Chapter 38 - Sage Advice
The black mare galloped swiftly across the open grasslands, carrying its light-weight rider several leagues east of the white city walls. "Good, Léofara (Beloved-Traveler)," the hooded Elf praised the young animal after slowing her to leisurely gallop, patting her neck and then halting her. Her coal lined eyes gazed eastward and as she did, a deep sadness consumed her. Putting into words her thoughts, she spoke personally to the horse, "Soon you and I will leave the lands that bore us, and if we shall ever return together I know not." She wondered how long it would take to resettle Rhun, and whether her aid in this would be enough to appease the Valar to allow her entrance into Valinor. So much uncertainty now lay before her feet and she trembled slightly, as the hope she had was unavoidably mixed with doubt.
It was the first time she had truly ridden the Rohirrim horse, finding her swiftness and assuredness befitting a king's line. She desired nothing more than to get away from Minas Tirith that afternoon, as if a momentary respite from its walls would allow her a means to forget the worries the morning had wrought; but it did nothing of the sort.
After having her sai sharpened by paying a few coin to a local smithy to use its shop's large sharpening stone and buying a small pocket stone of her own to sharpen them, she stopped briefly at the second level prisons to discuss with the Variag Captain on what she learned during the Reunited Kingdom's first council meeting - the possibility that the Easterling legions from the Dark Lands, deserters at the Battle of Dale, were returning home to start the expansion of their long desired empire. At the time, Derufin, Gondor's translator of all Rhunic languages, was not there to ease drop on her conversations. The guards, while at first hesitant of allowing her to hold private meetings, were easily persuaded; knowing well her "unstable" temperament.
After talking with the Captain, she also met with Remi, wanting to know whether the prisoners were still divided over her leadership and if a challenge was imminent. Remi was his usual self, taking pleasure in the covert task he was given because one, it allowed him an opportunity to have her company, and two, he enjoyed playing two sides because there could always be something to gain.
"...The man you already provided the head injury to," Remi spoke of the elite warrior who, even after repeatedly experiencing Vezely's fist to his face, had not been persuaded to accept her leadership.
"Yaban?" Vez spitefully spit the man's name, "I had a feeling the last of Öldür's elites would not settle. It is against their code of honor."
"He is back to full strength and has been training in the courtyard, as others have," Remi cautioned her, "None are able to beat him at hand to hand combat."
That the man would make the challenge did not surprise her for she suspected this when he first stood up to protest her. Though this was not to any gift of foresight, but to understanding the Variag's culture which stood in close proximity to the Balchoth's. It was also unsurprising that the Captain willingly acquiesced to her control, for the man was wise and knew that upon reaching the borders of Khand, he would be given, by her leave, command over those troops, and if he so desired and met no opposition, he could retain his position of power in the region. But Yaban, as one of Öldür's elite ranks, he not only had a chance in challenging her, but as the only survivor of these ranks, it would be viewed as a dishonor not to attempt retribution for his slain commander. Vez had sidestepped a full out challenge upon her first meeting with him, aided by her quickly inflicting him further injuries. But now that the man was at renewed health and according to Remi, training, it was only a matter of time before he would make another stand.
"So he may challenge me soon then?" Vez queried, an amused smirk stretched across her face, for she had not had the experience of being challenged for many ages.
"Highly likely," Remi replied gauging her interest while comfortably leaning back in his chair, "Though to have such a match on prison grounds, that yavonka would not be pleased," he said, using their disrespectful pet name for Faramir.
"The Steward would not condone it," Vez corrected him as she pondered this further. "In any case," she continued assuredly, "I will address the troops on Rhun's situation tomorrow morning. And then I'll gauge Yaban's desires."
He smirked, saying pleased with future possibilities, "To see you in action, it will be as if the gods have granted me half of what I desire."
Vez narrowed her eyes, saying suspiciously, "Half?" Remi's eyes, however, let her know exactly what he meant. "Divinators are delusional, but you go well beyond that," her annoyance was obvious and she not too subtly reminded the man of his unworthy title.
"And if I forsake that title, and fall in line as one of your warriors," he inquired leaning forward from his chair and placing his hands on the table.
"And you would remain delusional," she said crossing her arms, "You will receive nothing from me but distrust and a broken nose if you so deserve it. And this current arrangement will end at the borders of Khand, where I leave you and continue on my route," she then stood up, deciding the conversation was finished.
"That blonde Elf will be accompanying us then?" he asked sarcastically, standing up as well.
"He will not," Vez replied bluntly, but not desiring to share her feelings on this matter she said no more and left the room. Remi followed her, a smirk gracing his lips as he foolishly believed he still had a chance.
Legolas escorted Lady Adele down a corridor and into an empty courtyard, desiring some privacy for the conversation they needed to have. She had slipped her hand under his arm as she kept pace poised proudly by his side, making Legolas uncomfortable but unable to do anything but allow it.
"Apologies for my inability to escort you back to your quarters last evening, my father and I had to talk," Legolas started the conversation once they reached the courtyard's central fountain.
She softly tugged his arm as she sat down on the fountain's ledge, requesting that he should sit beside her, "Apologies are unnecessary," she replied courteously with a sweet smile, "Though I do hope your father and yourself were not caught in the spring rains which graced us thereafter."
"Fortunately, we were not," he replied as he sat beside her, feeling mild discomfort with partially lying to her.
Her clear blue eyes looked upon him as she spoke calmly, "There is cycle to this season, where water necessitates growth and growth necessitates water. Dark storms aid green life, even in a city sparse of natural comforts," her eyes then turned to admire the courtyard's row of planted trees, for the greenery in the city was sparse but still beautiful.
Legolas noted her voice's crispness, so airy and light, and he imagined her ability to recite poetry was grand. "That is indeed true," he returned a friendly smile, for no Elf could not be prompted to feel joy by her great beauty in voice.
"I have been writing words lately," she replied, as if knowing his thoughts, "Of the joy of seeing a world renewed and to embark on unknown paths alongside a trusted companion," her eyes implicating this new companion she wrote of was him. "I would be willing to recite them for you my lord, if it would please you to hear my humble attempts at lyrical beauty."
Legolas averted his eyes, feeling ill in his stomach for such an offer would be considered a heady flirtation. He knew he had led her on and now must return words of rejection, "Lady Adele, I am afraid I have to decline such an offer."
Lady Adele's radiance did not fade as a quizzical look spread across her face."Do you not enjoy the recitation of poetry my lord?"
"I of course enjoy hearing such words spoken," Legolas replied politely.
"Or do you prefer song? For I have heard our Woodland kin love music and singing just as much as they love the forests they dwell in," she added hopeful that he was not simply denying her offer.
"This is true of Wood-Elves, but it is for a different matter that I must decline your offer," Legolas replied steadily, concern in his eyes for the hurt he may cause, "I will soon leave these shores to Valinor. I have heard the call of our people upon the black ships that bore me to Pelennor. My father knew this not when he discussed our courtship with Lord Celeborn and in folly he hoped to find for me joy when such joy needed not be given. I did desire to speak these truths to you upon first we met, but such matters needed to be conversed with my father, for much we had to discuss after our time asunder, and because this arrangement was made with political intent in mind. I apologize for any falseness in my steps since our first greeting and that I did not tell you that my heart is forever unavailable to give in partnership to another."
For once in her long life, Lady Adele stalled in replying, not certain what was the proper reply to such a rejection. Then she asked carefully and with hope, "Is your heart closed to nothing but the stated beauty and bliss of the shores afar? Would you not seek a companion to embark to these unknown shores with you?" Referring back to her poetry and finding revelation in her written words.
Legolas had a strong urge to reply with the truth - that his heart was open to one who would journey to those shores with him, yet he could not yet say her name or make such an announcement, not yet. "Lady Adele, you are of beauty and wisdom, the light of our people shines bright within you and the warmth of your presence felt by many, but such a companion for this journey or for this life I seek not." He then added some finality, "My father will have already spoken about this with Lord Celeborn," for last night he requested him to do so, then adding politely, "I do hope you and I can remain friends, however, especially should we meet again in the lands far west of here."
Lady Adele could tell he was not speaking all his thoughts on this, though she had no reason for suspicion or to distrust what had been said. "Friends we shall remain then," her smile calming Legolas's worries, even if there was a hint of sorrow in her eyes for the prince she had lost, though never truly had.
"We should return," he said a moment later, standing up with his eyes towards the route they had walked. He politely offered her an arm to escort her back, and she accepted it in silence. In her mind, however, she thought through her missteps and misunderstandings since first meeting him. She had not foreseen this rejection and wondered if his heart only truly longed for Western shores.
Vezely returned Léofara to the stables, finding Eowyn tending to her and her brother's horses, and she was grateful for the shield maiden's company on her walk back through the villa. They would stroll through the main courtyard, where many ambassadors had strayed during their afternoon break from council; Thalion conversing among them. The Woodland Elf immediately took note of the weapons attached to Vez's boots, for he saw the same crude knives sitting on Legolas's entryway table. But he said nothing to his friend for they were not of interest at the time. Eowyn politely greeted some of the ambassadors as they walked past, though none impeded their steps or fully halted their conversation.
Vez knew she had ruffled some feathers at that morning's council after revealing her connection to the poison which killed many at the Battle of Pelennor Fields. That and what she deemed a minor tiff with Faramir, undoubtedly reminded all of her past servitude to Sauron. While she cared not how her name was strung through the West's history books, whether as usurper of Calenardhon, slayer of Eorl the Young, originator of the Variag's poison, or as a friend of the fellowship and warrior pledged to King Theodon, she did care for the reputation of another who would call himself her partner. She again realized she could not step lightly here, for it was impossible for her muddied boots not to make a sound.
These thoughts were but one of many that filtered through her mind as she lingered in the bath, needing one after spending the afternoon riding and in order to be semi-presentable for the invitation by Lord Elrond to dine with the Elvish ambassadors. She stayed to the point that the water grew cold and a house maid mildly aggravated after checking twice to see if she was done. But she didn't want to remove herself, feeling stuck in the water. She brought her knees up to her chest and hugged them, gaining sight of the tattooed Rhunic characters on her upper arm, reminding her of those who had challenged her for leadership in the past. She read their names quietly aloud, speaking Öldür's name, which had yet to be permanently inked, and then saying the name, Yaban.
Vez had never considered the right to challenge leadership a brutal or savage custom. While the desire to wield power was indeed part of it, as Rhun could rightfully be called a land ruled by brute force, it was also a culture which honored the right to question leadership. Perhaps the West would find such a system anarchic, but in truth such challenges took place only during times of tremendous change and transition. A death of a beloved leader, for instance, may spark a line of worthy warriors biding for the position; as was the case after Vezely's adopted father's death and the many challengers she faced in order to prove her worth. Or if a leader was deemed unsuitable or unstable, the people may choose a challenger. Internal rebellion thus had an honorable means to conclude itself. Therefore, outright chaos and rebellion rarely occurred in these so-called savage cultures.
And once a challenge is made, the leader had no choice but to accept. To decline would not only dishonor one's self and the one who made the challenge, but your life would be forfeit. It was a death sentence and the people were required by tradition and law to fulfill it; thus challenges never went unanswered. If Yaban made his challenge, Vezely would accept and fight him to the death, with only one emerging as victor. She understood this would be viewed by her kin as a questionable act for someone seeking redemption; and it inevitably led her to wonder whether she could function within Rhunic culture and still be considered worthy of the Eldar. Yet she really had no choice and after proving her uncouthness in all other aspects, she could only hope to control its timing. She needed to avoid Yaban making the challenge while the men were still in Minas Tirith. Such a fight would not be condoned on prison grounds, and she feared the repercussions of city law if blood were to be spilled. Nor did she desire to spill anymore Rhunic blood on Western soil; for so many had died far from their homeland already. The water grew lukewarm to cold and yet she continued to hug her knees and stare at the names inked down her arm, her mind mired in this and all that lay ahead once she crossed the borders of Rhovanion. And worse, there she would be far from the one who stabilized any hope she had of being redeemed.
Legolas returned to his room after the last of the day's meetings, a bath also on his mind before the evening's dinner party. After his talk with Lady Adele, he was freed from the expectation of attending her side, letting him spend time with the other ambassadors, including Gimli. The two's surprising friendship did much to break the wall between the dwarves and Elves, and there was talk of Gimli leading some of his people to Ithilien to dwell alongside Legolas's Woodland kin in order to help rebuild.
On the way down the corridor, a house maid, knowing of the relationship between the two Elves, asked politely, "Apologies Lord Legolas, I do not mean to pry, but I ask out of concern. Is Lady Vez alright?"
"What do you mean?" he replied, worry immediately seeping in.
"She went into the bath well over two hours ago and will not remove herself. I have offered her more hot water but she refused," the maid explained, then adding dutifully, "If there is anything I can tend to for her, please do let me know..."
Another knock at the door stirred Vez from her thoughts. Thinking it was the maid again trying to move her, Vez spat in a tone worthy of a displeased general, "I said, leave me be."
"Vezely," Legolas soft voice called back, "Are you alright?"
She closed her eyes and removed her hands from her knees, bringing them to hide her face. She felt ashamed when realizing the extent to which his voice sang to her heart and calmed her, meaning that she had not been alright.
The lack of an immediate response prompted Legolas to enter, his worry for her overrunning his propriety. He would find her hunched over in the bath, hiding her face in her hands. Kneeling beside the tub, he placed a hand softly on her upper arm, prompting her to turn her head. Her eyes would first find his hand covering up some of the inked names before she looked upon him
"I am not alright," she replied with broken voice, concern marked her brow and her eyes had a hint of water welled within them. He had never heard her admit this forthrightly, for she was always sure and strong, and remained steadfast in her belief in moving forward in her redemption. He moved his hand to her cheek, prompting her to say, "I worry I'll never return to your arms, that the Valar will always forsake me..."
"Shhh," he hushed her from saying any more harmful words, his heart breaking as the tears she had held for so long finally fell down her face, "Do not let fear and self-doubt overrun the hope you have built. I know not what lies to meet you, but you are an honorable warrior who will do what is right by the men of Rhun, and the Valar will know that your heart is just." He then added assuredly, as if needing to affirm it for himself as well, "And you will return to my arms and I to yours. Fate cannot keep us apart forever."
She squeezed shut her watery eyes and nodded to accept his words, which she again found wise beyond her own. After he leaned in and kissed her forward, he said lightheartedly, "Let's get you dry. You cannot stay here all night or you might dissolve," causing her to smile as he pulled a towel from the nearby rack and opened it aside her; and she took it as she stood up and wrapped it around her body with his assistance.
After she stepped out of the tub into his arms, she repeated his words in her mind, To do what is right by the men of Rhun, as an honorable warrior; again finding strength from the one she loved.
They were late to the feast in the West Wing. Walking briskly from their quarters, Vez whispered to Legolas who kept pace aside her, "Maybe you should go first, I'll arrive later so as to not cause suspicion."
Legolas cared not about arriving late beside her, "We will enter together. Besides, either way will garner suspicion, and I care not at this point."
"After today's council one would think you'd care more," Vez said sardonically, and Legolas gave her a stern eye, having admonished her just before for worrying about the impression she made.
He stood less concerned; that despite her argument with Faramir, which he did think verged on crossing the line, he believed she handled herself well in the council, telling its members forthrightly her role with the poison and questioning the ambassadors about the Battle of Dale fairly and with useful effect. Since she was not invited to other council meetings, the ambassadors had no right, in his mind, to further judge her presence here, as she was a guest of the king and a friend of the fellowship and of Rohan. Of course, he knew some had grown more wary of her, and his father told him frankly that afternoon that she verged on embarrassing herself. He did not tell her this however, for she needed no further affirmation of what she already believed. But he did give her some advice, saying if she worried so much about leaving a foul impression on her kinsfolk, then perhaps she should acknowledge it. He did not use the word apologize, for he believed she should not be sorry for her cultural differences, but to show a humble awareness of the tendency for them to cause misunderstandings.
As Legolas did not mention his father's admonishment, Vezely did not mention Remi telling her of the possibility that Yaban would challenge her for leadership of the Variag troop. She dared not speak of it, for she was committed to not letting it happen while in Minas Tirith; not until she was far away from her kinsfolk and their discerning eyes. It would also be a burden Legolas's mind need not have, especially since she had revealed to him that undoubtedly Rhun would see war waged by the People of the Dark Lands. She also spoke to him about her concerns over the impression she made at the council meeting, and his sage advice was to humbly acknowledge it. Perhaps she would take his advice, she thought, as they got closer to the gathering.
The Elves had already rejoined in the West Wing's large courtyard, where long tables were set up for them to feast under the starlight. Lord Elrond would soon invite all to sit down, but he intended to wait a little longer for his invited guest to arrive.
Lord Celeborn, who stood aside him, noted his comrade's questioning gaze towards the Eastern corridor, "It would appear your dinner guest is late," he stated curiously, adding after in the same curious tone to King Thranduil, who was also nearby, "And your son is also late."
Thanduil's eyes narrowed before they shifted over towards Celeborn's, uncertain of the meaning that may lie under his desire to mention this. He had spoken earlier with Celeborn about the refusal of his son to court his niece, Lady Adele. Celeborn was not upset by this, for he did not desire to force another into partnership nor did he misunderstand Legolas's reasoning, which Thranduil said was to heed the call to sail westward. Yet Celeborn's discussion afterwards with his niece left him confused, for Lady Adele told him she perceived another reason lay behind Legolas's refusal; one deep seeded in his heart and now he wondered what it could be.
Turning into the long entry corridor, Vezely's ears picked up unfamiliar though soothing tunes coming from soft noted instruments, one with strings and possibly a flute, and she could smell the scent of rosemary and thyme, both herbs uncommon in Rhun and only experienced by her in the West. Before passing far enough to be seen at the other end, Legolas took the hand by her side and squeezed it slightly, "You will be fine," making her wonder if he could sense her anxiety as they got closer. She would remove her hand from his just before entering, both noting that Thranduil was the first to look upon them; condescendingly.
Both Vezely and Legolas went towards the three Elven lords and Vez greeted Lord Elrond, saying sincerely, "Apologies for my tardiness. I have no excuse for it."
"As am I equally apologetic," Legolas added politely, tilting his head down to show reverence to them all.
Lord Elrond was less inclined to be offended by such trivial matters, "That is quite alright. We have not yet sat down to eat, though we can do so now." And he called on all to take a seat, after which they would be served wine and food from the guest house kitchens.
Relieved of his obligation of forced courtship, Legolas without hesitation sat down next to Vezely. She was seated aside Lord Elrond, with his father and Lord Celeborn on the other side of the table. The Elf prince received a concerned stare from his father, who pondered his son's intentions this evening; he was certainly not prepared for them to make any official announcement concerning their engagement, as he realized he knew not when he'd be prepared for that.
When a glass of Dorwinion wine was poured for them, Vezely looked at Legolas and in silence the two briefly exchanged an understanding of her past consumption of it, and through her brief smile she promised him she'd not to consume it too quickly. The music, which had already sounded foreign to Vezely's ears, again garnered her attention when the harpist began to sing, causing her eyes to flick over towards her.
"Ah, a song well-loved and sung often to start a feast," Elrond said noting Vezely's interest, "Though fresh to your ears I presume."
Vez returned her gaze to him, surprising herself that the music garnered her awareness, "You presume correct. I have only recently become accustom to speaking the Elvish tongue and save for sparse memories of my mother's voice in song, know not its sound in music."
Lord Celeborn found this information curious, "Of how many years were you when taken?"
"Six," she replied politely, "And only recently have the memories from those six years returned to me. I lived most of my life without knowledge of the Elvish tongue, and knew even less of Elvish history since crossing Rhovanion, where Lord Legolas kindly offered me some tales to bide time between battles," she smiled over at Legolas showing her gratefulness and he returned a humble smile at her before she continued, "You must understand it is strange to be seated with those whose histories are a part of that lore just learned, for I am young and of a world of men who live well outside your purview."
Elrond considered her words which appeared to be thought out in advance; responding kindly, "We know you are unique to our kind for a variety of reasons, and this is certainly one of them. But it is good to be reminded of your estrangement."
"It is an attempt to apologize for my continual missteps," Vez added to be more direct. "Six years spent under the leaves of Mirkwood," her eyes then turned upon Thranduil when saying his kingdom's name, "Is not sufficient to count myself Eldar in culture."
"We shall not judge you by this," Elrond stated kindly, accepting it as an apology, and one thoroughly unexpected, "For if your mind remains open with a desire to learn and accept council, which I suspect it is," a trait all deemed as characteristically good, "Then ours also shall not be closed."
Vezely replied humbly, "Thank you," and she tilted her head down to show appreciation for his acceptance and Legolas felt incredibly proud that she initiated this conversation; and on his face, such feelings of his part in prodding it were apparent to his father and Lord Celeborn from across the table.
"And what council would one from a world outside our purview seek?" Celeborn asked her slightly skeptical, and Elrond realized he would have asked the same.
Worried she had offended him, Vezely attempted to restate what she meant, "I did not mean for that statement to offend, but I have found the West lacking in their knowledge of Rhun and its people."
"Which is by all means true," Elrond added assuredly, though Vezely's eyes remained upon Celeborn's as he seemed to stare deep inside her. "The division between East and West is as a wall of ignorance, and the reason why Sauron's reestablishment was hidden from our view for some time. And since you return to where we know not," Lord Elrond hoped to initiate the conversation he invited her for, "Perhaps you should tell us to whom this missing crest belongs, and why it causes concern in your mind. Then advice could be shared through understanding."
Vezely hesitated slightly, for the West, especially the fading Eldar, need not the concerns of Rhun, nor could they do anything about it. Yet, she also wanted to appear open to advice, for perhaps it could help her. "They are called the People of the Dark Lands," she explained steadily, "The farthest civilization settled beyond the Sea of Rhun, well past the nomadic steppes and barren wastelands to where sunlight marks only half the day as it does in the West. While one would think there a culture would fail, they have thrived. They are considered among the wealthiest commonwealths in Rhun because in the darkness grows a substance of trade that travels the farthest and continues to hold the highest demand; an opiate which numbs the mind and frees you for a time from all considered worries," she said knowingly; as often they were among the spoils of war and not always did they go unused.
"Nightspell," Elrond acknowledged its name in the common tongue, having heard of its trade, "I did not know of its specific origins."
Vez concurred, "And it appears to still be found in the dark underground of cities in the West, even though trade of other items from Rhun like spices have been halted. But besides trade, they also hold the most land, even if much of it is inhabitable. And they have a long history of unwelcome incursions into others. They are considered Easterlings, but were the last to join the Easterling Coalition. Their resistance was not due to disapproval of Sauron, on the contrary, they have long been worshippers of Melkor and were eager to follow his greatest servant. But they desired independence, to be given privilege over conquered territories in the West for their long held devotion to the Lord of the Dark." The mention of Melkor caused Legolas and his father to exchange an uncomfortable glance, for it was uncommon to nonchalantly hear the name of a foe so great and terrible. "But the five other Easterling commonwealths would not allow it, so they begrudgingly joined. And I would find that relations turned worse in recent years. The Resistance suspected they held some reserves back from the call to march to Mordor. That is why I was not surprised to find that their crest went unrecognized by the ambassador from Dale, for those there may have more readily returned home upon hearing Sauron's defeat."
"And you suspect they now expand their long-desired empire into territories scarce of protection and that you again ride to war," Elrond stated, to which Vezely nodded for that is exactly what she believed, "And this war cannot be avoided and peace sought instead?"
Vez smirked, for that would be a nobler pursuit, though she doubted attainable, "It is unlikely that their territorial desires can be dissuaded."
"If left unhindered, would not the inhabitants of these unprotected lands be spared and simply incorporated into their empire? Could you not accept some expansion to avoid bloodshed?" Thranduil queried, wondering if all were Easterlings, then such invasion would not necessarily be completely disruptive to cultural life.
Vezely disliked the implication that other Easterlings should simply allow the People of the Dark Lands dominion over their territories, but she remained courteous in response, "Easterlings are a proud people who do not bow easily, even for close kin. And while war would be avoided and the inhabitants of those territories spared, they would not be treated as equals. Perhaps above slaves if they did not resist, but at significant cost to their freedoms, especially their right to their own beliefs and rituals. Instead of worshipping ones ancestors, as my people did, they would be required to make sacrifices to Melkor. And if they would stop at the Easterling homelands, I would be surprised."
"You will aid in their protection then," Elrond added while in thought, "Which is not necessarily an ignoble endeavor," he said giving her affirmation of her charge, "But do you seek more than this?"
"How do you define more?" Vezely asked, herself now being the skeptical one.
"As a protector, you follow an honorable path. To defend those in need from those who would do harm. But if you ride to make war for your own benefit," Elrond stalled, hoping to intrigue a response.
To which Vez quickly answered, saying bluntly, "I seek no kingdom of my own."
"But you would seek leadership of an army," Elrond replied calmly, "And a return to the role you once had and a craft of..."
"Of death," Vez finished his sentence, for she knew this conversation would lead to other information revealed at that morning's council meeting. "I take no pride in the evil instruments my mind devised. They were simply means to an end I needed to fulfill."
Celeborn replied suspiciously, "But such deeds are what garners you respect and leadership in those lands." He remembered their conversation a few nights past when discussing Rhunic understandings of fear and respect. "And this fact exists whether you take pride in your foul deeds or not."
"It does. But I cannot erase what I have done or change the minds of those who deem me worthy because of it," Vez replied strongly, though becoming uncomfortable. Legolas noted this and for reassurance, he slowly moved his hand over to her under the table, placing it on top of the one she rested on her lap. His touch calmed her as she added, "But it does not mean such deeds would again be committed, for my purpose has changed."
Celeborn continued his inquisitive stare, asking her further, "But has your heart changed? Tell us, where do your desires truly lie? In war? Or in peace?"
Vez stalled in answering, finding it a strange question to be asked and by his stare she knew she could not get away with lying. "You must understand," she explained steadily, "I was raised in a culture that valorizes warfare. A common saying amongst the Balchoth is 'If there is no war, there is no life,' for we truly feel alive when in battle. My heart is yet new to knowing peace, and my experience of it fleeting as I prepare to leave," she then grasped Legolas's hand which still lay upon hers on her lap, "But know I fear its loss and will yearn for it when away. It is my heart that grounds my purpose in Rhun, and it will help guide me in my deeds as I remain true to who I am now, and to the people I seek to aid. For I have to believe I can be of Rhunic culture and yet be deemed good by those who judge our people."
Legolas was warmed by her statement and a small smile stretched across his face, as his eyes were on the table below him, for he knew she held him in her heart as he held her in his. And Celeborn, his eyes yet cold upon her, knew she did not lie, and he was satisfied, as was Lord Elrond who sensed further how far she had come from the Elf he met in the tent at Dunharrow. Thranduil's thoughts, however, were on his son, and how this admission further confirmed how his son's fate was tied to hers. So tragic their love seemed, he thought, and he felt sorrow for the future when she would depart and leave his son to waiting.
Lord Elrond replied, "I believe this is the balance you have long sought," knowing of her struggles with reconciliation of her two sides.
"I do not know if it is balanced," she replied uncertain.
He disagreed, "You cannot change your character or a love of war which appears deeply seeded. But if you remain true to your heart and it truly grounds your purpose, then your desire to strive towards peace is not in question. There is hope for you Vezely, and it is hope which never really abandoned you even after your estrangement from the West."
As Vezely, Legolas was equally grateful for Elrond's words, and he desired to tell him this when such openness of his affections was allowed. Nor did the Elf let go of her hand until dinner was served, glad he could be there to provide her support even if being dissuaded from doing so openly. For Vezely, the clandestine reassurance of her partner and the speaking of supportive words of wisdom from her elders, did much to fix her doubts.
Thranduil then added, curious of something else, "It is uncommon to hear one speak of Morgoth so freely and without trepidation," Thranduil spoke of the great foe currently lost in the void; Morgoth being the name the Eldar called Melkor. "What do you know of this fiend?"
Vezely looked at Legolas, and mentioned that he had told her of Morgoth's deception of the Elves in the First Age, and the wars he waged, to which Legolas replied he did not have time to go into great detail. She then recounted how Melkor was known by men of the East, who certainly held him in different regard. It would spark a conversation of the East's knowledge on the Valar to which Vezely also explained some paucity or differences of understandings. She would then, having been curious of First Age battles, ask Celeborn and Thranduil of their experiences in Doriath, eliciting some tales which even Legolas had not been privy to. Dinner and more wine would be consumed, but the conversation had not ceased, for the Elven lords had no shortage of stories to tell or questions to ask and answers to give.
Legolas left the event aside Vezely, needing no excuse to do so for his sleeping quarters were next to hers. His hands were clutched behind his back as he walked next to her, and hers were grasped in front, each not daring to hold hands or walk to closely in others view, but they did smile at each other exchanging their longing to do so as soon as they could. And their hands swiftly locked as they passed out of the West Wing's entry corridor, and they sauntered off to spend another evening alone; desiring to forget that their time together was now dwindling.
Elrond spoke to Thranduil after their exit, "I hold gratitude to your son for I sense his friendship was instrumental on her path. You must take pride, for he is both strong and kind of heart, and equally undeterred in showing it," for he also knew of Legolas's befriending of the dwarf, Gimli, despite their rocky offset from Rivendell. "...And I hear he is soon to depart from these lands," Elrond added pleasantly, "He will find peace there, and it is well deserved." Though in Elrond's own heart was sorrow for the daughter who could never go forth from these lands. In two days Arwen, accompanied by his twin sons Elrohir and Elladan, would arrive in Minas Tirith on route from Lothlorien, along with the one who Lord Celeborn held most dear. Despite their arrival's importance, their company's journey was unknown to the king and many others. Arwen would present herself to Aragorn at the coronation, to be held the morning after they arrived. Thus, there was another reason so many Elves were in Minas Tirith, for their joining was certainly reason to celebrate.
A/N: One of the longest chapters I've written, but wanted to round it out. Any predictions on what's to come?