When the three came down from the tower much later, Airion was the first to come running up to bow to them. More specifically, he turned to Erienne, "My lady, your prudence has won us back our Commander, has it not? We cannot thank you enough."
No sooner had the words left his mouth, Airion looked chagrined as he realised that he had just about blurted out in his King's face that he had disobeyed him. As he looked red-faced at his King, it was his Commander who spoke. "Nay, Airion. Our King wishes you to be the Commander. I will always be here to guide you."
Airion swallowed so visibly at those words that Erienne had to stifle a laugh. "Please, Commander, this is no simple matter to take such sudden, emotional decisions. We..."
Again, Airion stopped short as he realised that he had muddled his words in front of his King again. This time, Thranduil could not help himself, his smile revealed his amusement and though the creases of worry still lined his face, he had to admit that the heavy burden weighing down his chest was gone.
"You need not worry, Airion. The Queen is very pleased with the services you have rendered as the lieutenant-general and hopes that you will continue learning from Aradan." Pausing, Thranduil added cheekily, "As you might well know, I hardly disagree with the Queen's decision. She would that Aradan continue his services as Commander of the Woodlands."
As Airion nodded gratefully and bowed to Aradan, the latter was shocked to see all the other soldiers joining him. It did not last longer than a minute and the soldiers soon regrouped. Turning, Airion took his signal from Erienne and directed the soldiers to their duties for the rest of the day. Before he left, Airion bowed to Thranduil again and said, "My lord, Commander, I will return at dusk to take my orders from you again."
As the soldiers left, Aradan look anxiously at Thranduil. "My lord, are you sure…?"
Thranduil frowned, "Aradan, whatever I am not sure about, I am sure that my ears will soon bleed hearing you call me "my lord". Please, Aradan, spare me. I have already apologized."
Before Aradan could reply, Airion had turned back to Thranduil. "My lord, pardon me for not informing you. You mentioned that I should not allow anyone else in. They are waiting for you." Airion pointed to the grass yonder and left. This time, Thranduil was surprised. He had only been expecting one of them but there were two..no, three…he looked further up, four of them.
This time, Thranduil turned, his face showing his indecision between amusement and a frown. "Legolas!" his voice was so sharp that Erienne frowned at him. But before she could say anything, he addressed his son who had run over to him, "I told you specifically to stay in."
"I did, Ada. I tried to but … er.." Erienne looked to see who Legolas was glancing at. Ceridwen. As understanding dawned on Erienne, she smiled gently at her son though she wanted to laugh out loud.
"Please, my lord, it was not Prince Legolas' fault." All turned to see Ceridwen hiding meekly behind Legolas. Much as the elleth was fond of the Commander, the King terrified her. "'Twas mine. I..I went to the Commander's room to check on him. He was not there. I was worried and wanted to look for him. The Prince saw me and told me to return to bed but I…I refused. I disobeyed him, my lord and came out. 'Twas why he followed me."
"I am alright, henig. Do not worry." Aradan was sorry as were Thranduil and Erienne for they could see that Ceridwen's eyes were red from crying again.
"You will not be leaving us, Commander? Ada was very upset. He .. was talking to Nana and I knew he had been crying," she said meekly, her head bowed low.
This time, Erienne gave a hmmph, silently chiding Thranduil for having worried so many. For the third member of the party came over to join them, bowing to all. "My lord, lady, Commander," Tauriel bowed.
"What are you doing at this time of the night, Tauriel? Should you not be in bed? You have duties tomorrow."
"Aye, Commander. I will return now. I apologise for having left the palace."
"You need not have followed me, Tauriel. I can handle myself," Legolas frowned.
"I am sure you can, Legolas. Do pardon me. 'Twas just that you had only taken your dagger and not your bow and quiver…and well, you were.." Tauriel paused looking from him to Ceridwen, slightly amused, "ah..well I thought your mind was otherwise engaged. That was all."
This time, Thranduil, Aradan and Erienne could not hold their laughter though Ceridwen appeared bewildered and Legolas blushed.
"And here comes Galaden now. Let's hear what he has to say," Erienne said.
Unlike the three younger elves, Galaden openly frowned at Thranduil. "I would much rather be asleep," he grumbled, "Lairiel pushed me out of bed insisting that she was worried about Ceridwen. I did not wish to leave the comfort of the bed, so fast asleep was I."
Ceridwen's mouth opened in surprise and she suppressed a smile as the King and Queen said in unison, "Sure, Galaden. We know how soundly you were sleeping."
Thranduil looked at all the elves who had turned up, the soldiers who were leaving and those back in the castle who were undoubtedly waiting tensely for their Commander's return. He smiled at Aradan who was probably thinking the same thing for he had bowed his head humbly.
"It has been a long night, Aradan. Let us go home, shall we?" Thranduil said, looking at all. It was a silent ride home with Erienne riding with Thranduil, Galaden with Ceridwen on Erienne's mare, Aradan on his own, Legolas taking Galaden's horse. Tauriel had insisted on catching up with Airion up ahead and had run off.
"A race, Aradan. First to reach the palace gates gets the first dance with the Queen tomorrow."
"It will be mine then," Aradan sped up and overtook his King as the rest yawned and ambled behind. None wanted to dance with the Queen. They just wanted to sleep.