Unexpected Fate

Chapter 19: Thank You

Our arrival in Edoras was met with cheers and words of thanks. King Theoden had allowed Svellevarina entrance into the city, as word of her victory in battle had spread among the people, subsequently easing their previous concerns.

Svellevarina basked in the awe of the citizens of Rohan after I removed and packed up her armour. A group of children had taken to climbing up her tail, using her spikes at handholds. Her scaly lips were turned upward in her form of a grin as she lay before the stone steps to the Golden Hall.

I watched on from the stone ledge of the Hall, the wooden doors behind me. I jutted my hip and crossed my arms in front of my chest. I smiled to myself as Svell began to slowly sway her tail left and right, causing the children to cry out in glee. Others had crowded around her to examine her. There were some among the men and women that inched their way forward to gently touch her wings or scales. Svellevarina turned to peer up at me.

"Don't get used to this attention," I teased.

She huffed. "Oh, you're simply jealous that they've seen an Elf before,"

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Hm, indeed. I suppose I should say my goodbyes and set sail for home. I'm sure they'll take good care of you here,"

"You wouldn't make it across the ocean without me, shur'tugal,"

"Nor would I want to, iet evarínya,"

I felt her affection wash over our bond in response before her attention was brought to a child that had taken to scrambling up her wing.

I glanced over my shoulder at the sound of footsteps behind me. Legolas dipped his head politely in greeting as he came to stand beside me, watching the people of Rohan crowded around my dragon.

"She seems to have settled graciously," he commented.

I chuckled. "She most certainly has,"

There was a moment of comfortable silence, gentle wind brushing past us. Legolas glanced at me, his eyes soft.

"There is to be a celebration tonight in the Golden Hall,"

"A celebration?"

"To honor those who gave their lives for Rohan and," he paused, "I suppose to offer a distraction from fear,"

"They most certainly need it," I said gently.

"Do you?"

I peered at him curiously. The blue of his eyes remained calm, his expression soft. "Are you asking if I am afraid?"

"Most would be. The defense of Helm's Deep was a momentous battle, though the clash of war looms over Middle-Earth,"

"I am afraid for our companions, for you, and for the people of this world. I do not know what darkness this war will bring. I only wish to see everyone safe," after a moment I added: "are you?"

His brow stitched together as he considered the question. "I will not deny my worry. Like you, I fear for what may happen to those I consider friends. It is no light matter,"

"It appears we shall both benefit from a night of distraction,"

"We can ponder the consternation of war tomorrow," Svellevarina interjected to the both of us. "It is likely that another night such as this will not be offered to us for some time,"

Legolas smiled. "You are certainly right," aloud he lightheartedly added, "I believe it best not to question the wisdom of your dragon,"

"She wouldn't let us if we tried," I chuckled.