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7. Ithil

           

Aerlinniel stood alone, still as a statue upon the escarpment below. Now a sliver of herself, the moon stood, a silent sentinel, as the elleth lingered at the landing's edge. The pair shared a unity in the glowing languor of night.

Legolas wondered what was on the elleth's mind. Had she and Thalen argued? He felt responsible for their exchange, after he and the captain's altercation. He hoped Thalen had said nothing ill to offend her.

Thalen had entered the room alone, his emotions astutely veiled though his face bore a subdued look. He approached Lord Elrond to which they spoke briefly, then he departed the room without a word to anyone. With Thalen's exit, Arwen descended the marble stairs to the landing below where her sister stood.

It wasn't long before the two appeared and joined the guests that remained. Aerlinniel seemed pensive, Legolas thought, though she chose to visit with those that lingered and it wasn't long before a smile graced her face. As the night began to dwindle, all that were left were her siblings, Glorfindel and Legolas. Lord Elrond had retired earlier with Estel who had curled up upon a settee and had dozed off.

"Prince Legolas..." Elladan declared with spirited ardor.

"Please, call me Legolas, there is no need for such formalities when amongst friends," he implored with a general wave of his hand to those that were left in the room.

"Very well, Legolas...now that you are here what is it that you'd like to do while you're in Imladris?" Elladan queried as he casually flopped onto a settee.

"Yes, Legolas, you are visiting for the first time to Imladris. What does your heart desire?" Glorfindel posed theatrically as he too, reclined elegantly onto a settee – flipping his golden hair casually over his shoulders.

Legolas thought they must be feeling the effects of the wine at this point in the eve as they all sought out respite for their feet.

He plopped himself unceremoniously upon a settee, crossed his legs and lent his head back - his blond hair fanning against the blue lush velvet cushion, "ahhhh," he sighed lazedly.

"I long to see your unrestrained lands.

Follow the meandering river until it no longer ripples, but pools, luminous as glass between lush shores.

Wander the crisp autumn forest in all its blazing glory and frolic the green, open meadows where the wildflowers are free to roam.

Harken the sound and sight of birds and breeze as we celebrate with songs of praise to Manwe.

Oh, to linger in nature without threat, nor shadow, nor care."

Legolas leaned up realizing he had drifted away in his reverie to dreamy faces that equaled his own. It must have been the wine, he laughed to himself, for had you found them a few hours ago, this casual scene would not have been.

"Aye, we can do that...we should go riding tomorrow!" Elrohir elbowed his brother Elladan in the arm as they lounged upon a settee together. It was as if Legolas was seeing double.

"What sort of plans does Adar have with you tomorrow Legolas?" Elladan slurred slightly.

"We meet in the morning for a time. I would imagine being free by noon."

"I will have a word with Adar about keeping your meeting brief otherwise there is no telling when you'll be free," Elladan rolled his eyes dramatically.

"We will ride to Bein Near and spend the day! We'll bring food..."Elrohir began.

"And wine," Elladan added punching his brother casually in the chest.