Ithildin - Legolas x OC

Chapter 29: The apology

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Later that day, as preparations are made for the celebration tonight, I glance over my shoulder when Eowyn approaches me as I brush down Hasufel in the stables.

"Lady Amariel," she smiles softly.

I nod to her once. "Lady Eowyn."

Her smile falters slightly. "We...have stable hands to do this for you." She says slowly.

"I prefer to do it myself."

She nods, hesitating. "I have brought out some dresses for you, should you wish to wear one tonight."

"I do not." I tell her, looking back to my horse.

"Amariel would be delighted. It is kind of you to offer."

I halt my movements at Aragorn's voice, then look over my shoulder to where he has appeared at Eowyn's side. He is dressed already in some fine clothing for tonight and looks at me with sharp eyes.

"She favours blue." He looks to Eowyn and nods once. "If you have it."

Eowyn nods with a smile, then turns to leave. I turn back to my horse, listening as Aragorn steps closer to me.

"I'm sorry." He says after a moment.

I turn to him then. "I'm not. I meant what I said."

He nods once. "I know."

I turn away from him. "You had no right to say that in front of Legolas, or the others."

"As if you did not also embarrass me before them?" He asks, his voice now sharp.

I face him fully now, my hand falling to my side with the brush clenched tight in my fist. "Aragorn you are no fool—I rescind that, but you know Arwen would sooner fade here before our quest is done than sail West." My voice quietens. "We may never see her again."

"I know." He says quietly. "But that does not mean my love for her is fickle. Nor can it be replaced by another."

"Does she know that?" I ask, glancing to the empty doorway.

Aragorn tilts his head. "I have neither promised nor hinted anything to Eowyn. She knows my heart is with another."

"Then she holds out hope." I tell him.

"She is young." He insists. "And she is our friend. I ask that you be kind to her."

I look away from him. "Fine."

He nods. "Thank you."

I look back up at him. "I am sorry for my words, Aragorn. I was..." I sigh, "grieving."

He pulls his lip into a sad smile. "I know...but your friends died with love for you in their hearts, and in service of their kin." He shakes his head. "I believe Haldir came here knowing what fate may bring him. His death was not in vain, Amariel, nor is it your burden to feel guilt on the past forever."

I breathe in deeply. "So, you know then, about his proposal."

He nods. "Legolas mentioned it." He pauses. "I hope...things are well with him?"

I keep my voice even. "Why would they not be? Things are as they have been."

Aragorn tilts his head again, watching me carefully. "And you are content with that?"

"No." I say honestly. "But I cannot be with someone when their father despises me."

"King Thranduil has no control over his heart." He says harshly. "His choices and feelings are his own."

"And what do you know of his feelings?" I ask, raising an eyebrow. "Of his heart? You act as a messenger between us Aragorn, but to no avail." I shake my head. "One of us says the wrong thing or someone interrupts. Either way, it is clear this is all just...a phase. A passing feeling between us that one day, once this quest is over and we part, will fade. I will sail West. He will remain here."

"You will?" Shock passes over his face.

I look away. "What else is there for me here?"

"A life." He says with urgency, stepping towards me. "Is that not why you are here with us now? To make things right in the world; why leave once that is done?"

Quietly, I say, "I thought you wanted me to go?"

Aragorn sighs then, placing his hands on my shoulders so I face him. "Amariel, I said those words in anger, there is no truth in them." He smiles slightly. "At a time, I was hesitant to have you on this quest."

"I know."

"But not now." He shakes his head. "Now...I could not imagine sending you home. Who else would be by my side pushing me to accept my fate, if not you?"

"Gandalf may, in his own way."

"Yes, but I cannot reprimand him as I can with you." He tilts his head with a smile.

I chuckle, but then sigh. "I cannot defy my father forever, Aragorn. I do not like disappointing him, despite what my life choices may indicate."

"Amariel," he sighs, "you disappoint no one except yourself, if you do not follow your true desire."

I smile in sadness, saying quietly, "Arwen once said the same."

"She was right. It is the same with Legolas." He places a hand on my cheek. "And you should know, that not once have I spoken to him on this matter, I promise you that."

I look to him in shock. "So, you don't even know if he—"

"Oh," he cuts me off, smirking slightly as he lowers his hands, "I know he cares deeply for you. I see it in his face each day that passes." He chuckles. "He is worse at hiding it than you are."

I sigh, "That is not the same."

"Maybe not." He agrees. "So...speak to him. Ask him. Tell him. And when I am right, come and find me."

"And if you are wrong?" I whisper.

He smiles softly. "Then should you wish to remain in Middle-Earth despite it muinthel, you will always have a place at my side. No matter where I am in the world."

My face softens, and Aragorn places a soft kiss against my forehead.

When he steps back, he inclines his head to the door. "Go...and be kind to Eowyn."

I nod, leaving the stables slightly happier knowing all is well between us, but anticipation for the evening ahead stirs.

~*~