Looooong chapter for you guys...literally because I have alot of characters to keep tabs on now. So this chapter has a bit of everything; some dwarf/elf interactions, some fluffy Elladan/Ellenya moments and their complex relationship. Some brotherly/testosterone antics. So wise old musings from a wizard and most importantly the introduction of our mystery elleth.
I have struggled long and hard over her name...something had to fit naturally...I played with Rin/Riniel and also Rheen, alot of old English/welsh stuff too. But at last I looked into some Quenya and I believe Elrien means 'flower,' something suiting to her nature. But I will let you decide if you guys like it or not? Thoughts welcome on this new character?!
Also thank you and hello to all the new followers, I really appreciate ya'll clicking that wee button!
And as always thank you to my lovely reviewers who brighten my day; Win Lockwood, Celticank, ZabuzasGirl -
and of course to the fan review, your comments were lovely and I'm totally relieved that you thought it was cool about the stone. Honestly I really appreciate your ongoing support! And aha yes Luke Evans looks incredibly like Orlando Bloom...so much so it took me a full 20 mins to convince my friend that they were in fact different people. Very attractive cast but a very talented cast, I don't think you could have selected a better group of people if you tried, but then again I am so utterly biased over anything Peter Jackson does, guy is a visionary :P Anyway hope this chapter lives up to your expectations.
In the words of WALL:E "TA-DA!" - (saw it in the voice its funnier)
22. Elrien
Legolas lingered in the doorway of the private chamber, deliberating his next course of action. He watched the resting form of the strange, amber eyed elleth and knew she would be awake soon; her breathing and restless movements gave evidence to that. In the two days since her rescue she had recovered physically at an astounding rate though she was still terribly thin, and still bore fading scars on her wrists and ankles. Apart from this everything about her appeared normal, she was a completely ordinary elleth in every way except for the glittering eyes, eyes that were not elven and hardly a genetic defect!
Elladan had filled him in on some curious details about the survivor; she had brought fresh life to fading medicinal herbs, this was indeed the first sign that the elleth was something more than she appeared. Legolas had paced the floors all night considering the options, trying to come up with a logical explanation for her abilities and her existence, but the only thing he could come up with sounded ridiculous even too him yet he believed it. The prince had no idea why he was so sure of it but to him this elf was like a physical incarnation of the amber stone, and he was determined to prove it, why else would Saruman keep her locked up? She was a tool of the Valar she could have been exploited and manipulated for his evil purposes! The thought was vile to Legolas, something so pure and special needed to be protected and cared for, not locked up and examined.
Too busy scowling and brooding over his thoughts, Legolas did not register that the elleth was watching him with a confused stare. She curiously eased out of her bed to get a better look at the elf who hovered in her doorway, when her feet eased across the floorboards they creaked loudly causing both she and Legolas to jump in surprise. Legolas in his alarm took a step back obscuring himself from view by the lintel post of the doorway, slightly ashamed that he had been loitering on the threshold of a maiden's chambers. The elleth in her fear had scurried back to her bedside and perched on the edge of bed with, eyes downcast nervously pulling on a strand of her mass of golden curls.
"I apologize," Legolas grinned as he stepped around the doorway again "I should have knocked."
The elleth glanced up warily at her rescuer unsure of his true motives for being there, but when she saw the genuine kindness in those curious blue eyes she immediately relaxed, managing a shy smile in return.
"Elladan told me you were feeling better and were in need of company, I hope you do not mind that it is me," Legolas teased and calmly approached the bed. The elleth shook her head trying hard to hide her glee at seeing the familiar face and gestured for him to sit by her.
"I brought you a gift," Legolas continued, as he gently eased himself on to the bed, smiling at how her eyes lit up and glittered like bright flame. "Do not get too excited though, it is a little…well…lifeless."
Legolas, who had been nursing a small potted shrub with lilac flowers, now handed it to the elleth. He had reckoned that if she was any connection to the amber stone she would appreciate and crave living things around her, but unfortunately this place lacked gardens and wild flowers. He had settled for this plant, being the only thing he could find that would brighten up the dull space. It was also a small test, the prince wished to see if the plant being within the proximity of this elleth would prosper, like living things had done around his Naneth when she wore the jewel.
The elleth did not seem to mind that the plant was not the most beautiful; truly it was rather pitiful looking with its skinny branches and wilting flowers. She gave a delighted gasp and took the plant in her hands and tentatively examined it, every so often meeting Legolas' gaze and gracing him with an ecstatic smile, like he had just gifted her with expensive jewels instead of a scrawny plant.
"I think if we are going to be friends," Legolas started cheerfully gaining the elleth's attention, "then we should make proper introductions."
The elleth dropped her gaze and nonchalantly played with one of the thin branches of her plant as if ignoring the question. Legolas pursed his lips considering the best way to approach this, he was unsure of how much the elleth understood and if she could even articulate anything at present, who knew how her mind had been affected by her trauma.
"I am Legolas," the prince decided on this most direct form, for frankly he was not creative enough to think of anything better. The elleth stilled for a moment and glanced at him with a look of uncertainty, Legolas frowned worriedly and softly questioned; "do you understand me?"
The elleth smiled shyly and tugged a green leaf from the plant holding it up for him, before pressing it into his palm with a knowing look.
"Yes," Legolas laughed brightly and shook his head at the creative ways in which she chose to commune, "That is me, Greenleaf, not very imaginative for a wood elf I will admit but my Nana loved trees. Surely your name is much more beautiful?"
The elleth dropped her gaze, the smile vanishing from her lips completely and she sighed heavily. Legolas was abruptly concerned at the elf's reaction, why was it difficult for her to speak her name what was she hiding? He was even more alarmed when a solitary tear rolled down her cheek and quickly he attempted to rectify the situation;
"It is okay you do not have to answer me, I thought it would help if I knew your name, just pretend I never asked the question…okay? Oh please do not cry, I do not want you to cry! This is my fault I am truly sorry, maybe I should go-" Legolas rambled on, apologetically waving his hands in front of the elleth with a pained expression on his face.
"Miresgal," her voice was soft as silk, barely a whisper and it abruptly halted Legolas mid apology.
"Hidden Jewel," Legolas whispered and tilted his head to the side and observed the elleth, suddenly awestruck.
"The name that the wizard gave me was Miresgal," she said again with her silken voice and nodded, "yes hidden jewel, I do not like this name."
"Why?" Legolas heard himself ask, slightly mesmerized by her lilting voice it was captivating, "It is a beautiful name and very apt."
"Because he gave it to me," the elleth sobbed quietly and caught a tear that slipped from her eye, "I do not want to belong to him anymore, bearing this name makes me feel unclean, please do not call me it."
"Then what shall I call you?" Legolas questioned suddenly heartbroken for her, whatever trauma she had lived through it had left its mark.
"I do not know," she whispered in reply and gazed shyly at the ellon who had saved her, she had no reason to trust him but she did nevertheless. "I do not have another name."
"How? What did your kin call you?" Legolas frowned unable to contemplate not having a name, it seemed like such an essential thing.
"I have no kin nor family, I have no memory of a childhood I just came to be," The elleth's voice faltered and a stream of fresh tears fell from her eyes. "For three hundred years I have existed in the woods as a possession of Saruman, until now. Now I am in your possession and you are free to name me whatever you deem fit."
"What?" Legolas lurched up from the bed, startling the elleth as he shook his head violently, "You are not my possession, I freed you! You belong to no-one but yourself."
The elleth stared up in wonderment at Legolas, she did not understand the word freedom or how she could be freed. She was a possession, a commodity that was what she had been told. Though she longed to know what it be like to be addressed as a living being and not a thing, did she not breathe and bleed? How was she any different from this kind elf before her, who spoke to her like she one of his own, like she was a person;
"Free?" she murmured, "but I need a keeper, a jewel must belong to someone. I assumed that is why you keep me here?"
Legolas gawped in disbelief, she truly did not see herself as a living being! Saruman had twisted her mind, made her believe she was the actual jewel, this was madness! Blowing out a long sigh, Legolas knelt down by the elleth, this was going to be a much harder task than he anticipated;
"I brought you here because you were wounded and in need of aid, I heard a voice in the trees for many weeks, the same voice that led me to you. I do not know who you are, nor do I know why that evil and corrupted wizard has abused you so, but I do know this much I was meant to find you. Also I am not the brightest of elves but I can tell the difference between a living being and a rock. You my friend are definitely a living, breathing elf and a very beautiful one at that."
The sincere and deeply emotive eyes of the woodland prince seemed to work their magic on the young elleth. She blushed and dropped her gaze, but a small smile played on the edges of her lips, never before had she been spoken to in such a way.
"Words cannot express my gratitude Legolas," the elleth whispered as she lifted her gaze to the elf she was beginning to consider a friend, even though she barely understood the concept, "but I do not know how to be free?"
Legolas chuckled and rolled his eyes; "I guess then I shall have to teach you? Having a name is a good place to start."
"A name?" the elleth beamed back, "Want shall you call me?"
"Not me," Legolas shook his head and clapped his hand to his forehead in mock exasperation, "You are free to name yourself, what would you like to be known as?"
Her eyes widened as she tried to grasp the notion, it was overwhelming, and how could she choose? Names were important, or at least she believed they were. A name should say something about its bearer, but she knew nothing about herself except that she loved nature and flowers, oh how she loved flowers.
"Flower," she blurted out suddenly making Legolas frown in confusion, "that is my name."
"Flower?" Legolas just about managed to keep his face straight.
"You do not like it?" the elleth's face crumpled in disappointment, she did not know what else she could call herself. "You are right it sounds silly, like a child and I am not a child."
"No, no I do not think it is silly," the prince quickly interjected, unable to help his soft laughter at her innocence. "I think it is perfect, but maybe if it was said in the tongue of your people it would sound more like your name?"
"How do you mean?" she asked curiosity lighting her amber eyes, for it did not matter how a name sounded, it would always seem strange to her.
"Elrien," Legolas answered with conviction, he knew very little of the ancient tongue of his ancestors, but he knew this was the Quenya word for flower. His Naneth had sung him songs about the enchanting flowers that grew in the gardens of Yavanna, she had called them 'elrien,' as was their proper name.
"Elrien," she whispered, contemplating the name, it sounded familiar like she knew it, like it belonged to her and so with a resolute nod she consented. "Yes my name is Elrien."
"Yes I do believe it is," Legolas confirmed with a bright smile, he was admittedly having a lot of fun with this stranger. Regardless of whether or not she was anything to do with the amber stone, he knew they would be firm friends her spirit was just so pure and innocent, it was joyful just to be around her. Shaking himself from his reverie the Prince leveled Elrien with a serious look;
"So Elrien, now that you are free to make your own decisions, what would you like to do now?"
The question made the elleth light up and her eyes darted to the door and she answered; "I want to go outside Legolas, I want to feel the grass under my feet again, it has been so long."
"Then that is what we will do!" Legolas replied standing to his feet in one swift movement, "but first we need to find you some warmer clothes."
xXx
Legolas stood a short distance from Elrien, in the clear wide open of the valley on the doorstep of Edoras. It was a sparse, desolate, landscape but it still held a wild and natural beauty that was unique to itself, the White Mountains in the distance only extenuated its turbulent beauty. This freeing space was welcomed by Elrien, who sat cross-legged in the midst of a cluster of wild heather, a look of serenity on her face as she cautiously observed her new surroundings. Every now and again she would breathe in deeply and tilt her head back letting the sun's rays gently warm her face; it had felt like an age since she had felt its warmth. Absently her odd eyes landed on the fair haired ellon, who was not as relaxed as she felt, Elrien got the distinct impression Legolas was nervous in the wide open space. Deliberately she lifted her hand and smiled encouragingly at her guardian, who nodded and returned a breezy smile, but his eyes betrayed his true feelings as his gaze continually swept over the environment.
In truth Legolas would have preferred to have stayed within the confines of the city, but the crowds and noise were all too much for Elrien. Once they had left the safety of her chamber the elleth had been unable to cope with the onslaught of stimulus. She had been fearful and overwhelmed by everyday sights and sounds, Legolas realizing this, quickly walked her as far from the city confines as safety and good sense would allow.
The change was instantaneous in Elrien when she was in the quietness of nature, her very spirit lightened and her eyes gleamed with life. Legolas had quietly stood back allowing the elleth her space and freedom, though she never strayed too far from him and made no attempt to flee. She was wise enough to recognize she was safe with him, and Legolas took this role very seriously. He did not trust this open landscape, he was used to trees this his natural camouflage, here they were uncovered and completely visible. In response to this he would not relax and remained on guard, ready to snatch Elrien and run if needs be.
"The battle is over Legolas there is no need to remain so calculative."
Legolas felt his mouth twitch into a smile as he inclined his head in the direction of the quietly approaching wizard. He was aware of the presence of Mithrandir for some time, but calculated the wizard was observing the elleth and knew better than to interrupt his thoughts.
"It is second nature Mithrandir, I do not know how to relax," Legolas answered with a shrug, "have you come to your conclusion?"
Gandalf came to stand shoulder to shoulder with elven prince, leaning heavily on his staff he sighed and shook his head;
"None more than you have young prince, but then again I feel she may have confided more in you?"
Legolas shook his head and answered, "Nothing more than we have already guessed; Elrien is a connection to the amber stone of this there is no doubt I can feel and see that, but how she came to be I do not know. Though she appears to be locked in the mindset of a slave, she does not see herself as anything other than a possession, no doubt Saruman's doing."
"Elrien? Is this her name?" Gandalf asked curiously, his bright eyes probing.
Legolas moved uncomfortably and redirected his gaze before he replied; "She did not have a name, I helped her select something meaningful to her."
"I see," the wizard pursed his lips and his bushy eyebrows shot up his forehead, "well it is an apt and beautiful name for a wood elf to bestow on someone outside his own kin."
"I merely made a suggestion," the elf replied with a bored tone and a roll of his eyes.
Gandalf chucked quietly and shook his head in response to the attitude, before turning his attention back to the strange she elf, who was staring intently at him. The wizard could see she was conflicted as to whether to trust him or not, after all her experience with wizards was hardly conducive to trust, but there was also a healthy dose of curiosity in her eyes. Gandalf wondered over Elrien, any other creature would be traumatized and deeply affected by such an experience, but she remained relatively unscathed leading him to believe perhaps Saruman had not been as cruel to her as first thought. There was indeed a deeper story to be unearthed here and very little time to do so, he could only hope this immediate affiliation between the woodland prince and the she elf would be of some use.
Elrien had carefully selected a small bouquet of sprigs of heather and was slowly wandering towards Gandalf. When she was within a short distance of the wizard she dropped her gaze in respect and held out the token;
"For the one blessed by Illuvator," Elrien whispered as Gandalf took the posy with a guarded expression; "It is an honor."
"What do you know of my order child?" Gandalf questioned keeping the suspicion from his voice.
Elrien glanced to Legolas as if looking for permission or guidance, neither the ellon nor the wizard knew which? When she registered the confusion in their eyes she blushed further and almost wilted like a fading plant;
"Forgive me, you carry a blessing in your spirit, you are kind and the opposite of the istar who once possessed me," Elrien answered and lifted her gaze to the wizard, "have you come to claim me?"
"This is ridiculous," Legolas groaned and shot Elrien an exasperated look, "No one has claim on you, Mithrandir helped free you, he wishes for your freedom also."
"Legolas speaks the truth Elrien, whatever lies has been fed to you by Saruman you must disregard it. You are not a possession for it is against the very belief's of the istari to enslave anyone. You must remember a time before your capture, a time when you were free?" Gandalf seconded Legolas' statement with conviction; he did not like seeing any creature so bound by oppression.
"I do not remember a time that I was without ownership," the elleth replied and took a step towards Legolas, looking to him for protection from the probing questions.
"But who raised you? Where did you come from?" Gandalf found himself asking in his frustrations.
"I do not know, I do not understand what you mean?" Elrien's voice shot up higher and her eyes filled with confusion, she was becoming quickly overwhelmed with the bizarre questions.
"Mithrandir," Legolas cautioned the wizard in the most respectful tone he could manage, he could see the elleth was about to take flight in her fearful state.
"When you were a child who raised you, or did Saruman keep you prisoner from then?" Gandalf continued regardless, he was deeply intrigued and wanted answers.
"I was never a child! I do not know what I am! Please I have no answers for you!" Elrien cried and wilted further from the wizard, spinning away from his probing eyes she was relieved to find the protective arms of Legolas. Gratefully she hid there and sobbed great tears filled with confusion.
"He did not mean to upset you Elrien," Legolas soothed and rubbed her almost skeletal shoulders, shuddering at the sensation, "we are just trying to understand, we want to help. Please do not cry I still do not like it when you cry."
Elrien quickly wiped the tears from her eyes and managed an apologetic grimace; "I apologize, to both of you. You have all been so kind but please, I am not ready to speak of my memories just yet. They are still fresh, they still hurt."
"The fault is mine," Gandalf interrupted and held up the bouquet of heather smiling fondly; "you are very trusting Elrien, I hope I have not betrayed that."
The elleth shook her head and smiled shyly, but remained close to the elf she trusted to protect her.
"I think that is enough exercise for today, Elladan will be angry that I have freed you from bed rest, no doubt I have undid some of his good work." Legolas replied cheerily hoping to diffuse the heavy atmosphere. Elrien simply nodded in response and allowed herself to be guided back in the direction of her chamber.
xXx
Ellenya stalked through the cellars of the Golden Hall, a sour expression on her face and a challenging look in her eyes. She was in no mood to converse or even acknowledge these loud and uncivilized men, if Cendir believed the elves of her home to be wild he had certainly never engaged in a celebration with the men of Rohan. Thus far she had been wolf whistled at three times and heard several disgraceful comments made from men already merry on ale. Though the real celebrations would not begin until tonight, many had tucked into the vile smelling liquid and deservedly so. Though Ellenya was generally repulsed by these scoundrels, she was in no way judgmental of their indulgence in the free flowing drink, they had fought bravely many losing loved ones and comrades, drink was called for. This was Ellenya's purpose, not keen on the ale, she had been informed that there was a stock of wine she could partake of and she fully intended on exploiting that offer.
Ellenya found the healthy store of wine with ease and began rummaging through the bottles. She sniffed experimentally at one of the bottles, it was nowhere near as delicious and aromatic as to what she was accustomed to but beggars could not be choosers, and so she helped herself to as many bottles as she could carry. Turning on her heel she sauntered out of the cellars ignoring the incredulous looks she received from passers-by, she was a Princess and fully entitled to this share of good wine.
Ellenya found a quiet corner and a comfortable armchair to rest on, determined to get as intoxicated as five bottles of wine would allow her. Her mind needed a distraction and her body needed rest, and so she uncorked the first bottle and hastily downed the contents. Mercifully it was a strong and acidic wine that burned her throat making her wince, but it would serve its purpose. So Ellenya threw her legs up on the nearest table, and sank back in the chair closing her eyes, happily draining the bottle a little too hastily for an elf maiden.
"Whoa lassie! Slow down!"
Ellenya groaned loudly and threw her hand up to her forehead rubbing it furiously, as she slugged back the wine trying vainly to ignore the gruff voice of the dwarf. Gimli began to chuckle only irritating the elleth further;
"Just because I saved your life dwarf does not mean I am suddenly interested in holding an audience with you," Ellenya muttered and let her head roll back on the armchair, just to highlight her boredom and disinterest.
"Saved my life? Holding an audience? It appears the apple does not fall far from the tree" Gimli replied voice dripping with sarcasm, but nevertheless took a seat beside the unwelcoming she elf.
He was not here out of choice, frankly he would rather have hot coals poured over his head than try and converse with this slightly unhinged elleth, but he did promise Legolas he would check on his little sister and he had never broke a promise in his life. Ellenya smirked and raised her wine bottle above her head, before turning her indifferent gaze on the ugly little creature;
"Here is to Adar, who taught me never to entertain a dwarf," she sang brightly and then gulped down more of the strong liquid.
"I ain't toasting to that ye bold wee madam," Gimli commented and supped his ale, determined not to rile to the princess. "So what has got a nice lady like you draining good King Theoden's wine cellar?"
"My! Such manners master dwarf, I am impressed," Ellenya replied with a haughty tone. "Since you asked so politely; I am merely celebrating the fact that not only has this little misadventure been a colossal waste of my time and energy, it has also cost me my sanity!"
"Ack do you have to be so dramatic," Gimli retorted and rolled his eyes, so many words to use just to convey that one was disappointed. "Well if ye ask me there is something special about that strange eyed she elf and in my opinion-"
"No actually I am not asking you, and no I do not want your opinion!" Ellenya suddenly sat up straight and glared at the dwarf, but Gimli remained unperturbed.
The dwarf cleared his throat and continued ignoring the elf's temper; "All I was going to say was that it would be wise to remain open minded to these things. I have seen a great many queer things on this quest and I have learned that it is best not to be hasty with your judgments, first impressions are not always what they seem."
Ellenya opened her mouth to reply but was left without words, had this not been what she had been warned about all along? To try and see what was hidden from her? But all of this was absurd; she could not believe it, she would not be made a fool of.
"If the wind changes your face shall stay that way," Gimli teased and stifled a chuckle when Ellenya clamped her mouth shut and glared daggers at him. "Woo your husband was right to call you a she dragon, feisty creature aren't ye?"
"He called me that?" Ellenya hissed and swallowed some more of the wine. "He is dead!"
The dwarf let out a hearty fit of laughter and banged the table hard with his fist; "Aha I would pay good money to see that fight! Young Lord Elladan appears so gentle and serene; I vow you would break him in half?"
"You better believe it," The Princess grinned, "and it would not be the first time."
"The poor soul! What was he thinking binding himself to you?" Gimli continued to howl with laughter and clutched his side, gasping for breath.
"Mmm what was he thinking indeed," Ellenya whispered in reply and dropped her gaze; her behavior of late had not been very becoming of an elven wife. In fact it was hardly becoming of an elf in general!
Elladan was surely disappointed in her; she had seen it in his eyes the night before when she lost her temper. Ellenya sighed and shook her head, she was a hateful elleth and in truth she was angry at herself. Angry at how even after all the love and patience he had shown her, she still projected her resentment and frustrations on him. He certainly deserved much better but she just did not know how to be better, maybe she really was broken beyond repair? Ellenya felt the tears threaten to spill over and they did not go unnoticed by Gimli;
"Lassie are ye alright?" he asked as softly as he could, worried that he had touched a raw nerve.
Ellenya blinked at the stunted creature, with his coarse red hair and weather worn features. He was truly not the loveliest thing to gaze at but his eyes were kind and honest, she could see why Legolas trusted him. However he was a dwarf and she was a woodland elf, her pride would not allow her to cry on his shoulder! Quickly she brushed the tears from her eyes and stood to her feet in one fluid movement;
"Of course I am fine!" She bit and haughtily threw her head in the air, "Your smell is atrocious, it is making my eyes water! Ugh I wish to find some clearer air, consider this the end of our conversation."
"It has been delightful," Gimli replied sourly and guzzled some more of his ale, as he watched the elleth gracefully cut through the crowd and out of sight. He was no fool Ellenya was close to tears and although he disliked her Gimli did feel a level of pity for her. With a grumpy sigh he resolved he would beseech either Legolas, or her fair featured mate to tend to her, whenever he next saw them.
xXx
Elladan snaked through the riotous crowd of men, all intoxicated and all engaged in some wild form of celebration. Some playfully brawled; others danced drunkenly and without much co-ordination to the lively melodies echoing throughout King Theoden's halls. Many just drank copious amounts of ale, happy to be alive and to be in the company of their fellow kinsmen. The happiness was infectious and Elladan enjoyed the atmosphere; this was always his favourite part, the celebration of a well-earned victory and no other race did it better than men.
"Elladan! Brother!" Aragorn lopped through the crowd, with a wide smile on his face and eyes a little bleary from the ale.
"Estel!" Elladan embraced warmly the human he considered like family and pulled back to observe the happy sight; it was not often Aragorn was so carefree; "You are drunk!"
"No!" The ranger laughed and shook his head, "Well maybe a little, but this is not what amuses me! We have a problem?"
Elladan arched an eyebrow; "We have a problem? I do not like it when we have a problem, because it usually ends with me taking the blame for something you or Elrohir did!"
"If you are referring to the time Elrohir and I borrowed Elrond and Glorfindel's stallions, I more than made it up for that!" Aragorn replied with a snigger.
"Uh huh, was that the first or tenth time that you are referring too?" Elladan teased and crossed his arms about his chest, when the man grinned and gave his most innocent look; "I swear there will never be a time when you and my brother will not be indebted to me!"
"But you are the eldest it is your job to look out for your younger siblings," Aragorn reminded the less than impressed elf.
"I am the eldest by mere minutes, Elrohir is my twin he is just as much the eldest as I, though sometimes I wonder if Nana and Ada just found him in cabbage patch or something! I mean we are nothing alike," Elladan nodded resolutely.
"Apart from the indiscernible looks, mannerisms, nature and humour, then no you two are complete opposites," Aragorn added sarcastically; "But we have a problem and for once it does not involve either me or Elrohir, but a sibling none the less."
"A sibling?" Elladan frowned in confusion at the amused Estel.
"Legolas is that drunk he cannot walk in a straight line!" Aragorn burst into a fit of uncontrollable laughter.
"Legolas has never drunk more than bottle or two of wine in his entire life!" Elladan gasped and shook his head in disbelief, "What in Illuvator's name has he been drinking?"
"Apparently Gimli challenged him to a drinking game, which the elf won but not after running the ale kegs dry. He was fine for the first while, gloating about his victory but alas I think the drink has hit him," Aragorn shook his head in mock disappointment.
"I have to see this," Elladan smirked and followed after Aragorn.
True to his word, Legolas was found face down at an empty table. The usually well groomed elf was dishevelled, his golden hair loose and his tunic crumpled. He grumbled audibly into the table and was shaking his head back and forth as if trying to wake himself up.
"Oh Legolas your Ada would be so proud," Elladan grinned as he pulled the chair round to get a better look at the disgraceful prince.
"You cannot tell him, please I will never hear the end of it," Legolas slurred as he tried to focus his eyes on the person that had spoken his name. "Ai! My head! Why is the room spinning?"
"It is called intoxication my friend and you have no-one to blame but yourself," Elladan reminded the fair haired ellon as he motioned for Aragorn to help him lift the prince to his feet.
With much difficulty and much cursing from Legolas, both Elladan and Aragorn had him off the chair and on his feet. Elladan linked his arm around the Prince's waist, whilst securing Legolas' arm around his shoulder. Aragorn was at this point to busy howling with laughter at his friend's disgruntled and drunk expression to do anything else.
"Alright now!" Elladan said breathlessly and tightened his grip on the ellon's tunic, "We are going to walk back to our guest quarters and hopefully, by that stage, the cold night air will have sobered you up a bit!"
Legolas nodded in agreement and dramatically took a step forward, only to stumble and nearly sent both he and Elladan sprawling on the ground, Aragorn quickly swooped to help the two elves up.
"Pe-channas!/Idoits!" Legolas growled as he scrambled to balance himself "You made me fall!"
Elladan rolled his eyes, this was going to be a long walk!
xXx
"You know I do like you," Legolas slurred as he, Aragorn and Elladan struggled along the open air timber pathways that connected the main halls with the rest of royal buildings of Edoras.
"I like you too Legolas," Elladan sighed with mild annoyance as the other elf stumbled again, making him have to trail him back to his feet and shove him onwards. Aragorn was too busy trying to control his tittering to be of any use to either of them.
"Good because I would hate it if there were any ill feelings between us, it would break Ellenya's heart and neither of us wants that," Legolas continued to ramble and then stopped to glare at Aragorn who only howled further at his friend's expense
"What are you laughing at? This does not concern you!" the fair elf snapped and staggered again!
"Whoa, take it easy! Estel stop it!" Elladan ordered, honestly he felt like he was babysitting young elflings instead of a crowned prince and dunedain chieftain.
"Sorry I shall stop!" Aragorn attempted a straight face.
"Good, because I am trying to make amends with my brother," Legolas replied haughtily and slung his arm playfully around Elladan, but a little too tightly making the other elf stagger into him. Legolas laughed uproariously and added sarcastically; "Seriously who is drunk here, me or you? Look Estel we are hugging it out, are you not proud, it is progress!"
"I swear if it was not for Ellenya I would have broken your jaw years ago!" Elladan hissed, the woodland prince's cockiness had long irritated him.
"I would love to see you try!" Legolas challenged increasing the strength of his grip on Elladan, "You should just stick with books and healing Elladan, leave the wars to me and your brother!"
"Legolas you are going to regret this in the morning," Aragorn warned but rolled his eyes when the elf smirked at him. "Is your Adar like this when he is drunk?"
"Please Aragorn he is harmless, I have seen him fight, he could not wrestle his way out of a sack! Why do you think he sticks so close to my sister, she protects him! Go on admit it?" Legolas teased, ignoring the man's question.
However the prince's teasing ended abruptly when Elladan, having lost all patience, hastily punched him in the gut making Legolas slouch forward. Quickly he wrapped his arm around him and trailed the now retching elf the few short yards to their chambers;
"Now that did not hurt Legolas, stop being so dramatic, after all I am harmless," Elladan smirked as he hauled the very dazed elf prince through the door and into the darkened room.
"You punched him!" Aragorn continued to laugh as he helped Elladan place the disgraced elf gently onto a pallet, "I cannot believe you punched him! Ellenya is going to devour you."
"Yes she probably will," Elladan admitted, "but it was worth it!"
"Oh you are dark horse Elladan, I do believe Ellenya has corrupted you!" Aragorn sniggered and settled himself on the ground beside his grumbling friend.
The dark haired elf grinned and retrieved a cup of water for Legolas; crouching down beside the prince he offered him the drink. The prince scowled but accepted it nonetheless and gingerly sipped at it;
"I apologize Legolas, but you were rude," Elladan innocently defended himself.
"Apology accepted," Legolas sniffed and rolled his head back against the stone pillar behind him. "If I was sober there is not a chance you could have pulled that move on me!"
"If you were sober you would not have been so rude," the other ellon countered.
"Oh give it a rest," Aragorn chuckled as he chewed on his pipe, "honestly the pride of elven men is a curse we all must suffer!"
"Shut up Estel!" Legolas growled, "You are aggravating my headache!"
"You are going to have a lot of apologizing to do in the morning," Elladan sighed and shook his head, as he got to his feet.
"The morning?" Legolas shot up from the ground, "I promised Elrien I would check on her before dawn, I wanted to see if she would like to go for another walk? Mithrandir though it would help! I have to go to her."
"You cannot walk the length of yourself Legolas, you will scare her like this!" Aragorn reasoned and the elf gave him a pained look.
"Estel is right, get some rest and I will inform her that you will see her in the morning. When you are hopefully much more reasonable and returned to your gentile ways." Elladan promised as he walked to the door, sharing a knowing look with Aragorn.
It was not lost on either of them the sudden interest the prince had in his newly acquired friend. It was an amusing thing to see Legolas so hassled over another, but they also knew him well enough to not push the subject. Legolas was incredibly private and guarded when it came to matters of the heart, but he was also methodical and logical. He was engaged in a war and therefore his mind was set on the task at hand, enjoying the company of an elleth was not his priority. Whatever Elladan and Aragorn assumed or constructed in their imaginations, was far from Legolas' thoughts, his objective was to ascertain could Elrien help his people and if she could then he would ask for her assistance, and there was no room for diversions.
xXx
Elladan strode along the hallways, smiling at the memories of earlier in the night, Legolas was most amusing intoxicated and he reckoned he could use this incident as future blackmail material. He knew that when the Prince sobered he would be appalled at his behavior, and so he should be, Thranduil would be horrified! Not because his son was so drunk he could not stand, but because it was a dwarf that got him into that state, this was what Elladan planned on exploiting.
It was quiet now in Edoras, everyone resting or unconscious from the night's festivities, the atmosphere was almost peaceful. Elladan had checked on Elrien as promised and relayed the message; the elleth seemed excited about the prospect which was encouraging to see. However he had more pressing concerns, he had not set eyes on Ellenya since the night before and she had not been at the party, a rare thing for her. Ellenya never passed up an opportunity for a good celebration and excuse to dance. He was worried, very worried! Elladan drifted in the direction he felt pulled in, Ellenya needed him and he felt that in their bond. He felt guilty and neglectful, Ellenya should be his priority but it was difficult to maintain any kind of communication when she actively avoided it.
After some aimless wandering Elladan soon made out his wife's silhouette, as she sat on ledge overlooking the White Mountains. She never flinched at his approach and did not speak to welcome him, unnerving Elladan slightly as he came to stand beside her and rested his elbows on the same ledge;
"I punched your brother," he decided to admit to his crime immediately, hoping honesty would lessen his punishment. "But not on the face, just a minor blow to the gut, in my defense he was being rude."
A twitch of smile started on the corners of Ellenya's mouth, alerting Elladan to the fact that she was not in foul form. Slowly she turned her impassive gaze on her husband and gave him a questioning look;
"In his defense he not usually the rude one of the family, what did you do to ruffle him?" she asked calmly.
"Well this is where it gets interesting," Elladan grinned, "Legolas was drunk and I do mean so intoxicated he could not stand."
"I find that hard to believe, my brother barely drinks more than a bottle of wine, he likes to keep a clear mind when he is on duty," Ellenya quipped.
"Yes I know, but it appears he and the dwarf engaged in a drinking game, were I believe they bled the ale kegs dry!" Elladan could not help the snort of laughter that escaped him, and was even more relieved when Ellenya began to giggle too.
"I should have been there," she spluttered between fits of laughter, "Legolas intoxicated? Do you know how hard I have tried to get him to loosen up? And a dwarf comes along and he is suddenly adventurous, Ada is going to hate this."
"I know! I thought the same thing," Elladan nodded as he swung his leg over the ledge so he could sit facing Ellenya. "Anyway he implied I could not fight, and I was attempting to assist him back to his quarters, so I hit him and dragged him back."
This comment made the Princess really kink up, "But it is the truth, you hit my brother for telling the truth!"
"I love you but do not think I will not fight you to prove a point!" Elladan warned, his ego crumbling under the insults, "and I do not need you to protect me!"
"He said that?" Ellenya grinned, "So it is true then? Drink makes people more honest!"
"That is it! I am not a weakling!" Elladan exclaimed as he lunged across the space between them, much to the surprise of his wife.
Ellenya shrieked and batted him away, but he expertly dodged her feeble attempt and the two engaged in a slightly dangerous struggle on the ledge. Much to Elladan's delight he successfully overpowered Ellenya with an onslaught of well-timed tickling fits, which left her helpless and gasping for breath. It was in fact her only weakness; she could withstand great amounts of a pain, but dare tickle her neck and she surrendered immediately.
"I hate you! You cheat!" Ellenya gasped and then squeaked as both she and Elladan tumbled off the ledge and onto the stone floor with a thud. "You are so fortunate that we did not fall the other way!"
"Oh calm down, when have I ever let you fall?" Elladan teased, still keeping Ellenya's arms restrained, and playfully rubbed his nose into the crook of her neck which brought about another howl of laughter.
"Stop! Stop! Please I surrender!" She pleaded in between tittering breathlessly.
"Say it?"
"Alright, you are not a weakling!"
"And?"
"You can fight, you are the best warrior I know! Now stop it please!"
Elladan grinned triumphantly and rolled onto his back, continuing to keep one arm hooked around his wife's waist. He waited patiently and with much amusement as Ellenya struggled to regain her composure;
"How do you do that?" Ellenya eventually muttered as she turned into her husband's side and leveled him with an accusing glare.
"Do what?" he asked innocently as he absently played with a loose lock of her hair.
"Talk me down! When I am determined to hideaway and mope, you always succeed in ruining my attempts at brooding!" Ellenya replied with a chuckle.
"It is not good for you to hide and mope over things that are neither your fault nor within your control to change!" Elladan replied tenderly and then smiled fondly at an old memory, "Do you remember the first time I found you in that tree in Lothlorien and I said-"
"You said you would sit in that tree all night and day, for as long as it should take, until I agreed to be your friend," Ellenya finished the sentence and giggled. "We sat in that tree the whole night and you just droned on and on about yourself, until I could not stick it anymore and practically threw myself from the branches!"
"That is not the truth of it and you know it!"
...
"Why are you hiding?"
"I am not hiding; I am avoiding contact with elves like you! Go away Elrohir!"
"Wrong twin, I am Elladan, it is alright though even Grandfather struggles to tell us apar-"
"Elladan, Elrorhir, whatever! Do I look like I care? You are both dull creatures anyway!"
"Oh ouch! Actually Elrohir is the dull one, he can never take a hint!"
"But you can? What are you doing?"
"Joining you."
A youthful and rather nimble Elladan scaled the mallorn tree until he was a few branches from the famed Woodland Princess. The very elleth he had attempted to win the approval of since he set eyes on her less than a week ago on his arrival to the Golden Wood. She was beautiful, in a wild and untameable way; her features fine and delicate, her hair like silver silk, and eyes so enchanting it was hard to not get pulled in by them. Yet she was no shrinking violet, under that deceptively feminine exterior she was strong and he had seen her wield weapons better than some of the experienced Galadhrim guards. However it was her passionate and opinionated nature that really had the young ellon awestruck, she spoke her mind without fear or concern for the consequences, she was a born leader and very intimidating.
"Hello, I am Elladan son of Elrond; I feel we should be friends?" Elladan started, knowing such an elleth would not suffer dithering idiots in her presence.
"Yes you said, and I know who you are," Ellenya muttered and arched a fair eyebrow, "The infamous children of the lord and lady of Imladris. The fairest in all of Arda, said to be blessed by the Valar for they display such wonderful talents."
"Well when you put it like that," Elladan grinned and cocked his head to the side, "We sound like egotistical, spoiled, little brats!"
"I bet you are," Ellenya scoffed then smirked, "but now that I have seen you in the flesh, I must contest the rumors, I have seen fairer ellyn."
"No you have not!" Elladan replied in disbelief as he clambered across the branches to sit facing Ellenya.
"Tis just my humble opinion, besides you are not to my tastes! So do not waste your breath any longer I am not interested in courting," The princess replied haughtily and redirected her gaze.
"I said nothing of courting, I stated that I felt we should be friends," the dark haired ellon corrected and smirked back at the bold elleth, obviously unperturbed.
Ellenya narrowed her eyes at the pretentious ellon who was determined to disturb her thoughts. She lied when she said he was not fair, Elladan was indeed the most attractive elf she had set eyes on, and admittedly felt a pang of desire for him, but she would be loathed if she ever admitted it. He was an outsider and therefore could not be trusted, but she felt compelled to give him a chance. She was not sure whether it was his crass and witty personality that moved her, or the genuine curiosity and kindness in his bright grey eyes that had her believing she could maybe trust this one.
"I do not have time for friends," she eventually replied, deciding to test the ellon, if he was honest about his motives he would prove that to her.
"Lies everyone needs a friend," Elladan challenged, "so what do you say?"
"I say I hardly know you well enough to call you a friend," Ellenya bit back.
"Then let's get to know each other? You start," He leaned forward until he lay on his belly and held his chin in his hand, his eyes dancing with interest.
Ellenya shrunk further back into the trunk of the tree, drawing her knees up to her chest and biting down on her lip. Her shoulders rose up until they nearly touched her ears, she did not like sharing details about herself.
"Oh come on, you could start with your name and where you come from, the basics?" Elladan signed but not in frustration or impatience.
"You know who I am, everyone knows who I am!" Ellenya snapped, she would not play silly games with this fool.
"Yes but I prefer the traditional method of getting to know folk, after all if I listened to everyone else I would not know the true facts about one of the Elven King's daughters?" He replied smoothly.
"Daughters? He only has one, me!" The elleth frowned in confusion, surely everyone knew that.
"Really? I could have sworn he had two, do you not have a sister. Blonde haired, blue eyes, very attractive and of a weak disposition?" Elladan asked innocently, but a wicked look crossed his features.
"Very funny," Ellenya sniffed, "Referring to my dearest brother as an elleth does not help your case here! Legolas is not weak he could snap you in two if he felt like it!"
"Sure he could, listen I know your brother and yes there is a fair chance he could destroy me, but I have my brother too, and he is bigger so HA!" The ellon defended, his pride a little damaged.
Ellenya chuckled involuntarily and then managed a small smile for the endearing elf in her presence, he really was determined to make a connection, so with a defeated sigh she answered him;
"I am Ellenya, the only daughter of Thranduil and yes that makes me a princess! I am wild, distrustful and I never exercise caution, except with others. I am impatient, I get what I want and if you stand in my way I will not think twice about eliminating you. I am no fair maiden, some say I am touched by some curse, others say my mind is unhinged and that I would stab you as quick as I would look at you!"
Ellenya had crept across the trunk and was leaning into Elladan, uncomfortably close, as she cocked her head to the side and appraised him with cold eyes. The Princess stifled a giggle as Elladan's eyes widened at her threatening approach, if he was scared off this easily he was not worth her time.
"What is wrong young lord, reconsidering the offer of friendship? Some say it would be wise!" Ellenya purred as she slinked back to the trunk of the tree, satisfied with her work.
Elladan raised an eyebrow and hopped up to his feet, casually crossing the distance of the branch, grinning when Ellenya immediately jumped to her feet and took a challenging stance. The elleth's eyes darted about calculating her escape but he was more observant and blocked her escape until they were yet again uncomfortably close;
"You are all talk Princess," he whispered and attempted to meet her irate gaze; "There is no darkness in you and you are far too honorable to hurt even a fly, if they did not deserve it. Your wild ways and over-sized ego may have created for you a persona, but I am no fool Ellenya, I see through it!"
"What do you want?" the elleth growled back, but she was unnerved no one had ever attempted to play her at her own game before.
Elladan sighed and rolled his eyes in mock boredom; "I want you to give me a chance, because I think we could be good friends. Now we can do this the hard way, in which we continue to challenge each other. Or you could actually sit down and talk to me."
"How can I trust you? Most elves are only interested to hear my tragic story so they can come to their own twisted conclusions?" Ellenya hissed not backing down from Elladan or letting him think for a moment that he had won.
The ellon laughed softly and shook his head, when he smiled the corners of his eyes crinkled. He emanated joy and kindness, Elladan held an aura that was easy to trust even if Ellenya was not prepared to admit it.
"I assume you are referring to the stories of your childhood, yes I have heard them, but I am not interested in them. I am much more interested in the adult elleth before me; she appears to be much more fun?" Elladan replied evenly and then leveled the princess with a serious look; "I would tell you that it is okay to trust me, but you are not going to believe me so I will leave that decision up to you."
With that said Elladan returned to his seated position on the wide branch and patiently waited for Ellenya to join him. The princess was obviously hassled by his forward behaviour, but it was a risk he was willing to gamble with, it would take a gutsy move to get Ellenya to notice him and he hoped he had succeeded. Worried that he had scared her off he tried a different angle;
"Unlike you I am actually very patient; I will sit here all night and all tomorrow if I have too," Elladan crossed his arms about his chest defiantly but grinned, offering his most pleading eyes; "Please? If you do I promise I will take you on several hunting excursions."
"You like to hunt orc?" Ellenya asked, curiosity getting the better of her as she slid back down the trunk; "but I thought the high elves of Imladris were far too refined for that sort of reckless behaviour?"
"Yes well I am a little reckless," he replied with a glint of a challenge in his eye, "besides culture and academia is not for me, as much as my Grandfather wishes it was, I much prefer adventure and getting into trouble."
Both elves giggled at the statement, for it was renowned that Elladan and Elrohir were mischief makers, and always in trouble with their Grandfather. The sound of Ellenya's soft laughter was like music to Elladan's ears, her true smile was beautiful beyond words, and her true laughter was filled with the notes of joy and playfulness. The real Ellenya was indeed a much more delightful and excitable creature, and Elladan was hopeful this was the start of something much more.
"My Ada believes I am a little reckless too, he believes that I should be more ladylike, but I am his daughter I like to fight!" Ellenya chuckled; she visibly relaxed and seemed happy to carry on with the conversation.
"Is your Ada really as ruthless and eccentric as they make him out to be?" the ellon questioned, "And what of the wood elves, tell me what are they like, oh and Greenwood is it as wild as the rumors?"
Ellenya beamed at the curiosity of her new friend, yes she believed she could call him that, and so launched into her description of her homeland and its people. The two elves did stay up in the tree until the night sky turned grey heralding in the start of a new day. So caught up in their interesting tales and stories, that Ellenya soon forgot why she was hiding in the trees. When Elladan made the suggestion to go find some food, Ellenya happily obliged and the two leaped from the tree and carried on their merry discussions. Any dark thoughts the princess once had were long forgotten.
...
Ellenya smiled fondly at her husband she was well aware that she did most of the talking that night, as she always ended up doing, but as with all things she would never admit it. She sighed contentedly when Elladan ran his thumb the length of her jaw, catching her by the back of the neck and pulling her in for a tender kiss.
"I have been neglecting you," he murmured when he pulled away, "I know you are hurting and I have done nothing to help you."
"You have been busy," Ellenya replied and manged her most tranquil smiles. "I will be fine, it was just the shock of the battle, I will get over it."
Elladan frowned not fooled by her easy tone; "You saw children die Ellenya, you buried our friends, you do not recover from something like that so easily."
"It is the nature of war, the shock will pass and I will feel normal again but you must stop worrying!" The elleth scolded and got to her feet, hauling her uncertain husband with her.
"And what of Elrien? This revelation does not alarm you in the slightest?" Elladan asked determined to get the truth from his wife.
"Elrien, who is-" Ellenya started but a dark look rolled across her features. "The peasant elleth is of no concern to me, I came her looking for a weapon or tool and I found nothing."
"You found her, there is a reason your dreams brought you here. She is no mere elf Ellenya, she is gifted I have seen it!" Elladan attempted to reason but was met with an icy glare.
"Stop it! I will not believe some unseen force brought me here so Legolas could free a slave. It is infuriating, the way he watches her like she is something rare, the way he fully believes she is something to the amber stone! He is just infatuated, stupid ellon!" Ellenya hissed in her temper.
"Legolas infatuated with anything other than his desire to destroy Sauron is laughable, you know he has no time for such frivolous things as love and romance. He is married to his duty and his role in this war, his interest in Elrien is purely for the benefit of his people. I will not deny he cares for her, but that is his own nature he makes friendships easily, he wants to help her he feels it is his responsibility." Elladan argued back, frustrated with Ellenya's ability to be so stubborn and narrow minded in her views.
"I will not believe it, not until I have hard evidence to suggest that she is what you all claim," Ellenya glowered, "I will not risk the lives of my people and my home on a hunch."
"You already did," Elladan muttered gaining a cold glare from his wife. "Well you are here are you not? Which tells me that, even though you are denying it you believe it too? Somewhere in your distrustful mind you know there is truth in this, you are just too proud to believe it!"
"I am not arguing with you over this!" Ellenya cried and threw her hand to her head, a dull throb setting in there; she was so weary of fighting. "Just let me deal with this in my own way!"
"I tried to let you deal with this in your own way and you managed to reduce Elrien to tears! If you want evidence you are going to have to be open to her, get to know her and gain her trust! She responds to kindness Ellenya, you of all people should know that!" Elladan stood his ground, he would not watch his wife retreat back to her old ways.
"What if I do not want too!" Ellenya scowled, she really had no interest in bonding with a timid and weak little creature, there was no gain in it for her!
"Then you are not the elleth I fell in love with!" Elladan replied with an authoritative tone, "For she cares for those who suffer, she would have took one look at that poor soul and felt drawn to help her. After all she knows what it is like to suffer at the hands of evil!"
Ellenya dropped her gaze and felt her shoulders slump forward, it was true, on any other occasion she would have been appalled and would have wanted to assist the elleth. Yet here she was bitter and completely indifferent to the elf's plight, all because she was of no use to her and her people. Ellenya felt a sob begin in her chest and she worked hard to quell it, determined not to shed any more tears.
"Come here!" Elladan sighed and outstretched his arms, he had not wanted to bring her to tears but sometimes Ellenya needed her mind refocused. He only said what he had to because he loved her too much, he could not stand to see her mind crumble and her thoughts darken. Ellenya wasted no time and crashed into her husband's waiting arms, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck and allowing a few stray tears to escape.
"I know I disappointed you and I am sorry! But you are right I am at fault," Ellenya whispered and squeezed Elladan tighter to herself, afraid if she let him go she would lose her grip on her sanity.
"I am always right, I keep telling you this and you never believe me!" Elladan chuckled and gently rocked Ellenya soothingly in his arms. "You can never disappoint me, Ellenya please, I love you too much."
Ellenya sighed and let their foreheads meet, "Maybe loving me is your mistake, all the pain I have caused you."
Elladan smirked and playfully whispered; "I cannot explain it, but trust me all the pleasure is worth all the pain!" With that he kissed her, passionately and with a possessive force, and continued until Ellenya gathered her wits and responded with the same force. In moments Ellenya had forgotten her anxieties, there was no-one in Arda who could revive her like Elladan could, and she never felt more blessed.
a/n Thoughts on Elrien welcome and any other suggestions? As always I hoped you enjoyed!
