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21. Mystery

"Why would you not invite the poor ellon in out the rain?" Elladan shook his head with a hint of laughter in his blue-grey eyes. Aerlinniel stood in the grand foyer feeling very cold in her wet clothes. Elladan had been finely dressed in a silver velvet tunic, black breeches and tall leather boots. A silver circlet sat upon his dark hair and in his hand, he carried a chalice of wine. The others must be having their pre-dinner drinks in the library with her father, she thought.

"I do not know," she confided feeling baffled. Feigning a reason was not in her nature; she was horrible at telling lies – even those that seemed harmless. How could she begin to explain the strange turn their afternoon had taken?

Elladan narrowed his eyes at her. "Everything alright?" Ever since she had been a small child, Elladan had an uncanny ability to detect her inner squirming and she had no will to stave him off.

"We had a difficult parting," she admitted softly. That was certainly the truth and yet her face felt clammy at the admission.

"Well, perhaps a little more time together will be welcomed then." He smiled sympathetically.

Aerlinniel nodded as a slow churn rolled within her stomach. Lindir would be returning with Legolas at any moment. Their quarrel and the pitiful way she allowed him to leave still lay fresh and heavy upon her mind and heart.

Elladan was not much for affection, and so it was more than a little out the ordinary for him to step close to her and offer a word of encouragement. "It will be alright, Lin. The time will go by fast and before you know it, you'll be back." He tilted his head to encourage her to lift her gaze and she found him smiling tenderly at her. "And, I wager your prince will be here waiting."

"The rain got the pair of you!" Velenya called as she briskly walked into the foyer and pulled the sibling's attention away. She looked around the foyer expectantly. "Where is Prince Legolas? Did he not come in with you?"

"We...parted," Aerlinniel motioned over her shoulder towards the door, "Lindir has gone to fetch him for dinner." She sounded like a confused child, making little sense.

Velenya bobbed her head in confusion.

Just then, the door to the Homely House opened and in walked Lindir and Legolas looking quite drenched from the rain despite Lindir's attempts at keeping them both dry.

"Prince Legolas, you came out of the rain to join us!" Elladan bellowed, raising his chalice.

Legolas snickered pulling his hood from his face. His eyes briefly flicked to Aerlinniel which caused her cheeks to burn.

"Good evening Elladan. I apologize for my appearance," Legolas greeted her brother as ellyn do – void of emotion and with a hint of sarcasm.

"It is only us!" Elladan waved his hand with a sympathetic grin. "Can we get these two a towel?" he said looking round for a footman.

"We are glad you have come. Forgive my sister, for not inviting you. I believe the rain has washed away her good sense." Tender Elladan had taken leave and the teasing opportunist had returned.

Legolas pursed his lips and bowed his head to avoid acknowledging Elladan's mocking of her.

A footman broke up the moment and relieved poor Lindir of his soaked blanket and offered the pair of elves a towel to dry off.

Elrond, Elrohir and Arwen appeared with drinks in hand, into the foyer to see what the commotion was about. Each was dressed impeccably as was their dinner tradition at Homely House.

"Glad to see the two of you made it home safe though by the looks of you both the ride was a bit wet," her father said looking rather amused.

Aerlinniel peeked over at Legolas who had his eyes paired on her father. She watched him as he bowed and earnestly implored, "Forgive me my lord, the rain set in before I could have her back. I apologize for our late arrival."