Legolas woke the next morning, and he was alone. There was no evidence of Glorfindel or Voronwë anywhere, and Legolas swallowed his anxiety. They're still here, just downstairs he thought to himself. He got up to get dressed, and his clothes were gone except the previous day's. He pulled them on and quickly braided his hair. He rushed down the stairs, and no one was in the pub but a few hungover men. He went outside into the sunlight and saw Glorfindel's blonde hair tied back, washing clothes in the bucket. He looked over at Legolas and smiled.
"Hello. I hope I didn't alarm you, I'm washing some clothes."
"No, it's alright." Legolas smiled, stretching in the sunlight. "Thank you."
"Of course," he said, wringing out his leggings and hanging them on the line next to him. He wiped water from his face with the back of his hand and pulled Legolas' tunic from the bucket.
"Where is Voronwë?" Legolas asked.
Glorfindel nodded his head toward the gate, "having a little fun." saw Voronwë sitting on a stump with a little girl standing in front of him.
Legolas turned and saw Voronwë sitting on a stump with a little girl standing in front of him.
Legolas walked over, but stayed away and leaned against a building as not to disturb them. Voronwë was holding a leaf. "Lass," Voronwë said quietly, twirling the leaf in his hand.
She smiled, "leaf," She said, touching it.
"Leaf." He tried in a heavy accent, making the girl giggle.
The little girl turned around curiously and her gaze found a bucket. Next to the bucket was a small flower, and she picked it happily. "Flower."
He repeated with difficulty, his eyebrows furrowing.
"Flower." The litter girl said again.
"Loth," He said, "Man lyth galog mi i hant gîn?" He asked, and then sighed and shook his head, forgetting he couldn't speak to her.
She cocked her head and stared at him, shaking her head.
"He asked what flowers you like to grow," Legolas said, approaching them. Voronwë's gaze shot up at him as Legolas put his hand on his shoulder.
"You're an elf too." The little girl said, astonished.
"I am." Legolas smiled, kneeling down.
"Can I touch your ears?" Legolas moved his hair and turned his head, and the little girl tugged on it gently. Legolas shouted playfully and she jumped, laughing.
"I will not hurt you," Legolas assured with a smile, "Nor will my friend."
"What is his name?"
Legolas looked at a baffled Voronwë. "Man i eneth gîn?"
Voronwë looked at the little girl. "Voronwë."
The little girl smiled, "I'm Derry. I grow roses in the summer and daffodils in the spring."
Legolas turned to Voronwë "Sevin meleglin mi Ethuil, a veril garan mi Laer." He smiled and nodded.
"Forgive us, but we must go." Legolas said to the child, "But my friend and I agree, it was lovely to meet you."
She nodded with a smile. "You as well." She said and Voronwë stood. She embraced him around the waist, and Voronwë was momentarily stunned, but embraced the child back. She ran off, and Voronwë smiled to Legolas.
"Thank you, for your help. It was enjoyable, however, I was beginning to feel like I was part of a game of hers."
"I believe you were, but she was incredibly taken by you." He grinned and Legolas returned the smile. They returned to Glorfindel, and all of their clothes were on the line drying.
"I believe we should leave this morning. To check the old forest, as well as Chetwood and the Trollshaws, then on to Rivendell, and over the mountains to Eryn Lasgalen if it is necessary."
"I do not believe you will be grieved to return to Rivendell once more," Legolas teased.
"Nor do I believe you will be grieved to return to Eryn Lasgalen if we do so," Glorfindel returned with a chuckle.
The trio left Bree silently several hours later, thanking the barman and leaving ample reimbursement for their stay. Over the following six days, they made their way to the Old Forest, to Chetwood, and the Trollshaws with no luck. There were no signs of life, never mind Maglor, anywhere. Legolas was tired, dirty, and beginning to feel like they were wasting their time, but said nothing. They were headed to Imladris, and there they would find comfort and support from Elrond's sons, Elladan and Elrohir. Voronwë fell silent as the journey progressed, and the need for rest and signs of hope increased with each passing day.
The night before they reached Rivendell, Legolas was on watch, and Glorfindel was fast asleep. But Voronwë was awake as well. His inner turmoil was heavy on Legolas' heart. He had been trying to pretend he could not feel Voronwë's despair, but it was beginning to weigh on him as well.
"Voronwë?"
He sat up, his light eyes reflecting the moonlight. "Yes?"
"What troubles you?"
Voronwë was silent, and Legolas waited patiently, watching the stars for a time. "I do not know."
Legolas looked at him again, and Voronwë rose and sat next to him. "You can speak with me freely. I will not use anything you tell me against you in any way."
"Middle Earth," he began quietly, "It grieves me. There is so much death, sadness. I can feel it. It reminds me of how Beleriand felt at its end and makes me think of an age long past."
"Yes, many have died here, but many have lived and triumphed and loved here as well. Those that endured the pain of Beleriand have found peace, as have those of Middle Earth. You will see, there is beauty and light here as well."
Voronwë nodded and brushed his dark hair from his face. "I feel out of place. I will not be helpful on this journey."
"Yes, you will. You doubt yourself needlessly. We would have already failed without you. You are also his kin. If anyone is to appeal to him it is you," Legolas urged.
"Perhaps." He said, falling into thought. "What is Rivendell like? Elrond's sons?"
"Rivendell is very beautiful. The most beautiful place in Middle Earth, in my opinion. All in Middle Earth sought refuge there, and Lord Elrond was wise and generous and helped all who sought him," Legolas smiled. "His sons are very kind and wise like their father. I believe Glorfindel hopes he will get them to return with us."
"I think Elrond would be delighted to see his sons again," Voronwë smiled.
"As do I," Legolas agreed.
"I shall stay up and watch, Legolas. I do not believe sleep will find me tonight."
"Are you certain?" Legolas asked.
Voronwe nodded, leaning against the tree. "Goodnight, Legolas."
"Goodnight." He said softly, returning to his bedroll. He watched the stars until he fell asleep.
They walked for hours the next morning until they arrived in the valley. It was still several miles walk, but Legolas felt safe and at home in the valley. Its magic surrounded them, and he was anxious to get to the Homely House. Voronwe looked nervous, and Glorfindel's eyes could not be more alight with excitement.
"They will be so very surprised to see us," he said happily, looking back at them with a smile. His joy was contagious, and Legolas' excitement grew with each step. He was home again, and he swallowed his excitement to see Eryn Lasgalen again. That wasn't what this was about. It was about finding Maglor.
They came around the final part of the path, and Rivendell lay below them, glittering in the sun. Glorfindel's joy overflowed. He started down the path and Legolas eagerly followed. He could feel the lack of presence, but he knew the elves that were there would be enough to encourage him in his journey.
They crossed the bridge and ascended the steps with no sign of life. Glorfindel looked anxious and took off his bag. "Hold this. I am going-"
"Glorfindel?"
He turned around. "Elladan!" Elladan flew down the steps and into Glorfindel's arms. Glorfindel laughed and swung him around. He was wearing silk robes of deep purple, and he wore his father's circlet in his dark hair. "I was beginning to think you were not here."
"I thought my senses deceived me when I felt your approach. Legolas' as well," he said, moving to embrace Legolas. His embrace was tight and welcoming, and Legolas fell into it. "It is magnificent to see you, mellon nin."
"You as well. We have journeyed long and your face is a welcome one indeed."
He released him and his gaze found Voronwë, who shrunk slightly from it.
"This is Voronwë of Gondolin," Glorfindel smiled.
"I am terribly sorry," Elladan said, his hand over his chest, "I am merely surprised to see my friends of old, however, that does not excuse my rude reception. I am Elladan, son of Elrond. You are most welcome in Rivendell."
Voronwe smiled, "I understand, and take no offense. Thank you."
His face darkened as he turned to Glorfindel. "Why is it that you are here?"
"Come, let's go inside."
Thanks so much for reading as always. Please review, it makes this way more fun. The elvish I didn't already know off the top of my head is from sindarin phrases at weebly.