𝐈𝐋𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐄̈ || A.

𝟎𝟎𝟔 ⸺ the reunion

''Father,'' Legolas and Iladya greet in unison. Legolas bows at the waist while Iladya drops a curtsy.
''I have received word from Lord Elrond,'' Thranduil says. ''He has summoned a secret council. They say the One Ring has been found.'' Iladya masks her expression as she realises Frodo is in grave danger. Legolas steals a glance from his sister. They have never told their father what they knew about the Ring.
''I will need you to go on our behalf,'' he says. The two Captains bow at the waist, just as the Elves standing behind them. The two turn around to leave, but their father calls them back.
''I need you to be careful,'' he speaks from the bottom of his heart. ''I do not know what will follow. I need you to look after each other, jsut like like past three thousand years. The time of the Elves is over and I wish for us to sail to the Undying Lands together.'' A shiver runs down Iladya's spine. She hasn't intended to sail to the Undying Lands after she met Aragorn, however... She is not sure.
"We will look out for each other," Legolas speaks. The corners of Thranduil's mouth curl upward as he closes his eyes while bowing his head.
"Very well," he says. "May our paths cross." The Elves standing before him now their heads before leaving the throne room. Besides her romantically broken heart, her heart aches for leaving Mirkwood to the evil of Dol Guldur.
"He will manage," Legolas comforts. "He has been ruling these lands for ages. He knows how to keep his people safe." Iladya sends him a faint and she knows her father is capable of great defending... It is still her father though.

While the Elves prepare to leave Mirkwood, Aragorn has found himself accompanied by four Hobbits chased by the Ringwraiths. Frodo has been stabbed with a Morgul blade by the Witch King of Angmar. He tasked Sam and himself to search for the Kingsfoil plant to slow down the poison in Frodo's blood.
While he presses the plant on Frodo's wound, Glorfindel of Rivendell finds him and rides for Rivendell. Aragorn and the three Hobbits made their four-day journey to Rivendell.

With the days, people from Middle-Earth arrive in Rivendell to answer the call of Lord Elrond. Legolas and Iladya enter the familiar grounds of Imladris. A trail of memories shot through her mind, memories of her and Aragorn. She shakes her head, refusing to believe what he said in Mirkwood. She refuses.
After they took care of their horses, Iladya disappears in the Valley. The sounds, the view, the smell... It recalls memories. She finds her favourite spot, hidden away. Iladya could see them standing there, holding hands. But now... It is only her who stands there. A faint smile graces her lips before she decides to leave this place as it is.
Lord Elrond has invited her to dinner. She enters the open where dinner is served, only for her eyes to fall upon Aragorn. Her heartbeat accelerates at the sight of him. He turns his head to meet her gaze. Iladya averts her gaze to the person who is rising to its feet.
Elrohir.
"Lady Iladya," Elrohir bows at the waist. Iladya drops a curtsy.
"My Lord Elrohir." He extends his hand to her, making Iladya hesitate for a brief moment. From the corner of her eyes, she notices Aragorn's gaze upon them. She sends him a warm smile and accepts his hand. His hand feels warm around hers as he leads her to his seat at the table. Only for her to notice that she is seated across from Aragorn who has his eyes on her. A wave of jealousy flares in Aragorn's chest.
"It is my pleasure to see you once again," he speaks. "Since I will be leaving after dinner." Iladya pretends to be surprised, ignoring Aragorn's preying eyes,
"You are not joining your Father's council?" she questions. Elrohir shakes his head.
"My brother and I are sent out to check the lands," he says, purposely leaving out the part of the Fellowship. Iladya nods before taking a bite. She feels his heavy gaze on her, averting her eyes to meet his gaze. The Elf sees the jealousy flaring in his eyes. The corner of her mouth curves into a devious smirk before turning to Elrohir.
"Well, let me see you out then," she says, casually touching his hand. Both Aragorn's and Elrohir's eyes shot to her hand. The man's knuckles turn white from gripping the cutlery. Elrohir flashes her a smile and nods.
"It does me well, my lady."