Chapter Text
“A Light from the shadows will spring” Tolkien
I creep silently from our shared quarters here in Lord Elrond’s home for I have no desire to wake my sleeping dragon, Gimli son of Gloin.
We have been here on Tol Eressëa for almost a full moon turn, and yet he has not relaxed his vigilance in the least. It is beginning to chafe me. Can he not see that I am recovered, that I no longer need a full time caregiver; that I do not have to be wrapped in cotton and kept safe?
I sound ungrateful and I do not wish to be so. I am aware of how much my present condition is due to his care of me in the last decade or more. Had it not been for Gimli’s indomitable determination I would have succumbed to the sea-longing far earlier. As it was he managed to keep me more or less hale right until the last year on Arda. Even then had I not suffered from a telling blow with the death of Estel I believe Gimli may have managed to keep me in Ithilien en-Edhil for a few years more.
As it was, in the midst of my grief for my friend, the sea longing managed to slip past my defences and I succumbed fully to its power. I have only very hazy memories of those last months. Gimli says that things were not so bad but I do not believe him. I have seen the toll it took on him. He was exhausted, and he had lost so much weight. That thought makes me smile, for his constant cry is that I do not eat sufficient to keep a sparrow alive but he obviously neglected his own health so that he could care for me. Lord Elrond has provided him with a tonic, and insists that he gets sufficient rest. I am beginning to suspect that the tonic actually contains a sleeping draft for as soon as he drinks it Gimli nods off but if that is the case I am saying nothing for it certainly seems to be working and Gimli is recovering his strength and is looking much more like the dwarf lord he is.
Of course welcome as this change is, there are drawbacks one of which is the fact that he now has the energy to turn his full attention to me when all I really want is some time and space for myself.
I have tried to explain both to my hirsute guardian and to Lord Elrond who as a healer has self-interest in keeping those who have had the misfortune to be taken ill, ill that I am quite well and have no need for their ministrations but they do not listen.
Therefore, I am intent on showing them that I am indeed well and no longer need their well-meaning but unnecessary attentions.
Finding myself outside at last, I sprint for the garden and the trees beyond and leap up into their welcoming branches. The trees here are similar to those of home, my old home I mean in Eryn Lasgalen and of course they are accustomed to elves just as the forests about Taur-othrond so their branches dip as I spring upwards. I find I am still astonished by the fact that I can hear their voices so clearly. For so many years their song was muted and diminished by the call of the sea.
The joy I take in this cannot be put into mere words. It is as if I am truly alive again after so many years of being cut off from the song of the trees. I feel quite giddy and laugh aloud as the leaves of the beech I am standing in brush against my skin, then I am off racing through the canopy, soaring from one to the next, running across the branches and summersaulting into the next tree just as I once did back on Arda. It is so liberating that I just want to go on and on and never stop.
Eventually however, I realise that I have travelled far beyond the grounds of Elrond’s home. Still I do not care. I do stop but only to admire the glorious scenery. We have seen very little of the island yet. When we first arrived I was so ill I hardly knew who I was never mind where I was. Of course, I am so much improved now that I do not understand why it is that Gimli and Lord Elrond are so reluctant to let me beyond the boundaries of New Imladris. For now I content myself with enjoying the view. I can even see the sea from my present vantage point high in a pine tree. I can look upon it now without any pain or desire to go towards it. Apparently once an elf sets foot in the undying lands the sea longing disappears as swiftly as it arrived. Its effects on my physical health have taken longer to dissipate but I am now, in my opinion at least, fully recovered no matter what Lord Elrond says. The trembling in my limbs is merely the result of the exercise and the thundering in my ears will soon go away. I close my eyes and concentrate on listening to the breeze through the tree tops and let my mind wander along its own pathways for a while.
Inevitably my thoughts go back to the sea journey. I do not wish to relive my final farewells to Arda -they are still too painful and raw-but I am fascinated by the actual sea voyage mainly because I recall so little of it. I know Gimli and I watched until even my eyes could no longer see land and it was only then that we set our faces to the West. The ship we had built was easy enough to sail and steer. The wind carried us out into the sea towards the sunset and then there was a tug as we reached the straight road that would carry us to Elvenhome. Gimli and I exchanged relieved smiles as we felt the ship move under its own power for although we had never discussed it, and Gimli had always presented a completely confident mien whenever anyone asked if he was certain he would be allowed to take ship into the West, I know both of us had unspoken doubts .
With the decision made and the journey begun, we settled on the deck and I remember no more until Gimli woke me as the Tower of Avallónë came in sight. How many days we had been at sea I do not know and Gimli seems to be reluctant to tell me. He just says, “It is over now Lamb let it go.” It is very frustrating and another example of his mothering. I need to remind him I am not a child and am now more than capable of looking out for myself and making my own decisions.
The noon bell rings out from New Imladris calling its denizens to midday meal. Evidently I must have fallen asleep for the sound wakes me up. Gimli will be wondering where I am. I ought to go back.
Then my attention is claimed by another set of bells, these from the tower of Avallónë. I yawn and stand up looking in its direction. The tower was the first thing I saw when I woke on the ship it stands on the cliffs above the city the bells call me but which one am I to listen to well that is easy I have wanted to visit Avallónë since we arrived I may as well take this opportunity.
My decision made, I make my way through the trees until I find a path that leads into the town. I drop down onto it and stroll towards what I assume will be the centre of the town for there is a square with a fountain playing and bright stalls set up about the walls.
The architecture here is similar in style to Minas Tirith; white stone buildings with many of the houses having window boxes filled with summer flowers, but the roofs here are made of red shingles and the voices tempting folk to buy their wares are elven ones.
Another difference here is the number of elflings running around laughing and playing together. That is something I missed when I was growing up for I was the last elf born on Arda by over two thousand years. I watch them for a little while then turn my attention back to the market, investigating the stalls and just enjoying being out on my own. I garner one or two curious glances but I avoid making eye contact with anyone. I have no desire to be noticed or recognised and I am about to return to New Imladris when my eyes are caught by a sign swinging above the frontage of an inn. It is called ‘The Greenwood’.
Of course, it would be rude not to go in, so I push open the door and slip inside. I have a few coins in my belt pouch, sufficient to buy food or a drink. The inn is busy and many of the tables having been taken. I make for the far corner where a settle is placed near a window from here I can watch what is going on without calling attention to myself.
The proprietor having served other customers comes over smiling and asking how he might serve me. “I have not seen you here before young sir, yet somehow you are familiar to me. I feel as if I should know you. Are you new to the island?”
“Relatively,” I say, anxious not to encourage his interest or to admit to who I am, “What do you recommend?”
“The sweet cider is very good”
I feel like rolling my eyes and telling him I have been drinking wine for more than three hundred years, but instead I nod and tell him that will be fine. He departs and I gaze after him in some perplexity for just as he seems to think I am someone he should know his voice and walk seem familiar to me.
I sip my drink and listen to the talk going on about me and still trying to place the proprietor. Then one of the clientele calls his name.
“Here Master Duvên come and settle an argument will you.”
At last I am able to place the name with a face. When I was first inducted into the warrior brigade one of the eastern patrol members was an ellon called Duvênion. Duvênion was a good warrior, handy with bow and blade and always ready with a song or story to while away the long nights on watch. He took ship just after I was made a Captain but he came to wish me well before he left for the Havens. The owner of the Greenwood must be his Adar, for as I watch him more closely I see so many mannerisms that remind me of Duvênion.
Perhaps it was not such a good idea to come in here after all. I decide to finish my drink and leave as unobtrusively as possible. This plan is thwarted as the door at the rear of the inn opens and several ellyn enter. A voice I recognise as Duvênion’s calls out to his Ada for wine.
“We have made the delivery Ada, and heard some wonderful news. Our Prince is come home.”
There are cheers and conversations break out all around the inn. I slip down in my seat, leaning well back into the settle so that my face is hidden. I feel the heat of a blush on my cheeks and can only hope no one notices me.
Duvênion is now relating the story about my arrival.
“Lord Legolas brought his companion of the quest with him apparently, Gimli son of Gloin. The Valar having granted him passage as they did Lord Frodo, Lord Bilbo and Samwise Gamgee.”
“But where are they now?” Someone asks
“Staying with Lord Elrond and the Lady Celebrian so I was told, for Lord Legolas fought the sea-longing for so long he was quite unwell when he arrived.”
“Our poor Prince, but what is he like Duvênion? You were in the Brigades with him were you not?”
“Aye, that I was. He was youngest elf ever to join, and do not be thinking it was because he was the son of the king that he was so favoured. The young prince was held to a higher standard than any other warrior. And he greatest archer ever seen on Arda too.”
“But you say he has brought a dwarf with him?” Another less enthusiastic voice calls out.
I feel my hackles begin to rise but I do not need to defend Gimli it seems for others are already saying that Lord Gimli was named Elvellon by the Elvenking himself and that he became my constant companion.
“King Thranduil named him so? Well then this Lord Gimli must be something special indeed. I wish there was someone here who could tell us more about him.”
I could answer that of course although there are parts of our relationship which I would never give voice to willingly. It make me squirm even to think of anyone here finding out about it.
“Maybe there is,” Now Duvên speaks up, “we have someone here who has only recently arrived on the island. Perhaps he knows more,” he moves over to where I am sitting, and looks down at me, and then his eyes widen and I see recognition in his face. “King Thranduil!”
“Eh?” His son shakes his head at his dumfounded sire, “Our King still resides in Eryn Galen Ada.”
“He may but his son does not. I knew you looked familiar,” Duvên tells me. “Prince Legolas welcome to my home.”
I feel every eye in the inn turn in my direction and know there is no point now in attempting to dissemble. Therefore, I smile and answer that I am happy to be here, and then the place erupts in cheering, laughter and offers to buy me a drink As long as it is not sweet cider, I am happy to accept.
I wake to find myself lying on a bed in a strange bedroom with a comfortable looking elleth bathing my brow with a lavender soaked cloth.
“Ah there you are. ow are you feeling now? Really they should have known better than to ply you with all that drink, and you just arrived on the island! Now you lie still and get some rest. There is nothing to worry about now.”
I close my eyes and wonder just how true that statement is going to be once Gimli hears of this.
I hear her moving about the room for a moment or two and then she leaves closing the door softly behind her. I raise myself on my elbows and realise with a shock that I am naked from the waist up, My shirt and tunic are both missing. It does not take me long to realise why this is, for my memory which can be decidedly faulty sometimes, decides now is the time for perfect recall. I was violently sick, just before I passed out. I give a groan as other memories crowd in, the laughter the questions, the real pleasure so many seemed to take in my presence, and of course the drinks.
Duvênion offered me wine but others were not so circumspect and of course instead of civilly refusing them as would be sensible, I was happy to accept even though Lord Elrond had warned me that my tolerance to alcohol would be badly affected by the lingering effects of the sea longing. Also, in the last years on Arda I had given up all alcoholic beverages, so my system is not accustomed to strong spirits. However, I chose to ignore all of that advice. Buoyed up by the welcome I received, I accepted the drinks that were pressed upon me. It obviously went very quickly to my head for I remember singing the rather raucous songs that used to be popular amongst the brigades with rather more gusto than was proper, and then I offered to show everyone how to dance like a dwarf. I close my eyes to try and blot out the mental picture that is forming but it refuses to fade. I can see myself climbing onto a table, stamping my feet and clapping, the young Ellyn around me encouraging me by joining in with the chorus and demanding I showed them more steps.
The return of Duvên put paid to that, but by then it was too late for me. I stumbled as I was helped down from the table took too deep a swallow of the draught given into my hand and then the final disgrace. I must have turned a shade of green, for I clearly remember someone making a quip about my name and my face colour before Duvên hustled me outside into the garden and I was vilely sick.
My mortification is complete! What a way for a prince of Eryn Lasgalen to conduct himself, not to mention the heart son of a great dwarven lord. I give another moan, which brings the Elleth back into the room carrying a basin. I wave it away with an apology saying I am well enough which is not exactly truth but close enough. I doubt there is anything left in my stomach to be expelled.
“My apologies Mistress,” I mumble. “I seem to have caused you a great deal of trouble.”
“Well now,” the landlady puts down the bowl and I see she is also carrying my shirt and tunic over her arm, “It will not be the first time I have had to deal with someone overindulging. Mind, I have never known anyone react quite as dramatically as you did Lord Legolas. Oh do not blush up so. My husband has warned all of those foolish Ellyn to keep what happened to themselves and to say nothing of having seen you here today. I would suggest you speak with Lord Elrond when you get back to New Imladris however.”
Foolishly I have to ask why and the elleth is not loathe to answer me.
“Well now, he must have considered you more recovered than you actually are, or he would never have given you the all clear to come out today. He is usually so careful to make sure those who arrive after crossing the Sundering seas having been afflicted with the sea longing are given plenty of time to acclimatise to their new home. My sister who works in the kitchens in New Imladris told me only a day or so ago that he is planning a feast at which he will introduce both you and Lord Gimli to the important folk of Avallónë ,but he would not give her a day yet as he was waiting to see how you both fared. He will be shocked to hear that he miscalculated so badly this time. You will be sure to tell him won’t you Lord Legolas?“
“Of course,” I answer as she hands me my now clean shirt, and I will tell him, just not for the next yeni or so. I this whole debacle can be kept quiet then then I will be happy! Of course that will depend on my being able to get back without anyone noticing I have been beyond the boundaries of New Imladris.
“Thank you for cleaning my clothing I am in your debt Mistress …”
“Lyraesel” she supplies with a smile. “Think nothing of it. If you are feeling well enough my son will take you back to the Homely House. He has the horse harnessed to the cart and if you slip out the back way no one will notice your departure.”
I stand tugging down my tunic and tidying my hair before taking her hand and kissing it.
“I am in your debt Mistress Lyraesel and I apologise again. My conduct has fallen far short of what should be expected of me. I hope it will not give you a disgust of our house.”
“Get away with you,” she answers smoothing my collar in a very motherly fashion. “No real harm done and no need to concern yourself that the tale will spread. If any ask here we will deny having seen you. Now you get yourself home and well again, and when you are fully recovered The Greenwood Inn will welcome you with open arms should you wish to visit us again.”
Knowing how fortunate I am to be shown such forbearance and forgiveness, I promise that I will visit again and bring Lord Gimli with me.
“For he is very fond of ale and good company.” I tell her which at least is truth.
After that I make my rather sheepish goodbyes to my host and hostess and allow Duvênion, who is full of his own apologies for allowing things to get out of hand, to take me as far as the main entrance to New Imladris . Once he has departed I slip over the wall with the help of a friendly beech tree and make my way back to the house already framing my excuses for my lengthy absence. I decide I will just say that I fell asleep and hope I am not questioned too closely after that.