The Unexpected | LotR Fanfiction

Chapter 53

Mother and Father.

So weird to think of these elves as such when they were not the ones who raised and nurtured me. I have no memories of them telling me they were proud when I finished translating a document from Feanorian tengwar or when I successfully planted a tree without it dying (which is what happened many, many times). I don't remember Celeborn teaching me how to climb a tree and then wrapping my skinned knees when I fell. Galadriel wasn't there when womanly needs arrived. They weren't there to soothe me or to lecture and redirect me when I went astray. Instead, they gave me away.

No, these regal elves have the titles only. They do not have the right to them.

But nonetheless, I smiled, glad to see them, even though an ember of anger threatened to ignite.

They did what they thought was best, even though it probably wasn't.

I bowed my head in reverence. "Mae l'ovannen, Hir vuin a Hiril vuin."

"Gi nathlam hi'." Lord Celeborn's voice resonated in the air and the trees seemed to react warmly.

Galadriel smiled kindly, the expression softly lighting her lips, as her voice tinkled like bells. "Êl síla erin lû e-govaned vîn."

I bowed my head once more.

Celeborn advanced and held out his hand. I desperately wanted to refuse, but the inner lady in me told me it'd be... unwise to refuse royalty. So I took his calloused hand in mine as I got down from the horse. More difficult than it would've been with two hands, I might add.

As my feet thudded on thickly grassed ground, Celeborn put a fisted hand to his chest; a sign of respect. Or in this case, affection.

I returned the gesture, albeit rather distractedly.

'Legolas is only a few minutes away, Iell. He is well.' I jumped, my eyes going to Galadriel.

"That, is disturbing," I blurted pointedly, then blushed furiously. Control your tongue, Lumornel! I chastised.

Galadriel chuckled. "I suppose it is unwise to do so without warning, but where's the joy in that?"

I frowned. "I guess you're right."

Then I looked over my shoulder to the waiting forest, expecting to see a tired albeit healthy and worn Legolas emerging from the dawn-lit trees.  Or a Legolas covered in blood and limping.

Celeborn rested a firm hand on my shoulder. "He'll arrive soon, my dear."

I nodded. Although my eyes strayed away from the forest, my mind did not. But Legolas can take care of himself... I hope.

"Where's Braiglach?" I asked to no one in particular. Then winced at the informality of it.

"The captain is leading a patrol party on the north side of the woods," Celeborn informed. Then the elven lord whirled his hand towards his footman. A young ellon—although much older than me—rushed forward, thrusting his hand into the messenger bag hanging from his shoulder. Without a word, he held forth a piece of sealed parchment. No house crest that I could see adorned it.

"Captain Braiglach wished for this letter to be delivered to you. My wife, myself, nor any other soul has read its contents."

The letter, pale yellow with wrinkled edges, shook slightly in the footman's hands. It seemed too much of a prize—a gift—for me to take. Yet I reached out and took it tenderly, relishing the feel of the parchments grain on my fingers.

"Thank you, Hir vuin."

He shook his head with a slight smile and motioned to a place among the trees. "Hên vuin, do not thank me. It was Lady Kaylessa who informed Braiglach of your possible return to Lorien."