Hello again! Sorry for the slow update, I've been so busy! I know, it's no excuse, but heres another chapter to keep the hounds at bay!
Thanks again for all the great reviews! You guys make me wanna write more!
Enjoy!
Elanor walked through the courtyard, barely responding to the enthusiastic waving of Merry and Pippin as the fellowship gathered together to leave. She gave them a brief smile of acknowledgement but carried on walking when she saw Aragorn was not with them. Someone called from behind her and Elanor turned to see Talin waving to her, Legolas standing beside him. They walked over to her, Talins smile dropping when he saw her face,
"What is wrong?" he asked worriedly,
"Where is Aragorn?" Elanor asked shortly, ignoring his question. Legolas looked confused,
"He was by the stables last I saw him." The elf said,
"Elanor what's wrong?" Talin asked again. Elanor did not reply but instead whirled around and stalked across to the stables, elf and ranger following close behind. There she found him, softly talking to another elf. He turned as he heard them enter and smiled as Elanor walked towards him. His smile was soon gone as Elanor reached back her hand and slapped Aragorn hard across the face. The shock that registered on his face was matched by that of Talin and Legolas.
"Do you have such little respect for someone's feelings?" Elanor fumed. Aragorn stared at her disbelievingly, a stinging red mark appearing on his cheek.
"She gave up her life for you and you were going to take your leave of her? Just sneak away?"
Aragorns face fell as he realised what Elanor was talking about, "You have spoken with lady Arwen," he began,
"Yes, I have. And I cannot believe you would disregard her feelings so easily."
Aragorn sighed and shook his head, "You do not understand Elanor; Arwen has a chance of a better life, one that I cannot give her."
"That is not your decision to make Aragorn. You have already tossed aside my feelings," Elanor said, bitterly,
"Do not make the same mistake with her."
Elanor turned and ran from the stables, past the shocked faces of Legolas and Talin who watched her go before turning to stare at Aragorn who stood staring at the ground.
Elanor stood inside the courtyard a few yards away from the stables. Her heart was racing. She stared at the ground in disbelief of her own actions. She had just hit her chieftain. She was in so much trouble. Elanor was so absorbed, she didn't notice a small hand reach up and touch hers. She jumped suddenly but relaxed when she saw Pippin looking up at her anxiously,
"Are you alright?" he asked,
"I'm fine." Elanor smiled, "Are you ready to go?" she asked, drawing attention away from her. Pippin nodded,
"Just waiting for Strider." He said, "Why don't you come say goodbye to the others?" Elanor nodded and followed the hobbit, looking back briefly to see Aragorn emerging from the stables, followed by Legolas and Talin.
Pippin led her over to the middle of the courtyard where the rest of the fellowship stood waiting. The hobbits were huddled together away from the others, while Gandalf stood speaking to Lord Elrond. The man known as Boromir sat silently while Gimli, the red bearded dwarf spoke quietly to the other dwarves. As she reached the hobbits they each turned and looked up at her with a smile. Elanor knelt down in front of them and looked at each of them in turn,
"Make sure you take care of each other," she said, then looked specifically at Merry and Pippin, "and don't go making trouble for Gandalf."
The pair gave her a mischievous smile and nodded. Elanor turned to Frodo who gave her a weak smile. "You are a brave hobbit." she said warmly,
"I do not feel it." he said quietly,
"Bravery comes in different forms. Do not look so worried Frodo, you are in safe hands." Frodo looked up at her and smiled, "I only wish I could join you." she said with a sad smile.
The hobbits smiled up at her but their attention shifted behind her as someone approached. Elanor followed their gaze and smiled as Legolas walked towards them. He bowed in greeting and smiled at the group,
"I thought I would find you here." He said, "How is Lady Arwen?"
"She is better." Elanor replied. "Thank you for earlier, for allowing us to talk."
"You are welcome. Although did not know you and Lady Arwen were friends."
Elanor smiled, "You would be surprised at what will bring people together."
Legolas looked at her confused but she continued, "We were both denied the man we love."
Legolas watched as her face saddened and something inside him felt uncomfortable. He felt some weird twist of emotion, angry and disappointed at the same time but didn't know why. He looked at Elanor and as quickly as her smile had gone it had returned,
"Take care of yourself, Wood elf." Elanor grinned cheekily. Legolas pushed his unknown feeling aside and took her hand raising it to his lips,
"You also, ranger." He said, brushing his mouth against her palm. "Na-den pedim ad."
Elanor felt suddenly nervous and heat rushed to her cheeks at his action. The hobbits giggled, causing Elanor to realise she had been staring. Their voices gained the attention of Gandalf, who walked over to them. Elanor stood up and hugged the old man tightly,
"I don't suppose you will change your mind and take me with you?" Elanor asked him hopefully as they pulled apart. Gandalf chuckled and shook his head,
"I'm afraid not."
"You will be careful won't you?"
"Of course we will. Have you made your decision yet?" he asked her, Elanor nodded and Gandalf looked somewhat surprise, "I have."
Gandalf smiled and watched her walk over to where Aragorn stood, brooding.
He looked up as she approached, a red mark glaring on his cheek. Elanor saw it an instantly felt guilty, not that he hadn't warranted it,
"I'm sorry I hit you." she said, honestly. Aragorn looked at her and shook his head, "It is no less than I deserve. I am sorry for how things have happened."
"You talk like it is the end." Elanor said, "This is not the end Aragorn. I have faith that you will return, as does Arwen."
Aragorns gaze drifted over Arwen who stood across from them, speaking with her father. Elanor followed his gaze,
"Her love for you is eternal." she said gently, "That alone is more than I could ever offer you and you would be a fool to let that go."
Aragorn seemed to think that over before nodding. He looked over to Gandalf, who nodded and waved him over,
"It is time." He said, before looking at her, "and what of you?" he asked. Elanor looked at him, knowing what he meant.
"I shall remain here. But not at yours or Lord Elronds request. But for the Lady Arwen." Aragorn looked surprised but nodded. Elanor reached out and took his hand in hers,
"Please be careful Aragorn." She whispered, her eyes forming tears which ran down her cheeks. Aragorn smiled gently at her and place his hand over hers.
"I shall see you again, Elanor."
Elanor nodded and gave him a weak smile. Then unexpectedly Aragorn leaned forward and pressed a gently kiss on her brow,
"Watch over her for me." he asked softly. Elanor closed her eyes painfully at his words, but nodded. When she had opened her eyes again he had gone.
Elanor stood momentarily staring the empty space Aragorn had once stood. What had she done? She had practically pushed the man she loved into another's arms. Was she mad? She should be running after him begging him not to leave, to stay and choose her. But she couldn't bring herself to do it. Elanor felt foolish for thinking she could change anything.
I know I'm getting all depressing agian... sorry sorry. butI promise it'll all end well.Maybe.
Na-den pedim ad :I've actually forgotten what this means...I think it's something like'until we speak again' I should really write stuff down!