Chapter 5
It's still bright when I wake again, likely sometime late in the afternoon. I'm pleased when my senses come back to me and Legolas' earthy scent floods my nose. I'm tempted to take a deep breath but if he's sleeping, I don't want to risk waking him up; he sleeps so lightly. Slowly, cautiously, I turn my head to look up at him. He's still laying reclined against the headboard, and I was right, he is sleeping. I get lost taking in his perfect features.
"Naed centarchas." His eyes still closed, the corner of his mouth pulls into a smirk. My mouth pops open in shock, I'm sure he was asleep. "I am in touch with more than just my sense of sight." He finally opens his eyes and looks down at me.
"I… you were asleep." The other side of his mouth pulls up in a playful smile and he slowly shakes his head no. "Well, you should have been." I push myself into a seated position next to him. I feel much better upon waking this time. I'm still stiff, presumably from laying in the same sport for days, but the grogginess of the in between has disappeared. My stomach rumbles alerting both of us to my hunger.
"Come, there should be some left of the evening meal." Legolas stands then helps me to my feet as well. I can move quicker now but I still won't be running anywhere any time soon. I'm stable but I don't say anything as Legolas links our arms again and leads us to a kitchen.
We arrive just as the food is being put away. No one seems upset though and I'm handed a plate right away. I only grab a small bit of the fresh cut up vegetables and picked berries unsure how I'll handle solid food after 7 days of fasting. We thank the three elves before Legolas leads me to a sitting room and table.
"Actually, is there anywhere outside we can sit? I want to… see things." A chill runs up my spine because of a flashback of the nothingness. Legolas simply nods and changes our course. He brings us to a stone bench nestled in the bright colours of the garden.
It's so serene. I take in the whites, yellows, purples, and blues of the wildflowers. I watch as the breeze gently rustles the leaves of the trees. I tilt my face up and soak in the warmth of the sun's rays. I watch the painted white clouds sail across the endless blue sky. I can't believe I almost didn't come back here.
"Eat." Legolas says quietly bringing a raspberry to my face. I smile contentedly and lean forward to steal the berry from his fingers with my mouth. I moan softly when I bite down and the juice bursts on my tongue. I chew a few more times and swallow. I look to Legolas expectantly but he's watching me with an odd expression. His jaw is tense, and he looks like he's holding back from something. I cup his cheek and rub my thumb over his cheekbone trying to ease him. It seems to work, and he brings a slice of cucumber to me this time; it's refreshing.
He spends the last of the light feeding me the rest of the contents of my plate. When it's empty, he sets it aside and we sit in comfortable silence together. Eventually the cold gets to be too much, and I shiver. He looks perfectly comfortable, and I hate to interrupt this moment but the last thing I need right now is to get sick.
"I'm going to go in, I'm getting cold." I say and stand.
"I will accompany you." He says grabbing my plate and standing. We return it to the kitchen then make our way back to my bedroom. Someone has come in and lit candles that cast a soft flickering orange glow. "Would you like to sleep again?"
"I'm not tired." I shake my head. "Could you braid my hair again?"
"Nanín maus." I don't know what he's said but he's smiling softly and moving in my direction, so I'll take it as a yes. I sit on the bed cross legged, and he moves behind me. He takes his time combing his fingers through my hair. I hum in appreciation at the pleasant feeling. "Le dail." I turn back to look at him.
"Will you teach me? It'd be nice to know what you're saying to me." He grabs my chin and turns my face forward.
"Ni innas."
"Is that a yes?"
"Yes Guren." I hear the smile in his voice, and I do a little happy wiggle, excited at the prospect of being able to communicate in his native tongue. I hear his chuckle rumble lowly behind me. "Sit still." I stop moving and let him finish styling my hair in the regular fishtail braid down my back.
We stay awake keeping each other company for a while. Neither says more than a few words at a time before were in peaceful silence again. Eventually a yawn escapes me, and we rearrange so I can lay down. I am on my side facing away from him while he absentmindedly traces patterns along my shoulder.
"Take a few more days to rest and then we will go to Aragorn and Arwen." I love how he takes care to mention Arwen when addressing them rather than just leaving it at Aragorn, it's thoughtful. I hum in agreement too tired to speak.
The next couple days pass much the same. We go for walks, talk, and visit with the others; I also sleep a lot. It's healing and I'm feeling much better; like the events of 2 weeks ago never even happened. The only proof we even faced Sauron is the nearly black scar on my left arm. Lord Elrond says I'll likely never be rid of it but that it shouldn't cause me any problems.
Gandalf and Gimli depart the day before Legolas and I plan to leave. We give our promise that we'll come visit them soon in Gondor and the Glimmering Caves. Gimli instructs us to pick up Gandalf first and bring him with for the feast Gimli is already planning. We give our agreement then wave them off.
"What is your plan now?" Lord Elrond asks Legolas and I as we all sit enjoying some tea. Both men wait expectantly for me to answer.
"I… Legolas agreed to take me to visit and meet his friends from the previous journey, but I don't know after that. I guess I'll need to find somewhere to settle down and try to build a life for myself." I say looking down at my lap, fiddling with my hands.
"You will always have a place here in Rivendell should you choose to take it." Lord Elrond kindly offers and I look up to meet his gaze. Over the short time we've spent together he's come to fill the place in my heart where a father figure should be. My eyes tear up with gratitude and a small quivering smile pulls at my face as I nod.
"Thank you." I surprise him by standing and launching myself at him. My arms wrap around his neck and shoulders and it's only a tiny beat before I feel his arms come up around my back, one hand patting me gently. I don't know if this is where I'll end up, but knowing I have somewhere I belong brings me immense comfort.
"I'm going to go prepare my things for morning." I say a while later and stand from my seat. Both men stand with me, and I blush slightly still not use to the manners here. I move to leave, and Legolas moves with me.
"Legolas." Lord Elrond says firmly. We turn to face him, but he is only looking at the blonde beside me. I shift my gaze and meet Legolas'.
"I'll see you soon I guess." I say feeling like I'm being dismissed. Legolas nods once and I slip from the room.
I spend the time alone folding the khaki riding leggings and green tunics I've been gifted for the journey. I place them inside my pack along with the bedroll I'm taking with us. Legolas still isn't back and it's grown dark out, so I give up waiting and crawl into bed. I fall asleep alone.
A hand caressing my cheek coaxes me into the world of the waking. Striking blue eyes are the first thing I see when I open mine. A sleepy smile graces my face but it disappears as Legolas straightens upon my waking.
"It is early, but I thought to offer you one last Rivendell sunrise before we leave." I look to the window and notice light trying to push its way through the darkness.
"I'd like that, thank you." I get out of bed and don the robe laying on the chair close to my bed.
He leads me a different direction this time. When we finally stop we are on a pathway under large orate arches. The air is humid and I can hear the rush of water falling below us. Pinks and purples explode over the horizon as the sun finally makes its appearance. I take a step forward in awe but Legolas grabs my upper arm stopping me before I get too close to the edge of the path. He lets go and returns his arm back to his side but I'm too distracted by the scene to think much on it. It's so surreal. The intense colours blend and bloom like I'm in a dream.
"We should go." Legolas suggests once the last of the pinks and purples have faded into shades of light blue. I have to force myself to pull my eyes away and follow him. I'll definitely be back here, even if it's only for a visit.
Lord Elrond is waiting with the horses for us at the stable. My shoulders delate a little, I'd been hoping we'd ride together. Our bags are already secured to the mares and in my distraction, I've missed their conversation.
"Thank you for everything, I'll return, if only for a visit." I say to Lord Elrond and wrap him tightly in a hug. He must be getting use to it as there's no hesitation before returning the embrace this time.
Legolas lifts me onto the saddle then I watch as he turns to say his goodbye as well. Both men raise their fists to their chests then extend their hands to one another. Legolas turn and effortlessly mounts Arod. Elrond watches as we set off once again.
The riding is quiet as it's just the two of us and Legolas is slightly ahead leading the way. I try not to let it bother me and focus on the fact that I can now take in the beautiful scenery here without anxiety choking me constantly. Everything seems brighter, bluer, greener. The air is fresh and rejuvenating. Birds sing away perched in their trees.
"Would you like to stop for a rest?" Legolas asks after slowing to walk beside me. I don't need it but agree for the horses' sakes. We walk them to a nearby pond before hand feeding them some apples from a tree nearby.
I raise my arms above my head and stretch side to side. A sickeningly satisfying pop sounds as I move. Legolas regards me with concern but I just shrug at him.
"It's much nicer to be able to travel without impending doom chasing us." I comment righting myself.
"I too appreciate the peace." Legolas pats Arod's neck and looks at his face. I'm not sure what to say and an awkward silence hangs between us. "Do you require food too or shall we continue?"
"I'm alright, we can continue." I say not very hungry yet. He helps me onto my horse again before taking off on his. I follow behind now studying him. I feel like somethings changed between now and yesterday, but I don't know what it is.
For the rest of the afternoon, I play over all the conversations and interactions we've had recently. When I woke up from the void he basically attached himself to my hip, and up until yesterday he stayed pretty close to me. There wasn't this uncomfortable… something between us. It must have been something Lord Elrond spoke about. I should ask about the matter. But if they wanted me to know Lord Elrond wouldn't have dismissed me, and Legolas would have told me by now. I'll just have to trust him and let him work through whatever was said.
I tie up my horse and lay out bedrolls while Legolas gets a fire started for us. I make a small soup with some of our fresher ingredients, and we eat quietly. When we're done, I take our bowls and wash them in the stream before packing them away in our bags.
"You should rest," He says. "I'll keep watch while we're on the road."
"You'll get tired eventually." I protest.
"We should reach an inn in the coming days; I will rest then." I have no argument, so I only nod before climbing into my blankets.
"What?" I ask, calling Legolas out for staring at me.
"The sun has kissed your cheeks." I bring my fingertips to my cheekbones; they're warm. Between the lack of sunscreen and the UV rays I'm probably a tad burnt. Legolas looks back to the fire and I can tell that's it for our conversation tonight. I get comfortable and try to let sleep claim me.
The next two days pass much the same. We only stop for short breaks and small talk but we're in no rush either. On the third day when the inn comes into view, the idea of an enclosed room and bed doesn't bring me the joy I feel it should. It's just a smaller space for us to be awkward in. This strange behaviour is getting on my nerves and causing me to be moody. It's like we've gone back to being mere acquaintances.
We secure the horses and make our way into the inn. Outside it's late but inside there's a buzz of chatter. Legolas moves to the bar and requests a key. I stand back and wait for the exchange to be complete. They nod at each other, and Legolas returns to me.
"I must rest, but you should stay and enjoy yourself." He pauses and searches my eyes. "If you shall need me, you only need speak my name and I will hear and come for you." With that he turns and heads towards the rooms.
What? I'm stunned silent. Where was the man who on our journey down went all caveman when I tried to get us nice hot baths. He must just be tired after being awake for who knows how long, at least 3 days.
I turn to the bar and order an ale unsure what else to do. I take the mug in exchange for a few coins Legolas had given me. After thanking the barkeep, I turn and face the room. There's an empty table by an old stone fireplace and I make my way there. It's not long before a curly haired woman sits across from me. She takes a swig of her drink then studies me. She gives her mug a tap on the table then angles it toward me.
"Haven't seen you around here before." She prompts.
"Um no, my companion and I are just stopping for the night."
"Where is this companion?" she asks looking left and right. A burley man sits down beside her.
"He seems to be missin' but I don' mind fillin' in for the night." He says with a slight accent.
"Oh buzz off Gideon, leave the poor girl be. Her friend is around here somewhere." The woman says in my defence. He looks around obnoxiously.
"I don' see 'em. So what'dya say?" Gideon says turning back to me. He leans forward on the table and I catch a whiff of stale ale.
"If you'll excuse me." I say standing. I abandon my mostly untouched drink and look for our room number. The door is unlocked, and I open it as quietly as I can.
I shut it behind me just as quietly and make my way over to where Legolas sleeps. He is inhumanly still. He must have been exhausted to sleep this deeply this quickly. I watch for another moment then move to the second bed in the room. It's nice to be on a mattress again and the comfort takes me quickly.
"Did you sleep well?" I ask Legolas, who's awake before me. He gives me a quick nod then continues packing his bag. "Okay. If you need me to take some of the night watches, I can." I offer.
"We shall see, I do not anticipate the journey being much longer." I join him in getting ready, not wanting to be the one to hold us up.
"Did you enjoy yourself?" He asks once we're on the road again. He seems to be in a better mood and is riding beside me today. I stiffen as his question registers, but I catch myself a moment too late. Legolas' gaze intensifies. Great, now he'll never rest until we're with our friends again.
"I was tired so I went to bed early too." He continues to stare at me. I sigh. "It won't be the village I settle in." He looks back at the inn in contemplation. "Everything is alright. They were just a little… to friendly." I settle on.
We ride in silence again, though today Legolas keeps pace with me. It eases the tension a bit and I feel comfortable enough to initiate conversation.
"So," I begin, getting his attention. "Will you still teach me Sindarin?"
"If you still desire to learn."
"Why wouldn't I?"
"It would not be of use to you in a human village." Ouch.
"I'm not sure where I'll end up. It could be in Rivendell where it'd be extremely useful." I say and lift my chin. "And besides… I could still use it when we visit each other." I say less sure of myself. Maybe he won't want to see me after we finish visiting his friends and I'm making him uncomfortable. "That is, if you'd like to stay in contact." I add quickly. He looks up at the sun directly above us.
"Would you like a break now? I could teach you while the horse's rest." He offers. I smile and nod. We dismount and take care of the horses before making a spot for ourselves at the trunk of a tree.
"We will start with some common phrases, a greeting. Mae g'ovannen." He gestures for me to try.
"May govannen." I try
"Mae g'ov-an-nen." He repeats slower.
"Mae g'ovannen." He smiles slightly. "What's it mean?"
"Directly translated 'Well met'. It is a 'hello', or 'nice to meet you'." I'm in awe of how easily he can not only directly translate it for me but also give me an interpretation of how I might want to use the words. I nod at him to go on. "Ci mael?"
"Ci mael?"
"Well done. It translates to 'Are you well?', a more common question you may use it in place of is 'how are you?'" I smile at his praise. We go over another 6 or so phrases and practice having a basic conversation. After about an hour we decide to get going again.
"Agoreg vae." He says standing up. I look up at him and wait for the translation. "It means 'You did well'." He extends a hand to me, and I take it. Effortlessly he pulls me up.
"Thank you." He nods at my thanks. "Would we be able to continue training with the sword too?" I blurt out. He stiffens and his eyes grow dark.
"You do not need that skill anymore." My heart skins at his rejection and the pain I can see from the memories of not so long ago.
"Please, I'd still like to learn." He remains silent. "I hope to never have to use it, but I did actually enjoy sparring." I try to give him my best puppy dog eyes. He reluctantly nods.
"We will practice Sindarin during our midday break, and the sword or bow in the evening when it is cooler." I nod excitedly at him as we retrieve the horses.
I'm glad he decided we'd practice sparring in the evenings. I wipe the sweat away from my brow with the back of my hand. The sun has been relentless all afternoon and I can't wait for it to move a little further so we, or I, can get some relief. Legolas looks perfectly fine.
"Finally." I say as I slide down from the saddle. Legolas takes my reins and gives me a moment to compose myself. When I turn to face him, he's holding a sword out to me, the elven sword. My energy miraculously returns to me, and I take the sword from him.
"Do you remember the positions we taught you?" I nod. "Show them to me."
I run through the 4 stances. I start by bringing the sword in front of me, then rise it high above my head. I swing it down and across my body and end with it pointed behind me. Finally, I bring the blade back up and end with the handle of my sword by my shoulder and the blade pointed toward Legolas in front of me.
"Good, once more." I move through them more fluidly this time and he seems impressed. The only other weapons he has on him are his fighting knives which he grabs and prepares to spar.
I wait for him to make the first move. He takes three steps to me while raising his right hand. Just as he swings it down, I raise the sword blocking him. I push against him and the metal whines as the blades slide against each other to our sides. I take advantage of my blade being on top and rise it as quickly as I can to strike. He blocks me easily and gives a little shove which sends me back a few steps.
I right myself and charge forward lifting my sword high again. I strike from the right, then left, and back to the right again. The metal makes a loud clang every time he manages to block me. He mimics my moves which puts me on the defensive. I practice blocking in the same way he did, angling my sword for the most protection. On the third hit he arcs his knife in a large circle which knocks the sword out of my hands on the way back around. I look down and his blade is an inch from my chest.
I drop my shoulders in defeat and Legolas steps back. I retrieve the sword from the ground and wordlessly get back into position. This time he waits for me to make the first move.
We continue until the sun has just about disappeared behind the trees. I lose all our matches but manage to keep my sword the rest of the evening. I pant out of breath and return his sword to him. He sheathes his knives, then the sword, then tells me to sit while he collects some firewood. Not wanting to feel useless I start setting up camp.
"Did you happen to see a stream while you were out?" I ask upon his return.
"Aye." He places the wood down. "Follow me."
I bathe quickly in the cool water and shiver on our way back. Legolas removes his clock and drapes it over my shoulders. It's warm and I pull it closed in front of me to hold on to the heat as long as I can. He works to get the fire going while I pull out some food for us.
"How long do you think it'll be before we make it to…" I pause, the name slipping my mind.
"Arnor." He supplies. "4 maybe 5 nights." He continues working on the fire. I appreciate the heat that's building. He comes to sit next to me and I hand him a bit of bread.
"Hannon le." He says.
"Thank you?" I guess.
"Aye." He confirms.
"You're welcome."
We sit quietly and eat before I settle down for the night and Legolas gets comfortable for the watch. The next couple days pass the same. I wake up sore, we ride for the morning, practice Sindarin at lunch, ride through the afternoon, then spar in the evening. Repeat.
I hope we make it to Arnor soon. Legolas needs some rest, and it'd be nice to sleep inside again. He thinks we'll arrive just after midday if we don't stop to practice tomorrow. I agree, too anxious to see Aragorn and Arwen again.
I try to contain my excited bouncing as I don't want to hurt the horse. The walls of Arnor come into view and impatience prickles under my skin. I smile over at Legolas, and he looks relieved too. We speed up for the last little bit of our journey.
"My friends!" Aragorn greets us with his arms open. It's not long after we've been let in that we find him. I break out in a run, alerting some of the guards and throw my arms around him. He has to pry me off him and hold me at arms length to get a good lock at me.
"You look well." He says looking me over. "I was so worried when you hadn't woken before I left." Happy tears fill my eyes.
"There is no need for tears."
"Arwen!" I break out of Aragorn's hold and rush to her. Seeing the first two people to show me kindness here has me feeling so many things. This time a guard does stop me just before I barrel into her. I pause taken off guard but shake it off. "I've missed you. How have you been? Oh, I'm so sorry about the riding outfit you lent me, it kind of got ruined in the fight…" I trail off after bombarding her. She laughs happily.
"All is well. A dress is a small price to pay for the gift you have given us; our child will grow up in peace now." Our child will grow up in peace now… It takes me a moment while my brain short circuits.
"Arwen… are you… you're having a baby?" I ask to be sure. She looks to Aragorn with a smile and nods. "Oh my god! Congratulations!" I say and squeal excitedly.
"You arrived just in time my friends. We are throwing a celebration tonight." Aragorn says as he and Legolas join our sides.
"I'll have to see if I brought something nice enough to wear." I say thinking to myself.
"Non-sense, you may wear something of mine. Let us go look, shall we?" She links arms with me, but I look to Legolas.
"I'll see you later?" I ask for reassurance. He nods and I let Arwen pull me away.
We settle on an all red dress. The material looks similar to velvet, but it flows beautifully. The skirt has many pleats that reach just to the ground and allow it to bloom when I spin. There's a soft rope tie around the waste that hands down the front. The bodice is fitted with a soft v-neckline. The sleeves , like many of her other dresses, flare out at the elbow. It is the kind of dress that just makes you want to twirl around.
"So when did you find out that you were with child?" I ask as we sit on her vanity bench.
"Not long after you and Aragorn departed." My smile drops in guilt. "None of that. Sometimes others will need him. He is the King. It is his duty to keep his people safe. We both accept this." She says without a hint of sadness. It makes me feel a tiny bit less guilty about pulling him away.
I look down to my left palm. The cat's eye alexandrite still sits dully and quietly. I haven't thought about it much since Sauron was pulled form this earth. It makes me wonder if the comfort it brought me before was all due to it trying to gain my trust or manipulate me.
"You haven't taken that off yet?" She notices me staring at the piece.
"I can't." I show her the tiny screw. She inspects it for a moment then rises. She returns with a tiny metal tool.
"Some of my finer jewelry requires something similar." She opens her palm and I place my wrist in her hand. She fiddles with the tool until the clasp pops free. I just stare at it for a moment. There're so many conflicting feelings with finally being able to remove it. I slowly take the band off my wrist then slide the ring and stone off my finger. I hear her gasp at the burn mark left behind.
"It's alright, it doesn't hurt anymore."
"Keep this." She hands me the tool. "So you may put it on again if you wish. I can acquire another tool."
"Hannon le." I say quietly. Her eyes snap to mine and I blush. "I asked Legolas to teach me." I try to explain. She just gives me a knowing smirk.
"My Queen." We're interrupted. "It is time." Arwen stands and I follow her lead. We make our way down to a grand hall. She leaves my side and easily finds her way to Aragorn at the head of the room.
Many tables are set up for dancing and people from all over the town are mingling. Guards stand at each entry and exit; I assume to keep people from wandering where they shouldn't be. It also looks like a place is set up for live music of to the side.
I don't recognize any of the common folks faces while I search the crowd for Legolas. My eyes continue to scan until I find him making his way to me. He's dressed in dark grey, almost black pants with a light blue almost silvery tunic. His hair is flawless and braided in his signature style. It fits him perfectly and steals my breath away. I can't take my eyes off him as he closes the distance between us.
"Thuia." He says upon reaching me. "Breathe." A teasing smile graces his face and I inhale sharply. I can feel pink find it's way onto my cheeks. He looks me over from head to toe and I feel wholly inadequate standing beside him.
"Ci nabâl." He says so quietly it's almost a whisper. I look up at him waiting for the translation, but we get interrupted before he can give any to me.
Both of us turn our attention to the head table where Aragorn and Arwen are standing side by side. The table behind them is draped in a light cream tablecloth. The table is beautifully made with fine silver and delicate glassware.
Arwen compliments it beautifully in her shiny silver gown. It has her classic scooping neckline and flowy sleeves but this dress ties under breasts just above where her bump will soon start showing. The fabric is floor length and pools gently on the ground at her feet.
Aragorn beside her stand tall, dressed in an outfit fitting of his station. He dons black pants and boots under a navy blue tunic. A silver tree is embroidered across the chest. A red long sleeve matches the cloak held to his shoulders with silver broaches. Silver shoulder armour and bracers complete his look.
He clears his throat, and the room comes to his attention. The admiration these people have for him is clear. Both he and Arwen grab a gauntlet and step forward.
"People of Arnor. We have a great many things to celebrate today." His voice booms as he looks around the room.
"Through strong and lasting alliances of men," He pauses.
"Of dwarves and hobbits," the room is silent, hooked on his every word.
"Of elves," he gives Legolas a small nod and a few spectators look to where we're standing.
"The people of Middle-Earth may live free and in peace for many years to come." A cheer breaks out through the room, and he patiently waits for things to settle down.
"And it is my honour to announce that with the peace that has been restored, we usher in the next generation." There's a stunned silence before Arwen places a hand over her stomach and smiles lovingly. The whole room breaks out in cheers once again. The energy is infectious, and I clap excitedly all over again for the news I was told mere hours ago.
" May tonight be a night of good food, drink, and celebration!" He raises his gauntlet and waits for everyone to raise their drinks as well. I watch as the whole room drinks in uniform.
Arwen and Aragorn take their places at the middle of the table. A help comes and starts leading Legolas and I toward the head table. I look to Legolas in confusion but he just shrugs one shoulder, apparently just as confused as I am.
First, I am seated to Arwen's left, then I watch as Legolas is seated to Aragorn's right. The two of us are brought drinks of our own and then our table is served plates of food. I stare at the hot, cooked, full meal longingly but I wait until Aragorn and Arwen take their first bites.
The rest of the room is served their plates as well and some gentle music starts up in the background. Just above the music you can hear a pleasant buzz as people start chattering excitedly about the news of an heir. Now that people have dug into their food, the formality seems to have been broken and I can't wait to see how men on Middle-Earth party.
Notes:
Naed centarchas – it's rude to stare
Nanín maus – it'd be my pleasure
Le dail – you're beautiful/delicate
Ni innas – I will
Ci nabâl – you're divine