Chapter 22 - Necessary Conversations
Their joyous reunion was soon interrupted and quickly followed by negotiations. The healers, whose routines would not be slowed by the reunion of two young hearts, had barged in on their intimate moment for Vezely's morning check-up and to force her to eat simple porridge, for her stomach had not taken kindly to anything else. Determined to regroup with her companions outside the infirmaries walls, Vez tried to prove to them of her returned health. Legolas stood back and observed Vez's attempt, noting how strained her politeness became when they appeared unconvinced.
"...I am an Elf," she reminded them, never having willingly dealt such a card in an act of persuasion before, "We do heal faster."
"And an Elf that has only been able to keep down solid foods since yesterday," the healer added unimpressed, adding sternly, "I should not have to remind you that you were close to death before your health miraculously turned around."
Hearing of her closeness to death, and continued plight made Legolas wonder whether she should leave their care, yet he also suspected that her desire to be released from the confines of her room far outweighed worries over recovery. It was assured, as an Elf, she would recover, thus prompting him to step in, "I will watch over her..." Legolas then explained that Aragorn, with Faramir's blessing, was providing all members of the fellowship and other honored visitors such as Eowyn and Eomer, guest rooms in the adjacent villa to stay in the lead up to the coronation. Vezely would be allotted the same courtesy; adding that she would be properly looked after with assistance easily accessed if needed.
The healers, though hesitant at first, slowly found themselves won over by the Elf prince's well-stated words, as Vezely sat back and admired his courteous arguments made on her behalf.
After they left her room, Legolas slightly reprimanded her, "You are not fully healed."
"I am just tired, as if I have not rested for a fortnight," Vez explained her condition, adding sardonically, "And in dire need of a change in scenery," for her walls and wardens felt as the prison she once knew well. It was true that Vezely simply felt tired, while her aches had grown so mild that she attributed them to her muscles being immobile for too long. Even more so she desired to spend time with her companions, to hear of their good fortunes at the gates of Mordor, and their hopes for the future before she would leave for Rhun with little chance of reuniting with most of them.
Handing him his now folded Elvish cloak, she spoke appreciatively, "This has again brought me great comfort."
He smiled while accepting it from her, "I am grateful, for it pained me to not be by your side."
"But knowing you continued fighting also brought me comfort," she added, hoping he would not feel regret about leaving her.
Before departing the Houses of Healing, Vez inquired as to the whereabouts of her sai, the only weapons she had left, finding that they had unfortunately been discarded, or more likely recycled back into Gondor's armory along with all others of patients who entered there after the great battle on the field below.
Dressed in a borrowed Gondorian gown, with only a small pouch of gold jewelry in her hand, some of which she had returned to her ears and fingers, she said with slight regret, "My horse dead, my sword broken, and now my sai discarded, I am truly starting over again."
"Not completely," Legolas told her reassuringly with a soft smile, outstretching his elbow in a gentlemanly fashion towards her, which she slipped her hand into, and as she stepped beside him, her heart felt warmed by the truth in his words and her courage uplifted to face this new life.
The healers suggested they take the gated passageway on the infirmary's sixth level to the guest villa, which led them through a number of stoned bridges and verandas. Gondor's architecture was an excess of white stone piled high with pillars and large pointed archways. Glimpses of the surrounding lands would be provided at a number of places along the path, worthy enough to take one's time when walking them. As they leisurely strolled down the tiled pathways side by side, they realized it was a new experience doing so as a couple, causing them both to stall in conversing as they worked through their mild embarrassment and slight blushes.
"I am sorry to hear of Gizik," Legolas remarked apologetically to her, having learned of her horse's death from Eomer.
"It was a clean kill," Vez replied with slight regret, having already mourned and accepted the loss of her friend, "She did not suffer, and avenged she was."
"There is much we can share from our short time apart," Legolas added considering, wanting to know more about her choosing to live among the Eldar and desiring to speak not only of his intentions in courtship, but of his own revelation, having heard the call to leave these shores, and its future consequences.
"And there is time to share it," Vez replied with a small smile that hid her own concern of such discussion, knowing the days ahead would be without pressing concern for them. "Eowyn told me of your mad ascent on the Black Gates," her eyebrow raised as she looked at him, still in shock of such a tactic.
"A necessary diversion to bide time for our two companions within them," he replied steadily.
"And these companions, do they remain of this world?" she asked curiously though carefully, for to go into the very fires of Mount Doom and return would be an incredible feat.
"They yet walk this earth and are healing in the houses we now depart," Legolas replied, finding himself still relieved and proud.
"The fellowship has proven quite the iron force," Vez spoke impressed of the deeds of the group, which she had witnessed only a fraction of.
"We were but doing our part to end this war, as others," he remarked humbly, then adding encouragingly, "And as you did."
She smiled at his humility, correcting him, "A small part only, as any other warrior set to purpose."
"And you have fulfilled the one purpose you had when I first inquired as to why you fought," he remarked, thinking back to their conversation on the upper ramparts of Helm's Deep.
"Revenge," Vezely replied, knowing it was her sole motivator for wielding a sword against her former allies. "I do not deny that I remained intent on taking Öldür's life and the deed once done brought me pleasure, as it would any warrior of Rhun who defeats an enemy. But perhaps," she smirked slightly, "Someone taught me there is a greater reason to fight, that goes beyond personal vendettas."
"I wonder who that was?" he stated playfully, for even if a hidden compliment he would milk it slightly for the levity of her reaction.
She smirked, knowing he was seeking praise, and instead saying slyly, "Some Elf. I actually forgot his name."
Equally met, he thought of her reply. They looked at each other with amused, but proud smiles, stopping their steps in the middle of a bridge between buildings.
Legolas's face became more serious as he noticed her take a deep tiresome breath, for she had not exerted this much energy for two weeks. "We can rest for a moment," Legolas took her hands while facing her..
She knew she was out of breath, thus did not complain about resting. Curious as to his mention of it before, "So when is this coronation?"
"It will take place on the first of May, just short of three weeks from today, allowing enough time for preparations and for guests to arrive," he explained, thinking in particular of members of the Elven delegation as they would travel in from their various realms to support this transition into the age of Men.
"I see," she began calculating the time in her head, from her presumed recovery to the journey across Rhun; which she considered would take the better part of a month; but only if ridden swiftly on a trusted horse, which she lacked at the moment.
"Your mind takes you someplace else?" he asked curious of her internal queries.
She smiled embarrassed that it was obvious her thoughts wandered from the present, "Just considering when my strength will return," revealing only part of it.
"It will in due time," he assured her, adding "Aragorn would have all of us present;" wondering if she had desired reprieve from the event.
"Of course. It is an important event for the West, one I am lucky to witness," she replied promptly, trying to dissuade his suspicions, though it sounded like she wasn't entirely keen on such festivities.
"I take you are not one for celebration?" he smirked slightly while holding his elbow out towards her so they could continue their walk.
She laughed slightly, noting the remark was not far from the truth, yet she admitted, "I am not averse to celebrating the fall of a tyrant, or the crowning of a king who is worthy of rule. Rather..." But before she could phrase that troubling her was departing from the West, she was cut short by Gimli coming from the other end of the walkway.
"If this is not a pleasant sight!" Gimli cried when he saw his two Elvish friends strolling side-by-side in front of him. He was heading to the Houses of Healing to greet them both, having heard from Eowyn of Vez's returned health. "It does one good to look upon thee with life renewed lass."
A wide grin formed on Vez's face as she looked upon the stout Dwarf, who was sans his helmet and axe; he had washed up and even appeared to have combed his beard. "As it does me to see a friend returned unharmed from enemy's gate. I regret being out of commission during it."
"It was a close one lass, a close one," he laughed jovially, but not in jest.
"I do not doubt it. Your numbers were less than apt," she then cocked an eyebrow, "Unless you found another one of those ghost armies along the way."
"Those are in even shorter supply these days," Gimli replied with feigned seriousness.
"Hoi!" Two voices cried from behind Gimli, as the two hobbits were also on the walkway.
Vez looked upon the two with pride, "Young warriors, returned from battle victorious."
Merry and Pippin straightened their posture, "Indeed," Merry replied with his head held high.
"I have heard your hand in slaying the Witch-king of Angmar, Merry, and others deeds yet to be told. As with you Pippin, from inside these walls," who she had not seen since he left Edoras, "Is it true you jumped fire and flames to rescue the Steward's son?"
"Not a terribly large jump considering," Pippin quickly replied, though pleased hearing his deed mentioned.
Merry then added, "We were just on our way to visit you, and check on Frodo and Sam. It is good to see you awake."
"It is good to be awake," she replied; slightly disbelieving she was amongst all of them once more.
"Well, we should leave you two alone," Gimli noted cheerfully, suspecting prior he had interrupted their conversation. "Come on lads," he motioned for Merry and Pippin to continue on their way.
"Alone," Pippin said slyly, "I get it," tapping his nose.
Merry hit his friend's arm with his elbow, before smiling at both Elves and leaving.
Vez and Legolas exchanged a slightly embarrassed glance, for now it was all but obvious they were a couple; an unlikely occurrence upon their first meeting and one they hid to some extent after. Being publicly acknowledged as together, even if just to their friends, was a new experience for both of them and though they were not ashamed, they knew not how to comfortably act around others in a partnership; or perhaps they didn't know what the other deemed appropriate. There was still much they needed to learn about each other and their desires before the newness of everything would settle.
When entering the villa, they were greeted by house matrons who led them to private guest rooms that stood on opposite sides of a long hallway. They were given keys, told of the amenities, and provided quick instruction if they should need anything before being left to their own purpose.
"Go, and return to unlocked door," Vezely pleasantly told him squeezing his hand, noting his hesitation to leave her side as they stood in the middle of the hallway, but before he let it go, he lifted her hand and gently kissed the back of it.
"And you rest," he told her softly, before leaving to wash, for he was yet covered in the dust of travel.
Vezely's room was considerably more expansive if compared to the one in the infirmary, though the aesthetic did not stray far from expected of Gondor. The white stone walls and blue tiled floors held a large four post oak bed with white linens, a desk adorned with a quill, inkwell, and papers for writing, additional cushioned chairs, a small table with candles, and a large window with open shutters facing the West.
She stalled by the desk's side for a moment, brushing the blank papers around with her finger tips thinking of planning her trail back to the Sea of Rhun; considering that spring's arrival should have opened certain mountain passes. She took a deep, troubled breath, realizing her mind had shifted from worry over her companion's return from Mordor to a new fret over her imminent departure, and how to tell Legolas when he returned. She could not hold onto this information any longer, for it was unfair to do so, though she knew not how to approach the subject lightly.
The noonday sun was just overhead and peeking through the window, inviting her over to it. She gripped the outer edge of the wide windowsill, peering over the side to several stories below and noticing her once unfounded fear of heights could be reckoned with thanks to her returned memories. Over the past week she had slowly come to terms with them, sorting through the places and faces she once knew, including Elrond's, when he once visited her father in the woods of Northern Mirkwood. She had lived a quiet, peaceful existence in there for six short years, leading her to realize such a life was possible if it should ever be returned.
Despite not being a space designated for seating, Vez kicked off her slippers and jumped upon the stone ledge. She leaned her back and head against the sidewall, stretching her feet out. The sun's strength truly felt as though the weather was transitioning into spring. There was no better place to rest, she thought, as she lifted her dress's long skirt over her knees to allow her bare legs to catch its warmth. Slowing her breathing, she attempted to clear her mind of current worries and rest.
Legolas entered his guest room to find his bow and quiver set awaiting him. He smiled upon them, content to know they would be of less little use to him in the future. While a warrior at heart, he longed for a peaceful life in a forest unpolluted by Sauron's evil. The war's end had only started to be accepted in his mind and though he had yet to hear news of his homeland, he was assured his people also stood as victors. He knew answers to his questions would be provided by the ambassadors set to come from the Woodland Realm not only for extensive council meetings, but also for the coronation of King Elessar.
While primarily emblematic of Aragorn's transition into his new role, for Legolas the event would also hold significance; being a member of the fellowship had changed him internally, but also externally, for he would no longer simply be King Thranduil's son. A endearing thought suddenly entered his mind, finding he desired Vezely to stand by his side during the event. He found it strange as he pondered it further, that envisioning the near future with her and even broaching the somewhat uncomfortable subject of what was essentially a trite formality of his princely title, seemed easier than thinking beyond that. He first needed to tell her that he heard the call to leave these shores, and while strong in its pull, he also wanted to assure her that he would not be as his mother leaving his father behind; that he would wait until she was ready to also leave by his side. He did not want to deny her the opportunity to experience life amongst the trees in Mirkwood; to know of the home that bore her.
Having washed and changed out of his warrior attire into a more comfortable tunic, he returned to find Vez's door unlocked as she said he would. He forewent knocking and opened it slowly, though hesitated for it was not polite to walk in on someone unannounced; even if she was certainly more than an acquaintance. After passing through the small entryway into the main living space, he found her resting on the windowsill's ledge, sun drenching her pale legs which stood unmarked by ink as other parts of her skin he had seen. Having heard the door open, she awoke from her rest, turning her head to see him appearing unusually casual, sans his suede jerkin or braids dressing his hair. Remaining seated on the windowsill, she swung her legs inside, allowing them to dangle down. She held her hand out to him and he moved towards her. Once there he leaned onto the window's ledge next to her, though found himself somewhat blushed by the sight of her bare legs as he did. She realized this reaction, and forewent audible amusement before pushing her skirt back over her knees; she would respect his desire for their relationship's modesty a little longer.
Legolas broke his own embarrassment, wondering, "This is a precarious position to rest."
She turned her head to peer out the window, which provided a view to the expansive vista that peeked through the two buildings before them. "It is, especially for one who held a strange fear of heights my whole life," she told him, and then recalling the memories once stolen from her, "I never knew why I should feel unsettled amongst mountain cliffs or atop buildings. There was no reason for it. I had no answers why it would concern...But now, with memories renewed. It was the Orcs," she engaged him with his eyes, "The ones that took me from my blood parent's arms. They hung me over a cliff face, threatening to drop me if I did not stop crying."
"Those are not pleasant memories to have back," for he had not realized the barrier once holding such memories was now broken.
"No. But to have them," she smiled slightly, though looking at him thoughtfully she explained her lack of distress, "To know another piece of who I am, of where I came from," then saying with cheerful tears in her eyes, "I can see it, Legolas, the Forest River, running through a sun-drenched glen. The autumn leaves falling into its brook; victims of light winds from a clearing beyond." Memories of his homeland also ignited in his mind and he smiled upon her, as she added, "It is as you described."
"And soon you will meet recollection with reality," he told her optimistically, thinking forward to bringing her back to Mirkwood and sharing his homeland with her.
"That such a possibility was close to being struck from existence, that I was to be removed from your presence forever," she diverted her eyes, unsure how to phrase the choice she was given and the one that she took; how to tell him of the debt yet to be paid.
He brought a hand to her face, brushing her cheek softly, correcting her worry, "Not forever. I was prepared to follow you on the Grey Ships and find you in the Undying Lands," he said with conviction, hoping to give her knowledge of his changed direction. "Before our troubled reunion on the fields below, I heard the call."
Her mouth parted, but words followed slowly after, "You desire to leave these shores?"She looked upon him confused, remembering he was adamant about it not being his time when he first told her about the call.
Noting her reaction, he explained with care, "On the Corsair ships that bore me to this city, I heard the gulls' song calling me." He brushed her shoulder with his hand, whose skin underneath her dress bore inked markings of the same birds. "I feared it spoke of your fate, that we would not be reunited but in the Utter West. Even now, I long to continue my journey there, for my time has come as for so many of our kin," he paused, noting the worry in her eyes.
"Then, you will leave soon?" she asked unsure.
"Soon is relative for one of our kind. Now that we are no longer separated, I have a made a promise to myself, to not leave these shores until you desire to go by my side," he hoped to calm her worries.
She swallowed the spit in her mouth, before saying regretfully looking away from him, "I am unsure if I will ever be able to leave these shores," words which prompted overt confusion before she continued, "I feared telling you."
He took both her hands in his, "Fear not sharing words with trusted partner."
Turning her wary eyes back to his, which she noted were too soon taken from the cheer they once possessed. "I am not permitted to pass into the lands that now call you. I was given the choice of the Half-Elven, either to cross into the lands of the ancestors of the people who raised me, or return here, the light of the Eldar renewed, but without promise of fully crossing that great sea or ever being allowed admittance. Unless...my debt is paid and I am deemed worthy," she closed her eyes, "That is why I must leave for Rhun once I am back to strength, where there is need for my sword."
A moment later, he spoke adamantly though being noticeably torn by this information, "Then I will leave with you."
She reengaged him with her eyes, saying sternly, "Do not let your heart cloud judgment. You have obligations here, to your people, they will look to you to guide them before you must depart these shores."
He slowly shook his head, clasping her hands in front of him, reminding her, "My promise yet stands, I will not leave these shores without you."
"You should not promise that," she scolded him slightly, knowing that the call could pull couples apart, as he said his father and mother had been, "I would not have you torn."
"Will I not already be so in your absence?" he replied concerned, his eyes wavering on hers.
She breathed in, feeling upset of such pain she has caused, "As will I, but there is no other way to redemption than to aid the lands I helped tear asunder. If I can return and not feel ashamed to walk by your side..."
"You should not feel as such now," he interrupted, unhappy to hear of compared self-worth. But he also knew he needed to accept what she must do. He looked down momentarily, gathering his strength to reply, "When you return from Rhun, redeemed, I will be here."
She embraced him, and he pulled her down from the windowsill into his arms. He closed his eyes and breathed her in, noting the sweetness of her touch, as she did the same.
"We should not cry for what will only be a small amount time taken from us," he whispered consolingly in their embrace, for he knew she was young in Elf years, and yet unaware of the immensity of time that precedes them. "We should continue to rejoice for the light and time returned to you."
She pulled away from him, his words allowing for a small smile to find its way to her lips. "You are right," she realized, "It is not the end."
"It is not," he replied, "We are just beginning."