down to capture my lips. After a few minutes I reluctantly drew back and whispered, "Good night."
Stepping away and opening the door, I paused on the threshold and said softly, "Pleasant dreams." He smiled gently, murmuring a similar sentiment and I slipped into my room and shut the door. I sighed contentedly and made my way into my room. As I readied for bed I ignored the dread warring with my present happiness. I would deal with tomorrow tomorrow.Resolved I slipped in-between the sheets and tried to fall asleep.
I watched as the sunlight slowly filtered into my bedroom and emitted a heavy sigh. The day had come; we would be leaving Imladris at sundown. I had barely slept the night before, my worry and fear preventing me from getting comfortable. I tossed and turned, unable to relax and therefore unable to find respite wandering the path of dreams. I still had not figured out all the intricacies of elven sleep. Rising from my bed I made my way slowly into my bathing chamber. I stood there just staring about me. I would not be able to take a hot bath again until I reached Lothlórien. "If I reach Lothlórien," I muttered. Groaning I dragged my hands across my face. "This blows." I took my time bathing, having a hard time wrapping my mind around the fact that I would not be able to bathe for a couple weeks. I made my way to my wardrobe as I towel-dried my hair. I pulled out what I would be wearing and proceeded to get dressed. My outfit was pretty much the feminine version of what Legolas had worn in the movie but with a different color scheme. It consisted of dark brown leggings, a light pink tunic layered underneath a thicker brown outer tunic that had the shorter sleeves that ended right above the elbow. I pulled on my boots, which were just slightly darker than my leggings before lacing on my wrist guards. Just as I finished I heard a knock at my door. "Kate, it's Elwen."
"Come in!" I cried, turning towards the door expectantly.
"You look like a warrior," she said as she entered the bedroom.
"Thanks," I responded automatically, unsure how I felt about that fact.
"I have come to arrange your hair."
"Oh, right." I took a seat at my vanity and she began to braid my hair. She was done in about ten seconds flat. Elves were ridiculously good with braiding. A skill I did not seem to inherit. The best I could do was the most basic type of braid. It was annoying. I turned to look at myself in the mirror and stopped and stared. She had herringbone braided my hair, revealing my newly pointed ears, which on top of everything else combined to somewhat overwhelm me. I had obviously seen myself in tunics before, but never so formally.
"You seem surprised," Elwen stated gently.
"I am, believe it or not. It never fails to surprise me when I see myself like this. Dresses are one thing because we still wear those in my time; granted it's not the same style but it's not as different as this. No one runs around like this in my world."
She gave my shoulder a compassionate squeeze. "I will see you in the Hall of Fire later to say goodbye. I must help Almira now."
"Thanks for everything. I never could have pulled off learning to wear these clothes without your help," I said truthfully and a bit sheepishly.
She gave a small laugh. "Somehow I doubt that. But you are welcome none the less. Until later."
"Until then." I sighed and turned back to the mirror, self-consciously straightening my tunic and running a hand over my braid. Taking a deep breath I turned and walked out the door. As I raised my hand to knock on Legolas' door it opened abruptly. We both took a startled step back. I met his surprised gaze and shared his smile. "I take it you are ready for breakfast?" he asked softly. Neither of us could bring ourselves to be light-hearted it seemed.
"Yes, if you are." He nodded and extended his arm to me. We made our way silently to the Dining Hall for the last time. We were greeted quietly by Erestor and Glorfindel. Breakfast passed in heavy silence, with a glum Almira coming to join us about ten minutes after Legolas and I had gotten there. Her outfit was identical to mine in style with the only difference being the color scheme. Her outer tunic, leggings and boots were shades of gray while her under tunic was a very light green. Her hair was also different as Elwen had French braided it.
Glorfindel's gentle voice interrupted my thoughts. "You should try and actually eat some of your food. I know it is not easy when you are nervous but it is important."
I stopped pushing my eggs around and scooped a little onto my fork staring at it despondently. "I know." I began to eat mechanically under Glorfindel's stern gaze and had to smile as I realized Erestor was doing the same thing to Almira. We finished breakfast and passed the rest of the day preparing to leave and spending our last few hours however we chose. As the twilight deepened, I let out what was probably my hundredth sigh and left my favorite garden. A loud blast suddenly sounded and it took me a second to realize Boromir had sounded his horn. It was really happening I thought glumly as I entered the Hall of Fire. I made my way over to where Maerwen and her circle of friends were standing.
"I know this has been said a thousand times, but we are going to miss you," Maerwen said as she hugged me.
"Lunch just won't be the same," Ansa stated with a sniffle as she took her turn hugging me. Elwen, Sunniva, Lena and Eydís made similar comments so that by the time I had hugged every one of them we all had tears in our eyes.
"Ellith," Bellon muttered gruffly as he wrapped me in a tight hug.
I gave a short laugh. "We're terrible."
"I'll say," Nordithen said.
"You would," I teased back returning his hug.
Tirithedain just smiled. "May Eru himself watch over you," he whispered in my ear before releasing me.
"Thank you, all of you. You do not know how much your friendship means to me," I said tearfully before wishing them a final farewell and making my way to where Glorfindel, Erestor, the twins and Arwen were speaking with Legolas.
Arwen stepped forward first and slipped something out of her sleeve. She opened her hand to reveal a small razor. I looked at her quizzically as her smile widened. "I thought it would be prudent to have just in case you encounter more ellith infatuated with Legolas...or Aragorn." She gave a sheepish grin.
I laughed and slipped it into my belt before enveloping her in a hug. "Thank you," I whispered. She nodded and stepped back her eyes slightly misty as the twins stepped forward. "We are going to miss you elfling," Elladan stated as he hugged me. Elrohir nodded as I turned and slid into his embrace. "Take care little one. Remember to open doors cautiously." I chuckled as I moved to Erestor. He wrapped me in a gentle hug as he ran a hand over my hair. "Remember to trust in yourself and those around you and all will be well."
"I will," I replied quietly before giving him a kiss on the cheek and stepping away towards my hardest goodbye: Glorfindel.
We did not say anything at first, just embraced as he rubbed a soothing hand over my back. He pulled back slightly and wiped the few tears that had escaped from my face. "This is not the end," he stated softly. "You will see us again. We are not so easy to get rid of."
I gave a short laugh. "I know. It's just goodbyes make it seem like the end."
He pulled me back into a hug. "Do not lose hope. I have faith in you, we all do. Trust in that and have faith in yourself."
"I will," I promised.
"One more thing." I looked up at him curiously as he released me. He handed me a dagger, the same size as the one Faelon had only this one had a silver hilt with brown leather around the it. "For the other boot," he explained. I laughed and gave him one more quick hug before stepping over to Legolas who twined his hand with mine as he led me outside. He was in pretty much the exact same outfit they had him in the movie. I sent up a silent prayer of thanks. He looked so good. And he was about the only thing I was looking forward to seeing in the next few weeks. He was also a bit more heavily armed than in the book. He had the long white knife, his bow and arrow, but also the twin blades he used in the movie. As we awaited Gandalf and Elrond, I saw Glorfindel fix Legolas with a hard stare before giving me a smile and a wink.
"What was that all about?" I whispered out of the side of my mouth as Elrond and Gandalf came out of the house.
Legolas grimaced. "Glorfindel told me that if any harm, physically or emotionally, came to you he would kill me slowly and painfully."
"I love that elf." Before Legolas could respond, Elrond called the company to him. He began his final speech but I was not paying attention. I was busy trying to commit everything about this scene to memory. When Frodo started walking I snapped out of my trance and fell in line behind Almira. It was eerie hearing the soft goodbyes floating to us from the members of Elrond's household hidden in the shadows. We passed out of Imladris, crossed the bridge and slowly made our way up the steep paths that led out of the vale. When we reached the high moor we took one last look at the Last Homely House. As the others began to turn away, Almira and I paused one more moment. "Did I ever mention that I am afraid of the dark?" she asked with a wry smile.
I gave a soft laugh. "Not that I can recall. I don't know if there is anything I can say to make you feel better except that I am pretty sure Legolas can take the bogie man."
"That works." She smiled and we turned away, striding into the night with the rest of the Fellowship.
