Chapter 16
We Leave Together
Erestor dropped his helm and quickly rushed towards the incoming princes. He was already waiting before they could halt, and he saw Thranduil assisting Erynlith in dismounting the horse. He could see the pained expression on her younger elf's face, but she smiled at Thranduil, and uttered her thanks. Just as she was about to turn to him, Erestor sprinted towards them, grabbing Erynlith out of Thranduil's reach. Both elves were surprised, and the Sindarin elf prince blinked at the captain's impulsiveness. He stood frozen as he watched the two elves reunited, and Erestor kissed Erynlith's forehead.
"I almost lost you," Erestor breathed, pressing her against him more. "I will never leave you behind again."
Erynlith laughed quietly and looked up from his armor. The steel plates were crushing her. "Wait until I tell you everything what happened. It was the best chase I've had in decades, tra-la-la…"
He began observing her, the bruise on her forehead and cheeks, some scathes on her arms, and what caught their attention most was her torn stain dress. The skirt was torn a few inches above her knees, too scandalous for her own good. When Erestor's eyes wandered lower, Erynlith blanched and clutched the remnants of her torn skirt, pulling it lower.
"I need to get out of these clothes!" she cried, trying to hide her embarrassment as her supposed brother laughed.
"Other than those bruises, you seem fine to me," Erestor said, now pulling her back into the keep. "Come. An herbal bath is waiting for you and Lady Nimrodel. Then, you'll be admitted into the infirmary for your injuries. Does anything still hurt, Eryn?"
She shook her head, smiling. "Not that I can think of, tra-la-lo."
He laughed and took her hand. "I haven't heard that in a while, tra-la-lay."
"By the way, where is Caladhir?"
That question struck Erestor like lightning, and Thranduil also heard it. The night before, Caladhir fought beside King Amdír and Amroth, holding off the orc pack bravely. Despite fighting, he was caught by an orc arrow that pierced his lungs, resulting in a quick death. Erestor narrated what happened to their friend Caladhir, who traveled all the way from Rivendell.
Erynlith frowned. "Oh, that's heartbreaking. He promised to join me for breakfast today."
"Come on now. We have to get you fixed. Lady Nimrodel will be joining you later." Erestor tried to smile. He pulled her hand again and led her back inside. He also reported that almost fifty elves were killed the same night, in the same manner as Caladhir. King Amdír's left shoulder was grazed by an arrow during the fight, and he was now resting in his chambers. Amroth, however, attended to Nimrodel's needs as Erestor did to Erynlith.
Thranduil stood in silence as he was left once more to himself, unsure of what to do. He continued to observe: the marchwardens came to and fro, some civilians gossiping about that happened, and the King's servants cleared the mess on the courtyard. His anger ignited when he saw the blood on the floor being wiped away. It ticked him off, knowing to whom that blood belonged to, and he wanted to let off some steam by killing some orcs. But the enemies were long gone when he and Amroth found the two ladies. Thranduil thought it was for the better, or he could not have sustained his anger. He sighed in defeat, contemplating what to do now. Aduial en Meleth was over. He already found Erynlith and Erestor. He had nothing to do there anymore.
Winter was upon them. The Woodland Elves needed to refill their wine cellar and other necessities. They depended mostly on fruits and vegetables, and rarely fishes from the rivers. But winter was always harsh on them, and Thranduil disliked it. It made him shiver, and his teeth chatter. He would always be curled up in front of the hearth, beneath layers of blankets, with a hot cup of tea on his side. He could never leave the palace; the snow was deep and the trees were complete frozen. Even the Elven-guard usually complained about winter. It was never as enjoyable as spring or autumn, wherein the trees were at their outmost beauty.
"Maybe I should return home…" he muttered to himself, and one marchwarden came up to him and took his horse back into the stables. He didn't know where to go; he wanted to see Erynlith, ask her about what happened last night, but he knew she was resting, and Erestor would not allow anyone near her until she was fully-healed. Just thinking about that made him groan inwardly, and he sighed deeply. He would just return to his chambers and rest.
Later that afternoon, when Erynlith was done with her herbal bath and was given new clothes as compensation for her previously destroyed one, she retreated into her chambers. She was trying to avoid Erestor all day, not wanting to be admitted into the infirmary and be forced to drink the nasty medicinal tea, the same tea which Santien offered her back in Greenwood. Erynlith's chamber was adjacent to Amroth's, only a few steps away, but she secluded herself inside hers, resolved to get some rest. But just as she was lying down, a soft knock sounded on her door, and the person on the other side entered.
Nimrodel smiled at her. She had a bandage around her wrists where the ropes had grazed her skin and a patch of cloth was on her cheek. She had been injured as well, but no doubt was attended profusely by Amroth. She seemed as refreshed as Erynlith, and made herself welcome inside the room. As quickly as she entered, Nimrodel sat on a spare chair, and Erynlith felt obliged to entertain the other lady.
Nimrodel began talking in her native Silvan dialect that Erynlith could not understand. She mentally noted that she'd force Amroth or Erestor to teach her the Silvan dialect. It was too troublesome to be in someone's company who spoke a language she did not understand. And Nimrodel kept talking; Erynlith wondered if the other lady noticed that she didn't understand her. And so, Nimrodel kept talking, laughing at her own remark, and the other elf smiled awkwardly. Her long awaited rest was now gone, and she was stuck with a talkative elf. She did not even anticipate for Nimrodel for being such a talker; she was always by herself near the river, and spoke seldom to people. Perhaps she was comfortable with Erynlith enough to waltz in her room and talk.
Erynlith tried to understand, but all she could hear was:
XLXàò-Amroth-çùǿ E-wounds-ζδXZùù-herbs-¥ÄòòL¿-amazing-ŦXL ç
And with that, she smiled awkwardly again.
Someone save me, she whimpered.
As if on cue, another knock came on the door. Her face brightened, hoping it was Erestor. She would rather have some of those terrible medicinal teas than be in this situation. The door opened and the last person she expected entered: Thranduil. He was smiling as he entered, and Nimrodel stood up from her seat to greet him. She knew he was the Prince of Greenwood, Amroth told her, and she was not rude enough not to greet him. The two elves exchanged greetings in the Silvan dialect, and Erynlith arched her eyebrow, eyeing them curiously. Then, Nimrodel laughed softly at something Thranduil told her, and he took her hand and kissed the back of it. Nimrodel seemed drawn at that gesture, and once again she laughed softly.
And Erynlith was eavesdropping.
##ààç-Prince Thranduil-ĔLXòòΣΣ-Greenwood-ζççÄÏêê #-Lady Nimrodel-ASDFGHJKL-beautiful
ΣΣêêŦ-Pleasure-#$%àà£-meet-XLδçç ?-welcome-àà$%&!ùù -Lórinand-#xoxo
Erynlith rolled her eyes and waited until their formalities were over. At last, with one last kiss on the hand, Nimrodel turned to Erynlith, bowed, and left the room. With that, Erynlith sank back into her bed and pulled the blanket to cover her head. She heard Thranduil chuckling softly as he sat on the same place where Nimrodel was.
"Since when did you and Nimrodel become best friends?" Thranduil crooned, his chin perched under his palm as his eyes were darted to her.
She pulled the covers away. "Probably last night. I really don't remember being that friendly, but it is nice that she's not glaring at me anymore."
He was laughing now. "Are you okay?"
"Yes. Actually, I would be more okay if you'd allow me to rest, Prince Thranduil."
"Oh, don't get me started on that," he sighed, and suddenly, his cheery face turned somber. When he looked back into her eyes, he smiled again and laughed it off. "I just want to enjoy my last day here in Lórinand, that's all."
She looked confused and scooted closer to him. "Wait, you're leaving?!"
He nodded. "Yes. I am planning to leave before sundown. I'll probably arrive in Greenwood a few hours later."
"But why are you leaving?" That question made quirked Thranduil's brow. She sounded like a child asking her parent why they were leaving. And she was even frowning.
"Everyone is leaving," he said matter-of-factly.
"They are?"
Thranduil rolled his eyes. "Are you always this naïve? Or did it take years to practice?"
She smiled mischievously. "Hm, a little of both, tra-la. But really, why is everyone leaving? Did something happen?"
"Not really. I thought it would be better to return home. I have duties to finish in the palace, reports and the architectural design for the northern fortress remains unfinished." He sighed deeply. "Sooner or later, I have to return. And snow would fall soon. I don't want to be caught up in the deep snow when I travel back." He pursed his lips. "Also, I heard Erestor plans to return in Rivendell, too. He has been restless since your return. He has packed everything needed, and your fallen friend has been buried with the others. I think he'll move out the same time as me."
Erynlith didn't look happy. She wanted to go home so badly these last few days, wasn't she? But now, she was just not sure anymore. Part of her wanted to return to Rivendell, back to her comfortable room, to the Halls of Fire, and she had much stories to tell Gildor, and might even turn her adventures into songs and share it with Lindir. And Celebrían would be delighted to see her again. But another part wanted to stay in the forest, back in Greenwood where she had not yet explored most of its beauty. She knew there was more in Greenwood than just trees and flowers, and she wanted to learn them. The Silvan elves were friendly to her, and she wanted to make up for the trouble to King Oropher. It was the promise of freedom and of learning in Greenwood. Lóriand would have sufficed, if not for the vigilant King Amdír.
"Oh," she muttered in disappointment, avoiding his curious look on her. She fixated her eyes on her hands, and fiddled with the thin blanket. She looked at him again. "Do you want to leave?"
Thranduil blinked at her. He felt an urge to sit beside her on the bed, but decided against it. Instead, he shifted on his chair and leaned closer. "I have no choice. The forest calls me home."
"But this is home, too, isn't it?" Erynlith argued. "Lórinand is also a forest, and therefore, it is also home."
He laughed softly at her childish explanation. "Well, yes, Lórinand is also home. But I am the Prince of Greenwood. I have responsibilities to my kingdom, to my people, and most especially, to my father." When she frowned more, he cupped her cheek. "Oh, don't give me that look."
"But I wasn't!" she said in her defense, gently slapping his hand away. "I just didn't want to return to Rivendell so soon."
He leaned back on his chair, eyes glinting in amusement. "Oh? Is it possible that you want to return with me to Greenwood?"
Erynlith blanched. Thranduil was so sharp that it hurt. "Of course not," she scoffed. "What kind of sane person would want to come with you? You are haughty all the time."
And his eyebrow twitched in annoyance. "And I suppose you're not the same? Look. Whatever you think of does not matter, I am returning to Greenwood later, and you and your Erestor can go back to Rivendell. Everyone's happy now."
"Not me," Erynlith said honestly. She looked directly into his eyes, and he knew she was serious. "I really want to return to Greenwood, too. I want to see Raithon and Santien again, and all the other friendly guards. And King Oropher, and the little puppy foxes, and the bluebells, and…"
"Alright, I get it," Thranduil laughed. "If you want to come with me, all you have to do is ask." He grinned deviously at her. "Now, do it."
She failed to grasp his meaning, and blinked. "Do what?"
His grin widened. "Ask me to take you to Greenwood."
She scoffed. "Excuse you!"
He tried not to laugh. "I am serious. Now, little one, ask me."
"Forget it. I'd rather return to Rivendell instead." She crossed her arms.
Still, he insisted and demanded. "Ask me, or you'll never see your bluebells or little foxes again. Come on. It is an easy task; even an elfling can do it."
She groaned in defeat. "Fine. Will you take me with you to Greenwood?"
He didn't react. She groaned again. "You didn't say please," Thranduil added teasingly.
"What?! Are you kidding me?" She rolled her eyes. "I already said it and do not make me repeat myself!"
And Thranduil looked at her in amusement. She was most likely the most entertaining elf for years. He certainly enjoyed her company, her quirks and naïve mindset, but the sharpness of her tongue had always interested him. He would love to keep her around the palace during winter, especially when that was the time he was always cooped up inside. The King Oropher would want to have a chat with her. All would be good. But his problem was Erestor, only Erestor.
He smirked. "If you won't say please, then you might as well just beg me. I don't take casual elves traveling with me. And you are no different from an ordinary one. What makes you think you can travel with a prince that easily?"
Erynlith threw a pillow at him, and it hit him right on the face. "Would you stop being so narcissistic for like, what, thirty minutes? You sound so impressed about yourself. Remember that you are only a prince because your father is the king. Members of the royalty usually gain their positions through bloodline and connections, and you are no different. Even Amroth is the same. Now, don't you brag your title to me, Thranduil."
He looked at her in disbelief. It was supposed to be a jest, intended for further teasing, but he knew the game was over, and Erynlith was serious about she said. Did she just imply that he didn't deserve his position as prince? It was the last thing he expected from her, from a person who barely knew him. He was insulted more than he anticipated.
Abruptly, Thranduil stood up, almost knocking off his chair in the process. He refused to look at her as he went to the doorway and slammed the door shut. He left without a word, and Erynlith knew why he was upset. And she didn't regret it. She believed it was the truth. Elves always took pride into their lineage, always finding ways to gloat it to other people: gloat about their descendant's achievements, of their valour, and basically everything that had nothing to do with the person. Who would even care if your third cousin's brother's wife's step-niece's great aunt married someone's first cousin, twice removed?
She sank back into her bed, her jaws clenched tight. What she said was an honest opinion, and she did not need to please him. But as the time passed, her stiff demeanour softened, and she realized her mistake. Not only she insulted Thranduil, but also blew her only chance of returning to Greenwood. He would never allow her to enter their place ever again. Slowly, ever so slowly, she slipped from her bed and began to pack her things.
Thranduil was ready to leave. He had said his farewell to King Amdír and Amroth, and Nimrodel was there also. Some of the marchwardens were kind enough to wish him a safe travel. He was also given few gifts to bring back for King Oropher. And as he was clothed in his usual traveling clothes, his white horse was ready to be mounted. He visited the steed inside the stables, and began fix his things on the back.
His mind wandered back to his conversation with Erynlith. He could not get over with it, and whenever he remembered exactly what she said, his anger flared again. But he was relieved that he wouldn't be able to hear from her again, now that she would return to Rivendell, and he to Greenwood. Home.
A soft knock on the wooden gates took his attention. He turned and the person he was just thinking of showed up. She was clad in her usual blue tunic and dark trousers, and a grey cloak hung about her shoulders. She was wearing a thin, awkward smile as she entered; a small pack was slung above her shoulder.
Thranduil wanted to remain dauntless. "What do you want?"
She bit her lip, not expecting that kind of a cold treatment. She stepped forward and poked her head to see what he was doing. He was adjusting the headstall of his white horse, which neighed softly.
"I wanted to know if your offer still stands, about returning with you in Greenwood…"
He paused but did not look at her.
So, Erynlith continued: "I know what I said earlier. And what I said was my honest opinion, but I did not mean to offend you, Thranduil. I have no idea how much you are upset about it, and I am worried that you will stay angry at me for a long time. And I really want to return to Greenwood with you. So, please accept my apology. It was really my mistake in the first place."
With that, she bowed low before him.
He turned to face her as she straightened herself. Her eyes moved away from his, avoiding eye contact. She felt silly for apologizing; she rarely apologized, and she often apologized if she was forced to do so. But this apology was sincere; they both knew it. Thranduil reached out for her chin and pulled her back to face him, eyes locking with each other, grey and blue.
"There is nothing to forgive," he said quietly, a smile finally creeping on his lips. "Yes, I was terribly upset, but I cannot bring it to myself to stay mad for so long. And I am happy that you want to come with me. But what about Erestor? Does he know already?"
Erynlith laughed as she went to approach her own black horse. Arcastar neighed and reared eagerly. "Yes, he does know already. I asked for his permission, and it is never easy to make him agree into things. But I have my ways to make him say yes."
Thranduil looked amused. "Really now? Maybe I should let you try and persuade me."
"When we get to Greenwood, maybe I'll try." She mounted her horse, and he followed.
The two of them mustered their horses outside the stables, and there were many elves waiting to say goodbye to them. Amroth and Nimrodel were the front liners, with the lady talking in her dialect that made Erynlith's ears hurt. Thranduil laughed and answered Nimrodel on her behalf, and Amroth said his farewells. Erestor stood behind a tree, making sure his distance was not too close, and watched them. He was about to set out for Rivendell himself, and he thought it would be hard to part ways with Erynlith if he said goodbye. Besides that, he was confident enough that Erynlith would be safe in Greenwood, with the Prince Thranduil watching over her every once in a while.
Soon, they left Lórinand and passed from the sights of the elves there. All of them waved. And the sun was setting down; in a few hours, they would reach Greenwood, and Erynlith would have to stay there for as long as she'd like. She mentally thanked Thranduil for his understanding of the situation. Unknown to both of them, it was not the devouring of pride that brought them back together, but the invisible red string of fate that connected them.
Next Chapter: Erynlith gets too friendly with King Oropher's counsellor, much to Thranduil's irritation.
Author's Notes: Have you watched the new trailer of The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies? It was really amazing! Watching the elves in action gets me all hyped up! And the Dol Guldur scene! ASDFGHJKDGHJ. At the same time, it made me very emotional, especially with that scene with Thorin and Kili. You know what happens to them! ◕︵◕ I won't be able to contain my feels when I watch it in the cinemas.
Moving on! Some random thing with Thrandy and Eryn, with a little mash-up with Nimrodel's weird Silvan language. Poor Eryn, but good thing there's Thrandy to the rescue! Hoped you liked this one. I'll try to update as soon as I can. School's been getting to me lately. *sigh*
*Rousdower - Nimrodel should work on her Westron101. Maybe Erestor offers a class or something... LOL
*xSiriuslyPadfoot - Yep, sorry, dear! Thrandy was out of the spotlight last chapter. I'll include more of his sass in the next chapters!
*DeLacus - Nim-Nim and Amroth That sounds great! And Erestor needs to be partnered up with someone!
*Oriana5 - Thank you! There are also Eowyn and Arwen for girl power! Erynlith does follow Thranduil back to Greenwood. This should be interesting...