Disclaimers: I don't own any characters or settings from Lord of the Rings.

Act VI

Chapter 45: Rising Conflicts

Arien walked away from the gardens, her heart pounding with frustration and anger. The cool night air did little to calm her as she made her way toward the study chamber where Elrond awaited her. The serene beauty of Rivendell, with its cascading waterfalls and twinkling lights, contrasted sharply with the turmoil within her.

She replayed the argument with Legolas in her mind, each word fueling her irritation. They had barely managed to co-exist on the journey back to Rivendell, exchanging barbs and thinly veiled insults masked as formalities. Just when she thought they might find a way to be more amicable, another heated exchange had flared up. This argument had felt different—deeper, more intense, and it left her feeling a need to prove herself.

As she approached Elrond's study, Arien took a deep breath, attempting to compose herself. She could not afford to let her emotions cloud her judgment now. Elrond was expecting her, and there were important matters to discuss.

The large wooden door to Elrond's study stood ajar, the warm light spilling out into the corridor. She stepped inside, the familiar scent of aged parchment and herbal incense greeting her. Elrond was seated behind a grand wooden desk, his expression calm and welcoming. Arwen stood nearby, her presence adding a sense of comfort to the room.

"Arien," Elrond greeted her with a gentle smile. "Please, come in."

Arien nodded and stepped further into the room, her irritation still simmering beneath the surface. She took a seat opposite Elrond, noticing the concern in his eyes. He could sense her agitation, and it only made her more determined to regain her composure.

"I trust your journey was uneventful?" Elrond inquired, his voice calm and soothing.

"Uneventful, yes," Arien replied, her tone sharper than intended. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Forgive me, I am just... tired."

Elrond nodded, his eyes filled with understanding. "The road back to Rivendell can be taxing, especially after all that has transpired. You are among family here, Arien. There is no need to mask your feelings."

Arwen stepped closer, placing a comforting hand on Arien's shoulder. "We have all been through so much. It is only natural to feel overwhelmed."

Arien's resolve wavered for a moment, the support of her family easing some of her tension. She looked up at Elrond, her eyes softening. "Thank you. It has been a challenging journey, and I suppose I am still adjusting to being back."

Elrond nodded. "Understandable. We have much to discuss, but first, tell me how you are feeling. Truly."

Arien took a moment to gather her thoughts. "I am relieved to be back, but there are so many conflicting emotions. I feel as though I have something to prove, not just to myself but to others as well."

Elrond leaned forward, his expression gentle. "You have nothing to prove, Arien. Your courage and strength have already been demonstrated countless times. But if there is something specific troubling you, know that we are here to support you."

Arien hesitated, then decided to confide in them. "It is Legolas. We argue constantly, and it feels as though we cannot find common ground. I know he means well, but his concern comes off as condescending, and it frustrates me."

Arwen smiled softly. "Legolas is a proud and noble elf, but he is not infallible. He, too, is learning to navigate these new times. Perhaps he sees in you a strength he respects but does not fully understand."

Elrond nodded in agreement. "It is possible that he struggles with his own emotions and expresses them in ways that come across as harsh. Give it time, Arien. Understanding often comes from continued patience and open dialogue."

Arien sighed, feeling a bit more at ease. "I will try. It is just... difficult."

Elrond reached out, placing a reassuring hand on hers. "Remember, you are not alone in this. We are here for you, always."

Arien nodded, her heart feeling lighter. "Thank you. I needed to hear that."

They talked for a little longer, and although Arien had not noticed it, there was a strange comfort in her actions and demeanor. She went to see Elrond and Arwen, confiding in them with a problem as she would with close family and friends. Elrond was pleased, seeing his younger daughter, full of life, speaking to him about everyday matters.

In truth, neither he nor Arwen believed the arguments with Legolas were that serious. They knew Legolas well and trusted his character. Even if Arien could be a bit too much at times, they trusted that Legolas would be able to balance things.

Oh, how wrong they were.

The days that followed were filled with preparations to have Arwen ready to ride back to Gondor. From Elrond, the twins, Arien, and Legolas would escort her. Later, they would be joined by Haldir and a few of his men, along with Galadriel and Celeborn.

Dinner had started peacefully enough, the Great Hall of Rivendell filled with the soft murmur of conversation and the clinking of silverware. The glow of the candlelight reflected off the polished wood of the long dining table, and the smell of roasted cheese and freshly baked bread filled the air.

Elrond sat at the head of the table, his serene expression reflecting the calm he hoped would prevail. Arwen was seated beside him, her presence a calming influence. Across the table, Arien sat between Elladan and Elrohir, who were engaged in a lively discussion about the preparations for their journey. Legolas sat further down, his face a mask of tranquility, though his eyes occasionally flicked toward Arien.

The tension between them had been palpable since their return, but both had managed to keep their tempers in check until now. The conversation flowed easily until Glorfindel, with his usual curiosity, asked a seemingly innocent question about their travels.

"So, Arien, Legolas, what were the most challenging parts of your journey back to Rivendell?" Glorfindel inquired, his eyes twinkling with genuine interest.

Arien opened her mouth to respond, but Legolas beat her to it. "Navigating through the rough terrain was arduous, but with our combined skills, we managed well," he said, his tone even and controlled.

Arien's eyes narrowed slightly. "Indeed, but I would say dealing with certain attitudes was the most challenging," she retorted, her voice edged with sarcasm.

Legolas's gaze sharpened, though his expression remained impassive. "If by attitudes, you mean ensuring everyone's safety and adherence to necessary precautions, then I am guilty as charged," he replied, his voice cool.

Arien's temper flared. "Oh, please, your idea of necessary precautions is overly cautious and often condescending. You act like everyone else is incapable of handling themselves."

"And you, Lady Arien, seem to think that recklessness equates to bravery," Legolas shot back, his formal tone barely concealing his irritation.

Elladan and Elrohir exchanged glances, sensing the brewing storm. Elrond's eyes darkened slightly, his patience wearing thin. Arwen placed a gentle hand on his arm, trying to soothe him.

"Recklessness?" Arien scoffed. "You mean the ability to make quick decisions and adapt to changing situations. Not everyone has the luxury of living in a sheltered realm."

Legolas's composure finally cracked. "And not everyone needs to prove their worth through rash actions and disrespect for tradition!"

Arien stood abruptly, her chair scraping loudly against the floor. "Disrespect for tradition? Is that what you call thinking for oneself? You, with your treehopper mentality, wouldn't understand half of what it means to face real danger!"

"Enough!" Elrond's voice cut through the argument like a knife, his tone leaving no room for disobedience. "Both of you will retire to your rooms immediately. This behavior is unbecoming and will not be tolerated at this table."

Arien glared at Legolas one last time before storming out of the hall, her steps echoing angrily down the corridor. Legolas remained seated for a moment, his jaw clenched, before he too rose and left the hall with a stiff bow to Elrond.

The silence that followed was thick with disbelief. Glorfindel shook his head slightly, a rueful smile on his lips. "I had no idea such passion lay beneath their composed exteriors," he murmured.

Elrond sighed deeply. "Passion is well and good, but they must learn to temper it with wisdom and respect. We have enough challenges ahead without internal strife."

Arwen nodded, her expression one of gentle concern. "They will learn, Father. They must. For all our sakes."

The following days were filled with meticulous preparations for Arwen's journey to Gondor. Arien and Legolas managed to avoid each other for the most part, their interactions brief and strained. The air in Rivendell was charged with a mix of anticipation and lingering tension.

As the days of their departure drew near, Arien shed her gowns and returned to her preferred attire of leggings and tunics. She found comfort in the practicality of her clothing, a stark contrast to the formal gowns that seemed to constrain her spirit. She longed for Gimli's presence, his hearty laughter and grounded wisdom a much-needed respite from the tensions that had arisen. She attempted to talk with Elladan, but found him frustratingly supportive of Legolas.

"Bloody elf," she muttered under her breath as she made her way to see Arwen. They had planned to choose gowns for the coronation, a task that should lift her spirits. As she walked, she noticed Legolas deep in conversation with Elladan. A pang of curiosity struck her, and she couldn't help but eavesdrop, hoping her brother might finally see her side of things.

Elladan had already discussed Arien's confrontations with Legolas, expressing concern over their escalating conflicts. Legolas assured him he would try to maintain peace, though he doubted his ability to do so with Arien's unpredictable nature.

When Arien approached, she saw Elladan and Legolas engaged in what seemed like a friendly exchange. It irked her to no end, making her feel like the odd one out. "So, you've decided to take his side completely?" she snapped at Elladan. "I shouldn't be surprised, should I?"

Elladan tried to interject, but Arien cut him off, turning her ire toward Legolas. "And you, Prince Legolas, always the model of perfection, aren't you?"

Legolas's eyes flashed with irritation. "Lady Arien, you misunderstand. We were merely discussing—"

"Discussing how I'm the problem, no doubt!" Arien interrupted, her voice rising.

Elladan, sensing the brewing storm, tried to calm his sister. "Arien, that's not what we—"

"Save it, Elladan!" Arien snapped, her gaze fixed on Legolas. "I expected nothing less from you, Legolas."

Legolas's patience wore thin. "Lady Arien, your assumptions are unfounded. If you would only listen—"

"Listen? To more of your condescending remarks?" Arien retorted, her temper flaring.

Elladan stepped back, realizing the futility of his intervention. Legolas and Arien's argument intensified, their voices growing louder as they moved away from him. Their exchange was sharp and filled with underlying tension, each word laced with frustration and unspoken grievances.

"You always think you know best, don't you?" Arien accused, her eyes flashing.

Legolas's calm demeanor began to crack. "And you always assume the worst of me, without trying to understand!"

"Understand what? That you're perfect and everyone else is flawed?" Arien shot back, her sarcasm biting.

Legolas took a deep breath, struggling to maintain his composure. "No, that we all have our strengths and weaknesses. Perhaps if you weren't so quick to judge—"

"Judge? You've done nothing but judge me since we met!" Arien's voice was near a shout now.

Their argument continued a whirlwind of accusations and defenses, neither willing to back down. They had moved into a secluded part of the garden, the lush greenery offering a stark contrast to their heated exchange. The air was thick with tension, and it seemed as if the very plants around them held their breath, waiting for the storm to pass.

Finally, Legolas stopped his expression a mix of frustration and resignation. "This is pointless, Lady Arien. We are only hurting ourselves with these endless arguments."

Arien glared at him, her chest heaving with anger. "Then perhaps we should stay out of each other's way."

"Perhaps we should," Legolas agreed, though there was a note of sadness in his voice.

With that, they turned away from each other, the silence between them more profound than any words. Arien stormed off towards Arwen's chambers, her anger simmering just below the surface. She needed to focus on the task at hand, to remind herself of the greater purpose they all served.

As she walked, her thoughts churned. Why did Legolas always get under her skin? And why, despite their arguments, did she feel a strange connection to him? She shook her head, trying to clear her mind as she approached Arwen's room.

Inside, Arwen greeted her with a warm smile. "Arien, you look troubled. Is everything alright?"

Arien forced a smile. "Just the usual, Arwen. Let's choose those gowns, shall we?"

They spent the next hour sorting through the delicate fabrics and intricate designs, Arien's mood slowly lifting in the company of her sister. Arwen's gentle presence was a balm to her frayed nerves, and by the time they finished, Arien felt more at peace.

Rivendell basked in a rare tranquility as Arien and Legolas continued to avoid each other. During this time, Arien spent cherished moments with Arwen and Elrond, strengthening the family bonds that had been strained by the trials of recent years. Their conversations were deeper and more meaningful, touching on subjects they had long neglected. This period of peace was a welcome respite before the looming journey to Gondor.

The day before their departure, Arien proposed a farewell fest for Arwen, inspired by celebrations from her previous world. Elrond, seeing the value in such an event, readily agreed. It was the first time Arien felt a genuine desire to celebrate, and she threw herself into the preparations with enthusiasm.

The fest was a sight to behold. Lanterns of silver and gold adorned the trees, casting a warm, inviting glow. Tables were set with fine elven linens and laden with an array of delicacies: fresh fruits, honey cakes, and roasted cheese, all prepared with the care and artistry for which the elves were known. Elven musicians played soft melodies on harps and flutes, their music mingling with the laughter and chatter of the guests.

Arien worked closely with the other elves, directing the placement of decorations and ensuring that every detail was perfect. She felt a sense of accomplishment as she saw the fest come to life, a testament to her newfound connection with her heritage.

The dinner began with a serene atmosphere. Guests mingled and conversed, enjoying the food and drink. Arien and Legolas exchanged glares across the table, their unresolved tension simmering beneath the surface. The evening was progressing smoothly until a seemingly innocuous comment from Glorfindel sparked a heated exchange.

"Arien, I must say, your efforts in organizing this fest are commendable," Glorfindel remarked. "It's almost as if you were born for such gatherings."

Arien smiled politely, but her eyes flicked to Legolas, who looked unimpressed. "Thank you, Glorfindel. It was a collaborative effort."

Legolas couldn't resist. "Indeed, but I wonder if it's wise to expend so much energy on festivities when we have a long journey ahead."

Arien's eyes narrowed. "Are you suggesting that this celebration is a waste of time, Prince Legolas?"

"I merely question the necessity of such elaborate preparations," Legolas replied, his tone cool and measured.

Arien's temper flared. "Not everything has to be about necessity, Prince Legolas. Sometimes, we need to embrace moments of joy and camaraderie."

"Joy and camaraderie are important, but not at the expense of practicality," Legolas retorted.

The argument escalated quickly. Voices rose, and guests turned to watch the unfolding scene.

"You always think you know best," Arien snapped. "Just because you're a prince doesn't mean you can dictate how we should live."

"And you think that reckless abandon is the way to live?" Legolas countered, his voice tinged with frustration.

Their exchange grew more heated, and in a moment of anger, Legolas grabbed Arien's arm to emphasize his point. "You need to understand that there are consequences to your actions."

Arien wrenched her arm free, her eyes blazing. "Don't you dare touch me like that! You have no right!"

The intensity of their argument was palpable. Arien's hand lashed out, shoving Legolas away. He stepped back, his face a mask of controlled anger. "This is exactly what I'm talking about—your impulsiveness will get you into trouble."

"And your arrogance will be your downfall," Arien shot back, her voice shaking with fury.

Before the situation could escalate further, Elrond stepped in, his voice commanding and stern. "Enough! Both of you. This behavior is unacceptable."

The room fell silent as everyone looked on, shocked by the confrontation. Elrond's gaze was stern, his disappointment evident. "You will both retire to your rooms immediately. This discord cannot continue."

Arien and Legolas glared at each other one last time before turning on their heels and leaving the hall. The festive atmosphere was shattered, replaced by an uneasy quiet. As they walked away, the gravity of their actions began to sink in.

Back in her room, Arien paced, her mind racing. She felt a confusing mix of anger and regret. She knew that something had to change, but she couldn't see a way forward. Meanwhile, in his room, Legolas struggled with similar feelings, torn between his sense of duty and his growing frustration with Arien.

The fest, which had started as a joyous occasion, ended on a note of tension and unresolved conflict. The journey ahead promised to be challenging, not just because of the physical distance, but because of the emotional chasms that needed to be bridged.

When the day finally arrived for their departure, the company gathered in the courtyard. Arwen, radiant and serene, stood ready to embark on her journey. Elrond, the twins, Arien, and Legolas would escort her, their presence a testament to the unity and strength of their purpose. Haldir and his men, along with Galadriel and Celeborn, would join them later.

As they mounted their horses, the morning sun cast long shadows on the ground, signaling the start of their journey. The road ahead was uncertain, but they were united in their mission to ensure Arwen's safe passage to Gondor. Despite the arguments and tensions, they all knew the importance of their task and the need to work together.

Arien glanced at Legolas, who was mounting his horse with practiced grace. Their eyes met briefly, a silent acknowledgment of their shared purpose. As they rode out of Rivendell, the beauty of the elven realm behind them, they each carried the hope that their differences would be set aside for the greater good.

The journey was not just a physical one, but a test of their resolve, unity, and the strength of their bonds. The future of Middle-earth depended on their ability to overcome their personal conflicts and work together as a cohesive unit. And so, with determination and hope, they set forth on the path that lay ahead.

((Upcoming Chapter Forty - Six))

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