Just thought I make it clear, when the elves speak alone they are naturally speaking Sindarin, though it sounds suspiciously like English. When Legolas and humans are speaking, or Legolas and Gimli they are speaking in Westron (which also suspiciously sounds like English). Presumably, when Rhinure is alone she is speaking Avari with her elves (once again, why does everything sound like English?). If more than one language is being spoken at the same time I will specify different fonts for it.

Confused yet? ;)

Therefore, anything in this font is Avari. Actually, it is Urdu but I will give an English translation on the side. Anyone who speaks Urdu/Hindi, please feel free to correct me. Anyone know where I can download Urdu font??

Chapter 24 - Reunions

Rhinure walked briskly towards her chambers, “Did everything go according to plan?”

“Yes, Mistress. The humans were most understanding.”

“And the dwarf?”

“Suspicious at first, but he too readily agreed.”

“And now I have the son of Glóin under my roof.” Thranduil’s displeased voice cut across Rhinure’s private conversation.

Rhinure stopped to look at her father-in-law, and give him time to overtake her.

“I would like to speak to you privately.”

Rhinure nodded, turning to Morion before she left with Thranduil, “I will speak to you later. Get some food and meet me in about two hours. Is that acceptable to my Lord?”

Thranduil nodded, he doubted this conversation would take that long. He just wanted a few words with her new daughter.

x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

“I cannot believe that you are here,” Legolas beamed at his friends, who were all seated around the fire in the Great Hall, having spent most of the day in each other’s company.

“And we cannot believe that you are getting married. Can I have more ale?” Gimli asked.

“Of course.” Legolas signalled the serving maid to bring more, rewarding her with the most earth-shattering smile she had ever seen.

Faramir chuckled softly, “Careful Legolas. If you smile more brightly you are liable to blind someone.”

“I cannot help my mirth when I have dear friends near me.” Legolas felt like doing more than just smiling. He felt like shouting at the top of his lungs, screaming his joy for the whole kingdom to see – his joy mixed with great relief.

It was good to be with these friends again. He loved his father more than anything in this world, and his heart belonged in Mirkwood. But being with these friends had a special charm to it. They knew that part of him which did not belong to Mirkwood – that part which was not Prince, son, or Thranduilion. They represented the freedom and hope he had found in a time of betrayal and misery. They were the bonds he had forged in blood and fire, and they were precious.

Yes, it was good to be with them again.

“Pay attention to us, Elf. You can be alone with your thoughts later.”

Legolas smiled at the irate dwarf who was still waiting for his ale.

“So, how slow are your servants?”

“Shall I go get it for you?” Legolas cocked an eyebrow. Sure enough, Gimli completely missed the sarcasm.

“Thank you for offering; you are learning to treat your guests better.”

Legolas was thankfully saved from reply by the entrance of the serving-maid.

“Next time, Elf. Next time. I was looking forward to making you eat those words and actually serve me.” Gimli took a long swig from the tankard – maybe he was not so oblivious after all.

“So how did you get here?” Legolas asked, knowing it best not to start an argument at this time

x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

It ended up being more than a few words. Rhinure had spent most of the day listening to Thranduil’s complaining about the dwarves. It had started with his displeasure at having Gimli in his house, eventually proceeding to a general tirade about dwarves in general and the House of Glóin in particular. When Thranduil ran out of insults, he just started all over from the beginning.

Rhinure listened to all of this with great fascination. How was it possible for such a great King to be so unreasonable about this? Granted that no sensible elf wanted anything to do with dwarves, but his son did. And that should have been enough for Thranduil. Or so Rhinure thought – obviously she had been greatly mistaken.

“How could you have brought that creature into my House?” Rhinure opened her mouth to reply, only to be cut off by Thranduil – again. “When I gave you permission to bring Legolas’ friends here, I was not expecting that … that dwarf was to be invited as well!”

This time Rhinure jumped in quickly, before Thranduil could start again, “Why not?”

Thranduil looked at her blankly.

“Why were you not expecting Lord Gimli to be invited?”

Thranduil could not believe Rhinure had asked him that question.

“Dwarves cannot be trusted, they are dubious creatures.”

“Be that as it may, your son trusts this dwarf, as does the Lady Galadriel. Is that not enough for you? Or do you not have confidence in your son’s judgement?”

When Rhinure put it that way, Thranduil had to fall silent. He could understand why her black eyes unnerved his son. They pierced the soul, not allowing any weakness to remain hidden.

“He is your guest now and your son is happy. We take responsibility for him and his reliability.”

Thranduil frowned at the unspoken insinuation – cannot you put aside your prejudice for you son? If not, we will look after him. Rhinure was implying that he did not care for his son enough and Thranduil did not appreciate it.

“My Lady, you have no need to vouch for his reliability. Legolas’ regard for him does more than that. However, will you be able to guarantee his safety, and Lord Faramir’s? King Elessar will not be pleased if anything happens to either.”

This time it was Thranduil who accused – you have invited them, will you be able to keep them safe?

Rhinure had to appreciate the ease with which Thranduil went on the attack. “My Lord, we said that we would and we stand by that.” Her voice was proud, she was sure of her people. “And they are only two.”

Thranduil nodded, what she said made sense. It was not going to be difficult to protect two more guests, especially since they were not Kings and therefore not targets for political machinations. The fact that it made Legolas happy was a blessed bonus.

“And this way, we do not alienate any of our allies by not inviting them to the wedding,” Thranduil said carefully. It was good to remember that there were other players in this game of thrones. It would not be prudent to ignore the humans or the dwarves – no matter how personally reprehensible he found the latter.

“Of course, my Lord. Everyone … benefits,” Rhinure tilted her head to acknowledge Thranduil’s thinking.

Thranduil smiled. It was obvious that Rhinure had already been thinking on these lines.

*~ You will make a good Princess. ~*

“Is that your only reason for having them here, my Lady – political advantage?”

“Could there be any other?” Rhinure asked coldly. She was not about to get into a discussion about her personal motivation for this gesture.

Thranduil was about to suggest some alternatives, when a knock on the door was heard and Morion entered.

“My Lord, may I speak to Mistress Rhinure?”

Thranduil graciously allowed it, curious to hear what the Avari language sounded like. He thought he could recognise the cadences of tone but it was entirely different from Sindarin.

“Malkin?”            <Mistress?>

“Kya hai?”            <What is it?>

“Aap ney kaha tha kay aap duo ghante mein aah jaien gein.”   <You said you would be back in two hours>

Rhinure lifted her eyebrow.

“Hum ney socha keh behtar ho ga keh hum aap ko wapis leh aahein.”             <We thought it best to come and get you>

“Tum kab see darwaze par karhe thay?”            <How long were you standing outside the door?>

Morion’s entrance had been a little too felicitous to be coincidence.

“Teen ghante say.”                <For three hours>

Rhinure nodded. Morion had done well.

She turned back to Thranduil, “My Lord, if there is nothing else?”

Thranduil shook his head.

“Then I bid you good night.”

x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

“I tell you when I first saw the riders approach I thought somehow the Black Riders rode again.” Gimli was well into his sixth mug of ale and was getting a bit loud, much to the amusement of Faramir and Legolas. “They were black, completely black and silent.”

“Is that so, Master Dwarf?” Legolas asked, not really listening to what Gimli was saying but taking much amusement from the way he was waving the tankard around. Back and forth, and then back again. It was a symphony of movement, one that captivated Legolas.

“Completely dressed in black and so silent. I am not ashamed to say that I was cautious around them.”

“Or in other words, you were scared completely out of your wits,” Legolas interjected.

“Quiet, Elf! Are you telling the story or am I?”

“My sincerest apologies, Friend Gimli. Please continue,” Legolas exchanged a grin with Faramir, over Gimli’s head.

“So as I was saying, before some ill-mannered person interrupted me. I was cautious with them but imagine my surprise when they turned out to be elves.”

Legolas’ head spun around so fast that Faramir was afraid that it would snap off. “Elves! Are you sure that these dark riders were elves?”

Faramir frowned at the urgency in Legolas’ voice, “Most assuredly, Legolas. They were elves, strangely dressed but otherwise unmistakable.”

“How exactly were they dressed?” Legolas’ voice was a bit strangled.

“In long, hooded black cloaks.”

*~ Avari? ~*

“Did they say who they were?”

Faramir shook his head, “We did not think to ask since they had letters from your father.”

“Letters?”

“Invitations for King Elessar and Lord Gimli. Naturally, Elessar could not come especially when the Captain explained the situation.”

“What situation?”

*~ What Captain? ~* Legolas felt as if he fighting to see through a thick fog which got inside his brain clouding his vision.

“King Thranduil explained that continued Orc activity made Elessar’s presence too risky, but if he was willing they were ready to escort a representative back to Mirkwood. I immediately volunteered to go, since I was not about to let some stranger attend your Wedding.”

“And as I am not some King, my attendance was not deemed to be a risk,” Gimli put in. “Thank Ilúvatar for that.”

Legolas had to laugh at the sheer relief in Gimli’s face. Not many people in Middle-Earth would have been happy that they were unimportant enough to hazard. But then, Gimli probably did not see it that way - he probably thought Elessar foolish to miss an opportunity to fight.

“These invitations had Thranduil’s seal on them?”

“They were authentic, Legolas. Why are you so worried?” Faramir was becoming a bit concerned over his friend’s behaviour.

“Not worried, just surprised.”

*~ Since Ada had expressly told me that I would not have the time or opportunity to invite any of you. I wonder what made him change his mind? ~*

“I am just astonished to see you both here. I did not think there was enough time to invite anyone,” Legolas admitted.

“There should not have been, but your elves rode like Morgoth was after them. They really pushed themselves. Such urgency and efficiency is commendable; especially the Captain’s. He seemed especially determined to get us here before the wedding. Kept saying it was his duty, every time we asked him.” Faramir mused.

“Did you get his name?”

“Do you not know who he is?” Faramir asked puzzled, “I thought you sent the elves.”

“I think my father planned this as a surprise for me.”

“Ah, that would explain your confusion. If I do say so myself, it is a wonderful gift from your father.”

“Assuredly.” Legolas smiled. “But the Captain’s name?”

“Morion, I believe.”

*~ Rhinure! ~*

x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

“That went about as smoothly as I expected.” Rhinure sank into her chair, tired by that little session with Thranduil.

“He is not very trusting of dwarves, is he?” Ehtewen asked no one in particular

“Is anyone?” Istion countered.

“Legolas is, and that is all that matters,” Rhinure reminded them.

“He seemed pleased to see them,” Istion ventured. He was still a little shocked at the Prince’s public display of affection.

“Yes, he did.” Rhinure did not bother adding anything more.

“Mistress, are you going to tell him that this was your idea?” Morion asked.

“No.”

“Why ever not?” Ehtewen asked tightly, “What was the whole point of this exercise if not to win his approval? If he does not know it was you then how will you bind him to you?”

“He will find out, just not from me,” Rhinure answered calmly. “And he will be grateful.”

The three guards desisted, seeing the wisdom in their Sacrifice’s decision. Legolas would be far more appreciative and malleable if he discovered her role in this on his own. It would not do to broadcast his debt to Rhinure.

“I hope this works,” Ehtewen muttered. She did not approve of Rhinure’s gesture, seeing it as a waste of resources when they could have used all the Avari they had to patrol their lands and protect their people.

“First Guard, I do not welcome having to explain myself again,” Rhinure’s tone was enough of a warning for Ehtewen. “But I will remind you all of this again: it is important to have Prince Legolas’ goodwill. We will need him later and should not antagonise him. If we have him, we have his people. Remember that.”

It was a sound plan, it would work. Her strategy to work through the Prince was subtle and given enough time, would bear fruit. There was no reason to expect it to fail, but deep in Rhinure’s hidden soul she knew that Legolas had a tendency to upset her and her plans. He could be unpredictable – she would have to be careful.

Now only if she had the time to be patient.

x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

“My Lady.”

Rhinure spun around when she heard Legolas’ voice near her, dagger instinctively in hand.

“My Lady, I wish only to speak with you,” Legolas gently removed the knife blade from his throat.

“One generally does not hide in a lady’s chambers if one wants to talk,” Rhinure bit out, putting the dagger back under her sleeve. Though her face remained calm, her heart beat erratically. How did she not sense his presence? She was getting sloppy.

Legolas raised an eyebrow at this. Did she realise what she was saying? “Why does one hide in a lady’s chambers?” He was almost purring, his voice was so low.

Rhinure almost shuddered at his warm tone, but managed to keep her voice controlled, “One hides in chambers to do harm.”

Legolas’ eyes narrowed, “Do you think I was hiding here to do you harm?”

*~ You will be doing me a lot of harm if you do not step back. ~*

“You tell me, my Lord. After all, you were the one hiding.”

How did she manage to do this to him? He had come to thank her and she had managed to rile him again. Legolas moved away from her, needing to put some distance between himself and her neck.

He missed the flash of relief in Rhinure’s eyes.

She quickly managed to calm herself so she could concentrate on what Legolas was saying.

“My Lady. I apologise for any fright I might have caused.”

“You did not frighten me,” Rhinure bristled. She was like a cat sometimes, Legolas thought, snarling but so caress-able.

Rhinure looked at Legolas questioningly when he did not say anything, just continued to stare at her. It was most unnerving. “You were saying?”

“I was saying something? Ah yes, … I wanted to thank you.”

“For what, my Lord?”

“For bringing my friends here.”

“Why are you so sure that I had anything to do with it?”

“Are you saying you did not?”

“No, my Lord.”

“Are you saying that you did have something to do with it?”

“No, my Lord.”

“Then what are you saying?” She was exasperating.

“I am saying that you should enjoy your gift.”

Was she teasing him? That could not be allowed.

Legolas stepped forward, leaving very little room between them. Holding her eyes with his own, he raised her hands to his mouth. He gently kissed them, and then did it again. Rhinure was tempted to yank them back but she did not know if she had the strength.

Legolas smiled and gently turned her hands over, exposing her wrists to his mouth. He placed a feather-light kiss on each wrist and could have sworn that the pulse there was racing. But Rhinure’s face was calm – as usual.

But her eyes burned and Legolas knew that Rhinure was not comfortable. *~ Well, she will just have to get used to me. ~*

“Whether you did this for me or not, I thank you. It is the most thoughtful present anyone has ever given me.”

“You are welcome, my Lord.”

Legolas grinned at her, blue eyes shining with happiness as he turned to leave.

“My Lord.” Legolas turned back. “You had better leave through the door. My Guards might not understand it if they were to catch you leaving through the window.”

Yes, she was teasing him. Very effectively too.

x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

When Legolas had left, through the door as Rhinure had suggested, much to the surprise of her Guards, Rhinure sank onto her bed.

She would have to speak to her Guards about being more careful around Legolas and generally be more alert. She shuddered to think what might have happened if it had not been Legolas tonight. She could have been killed. She could not afford to be this careless again.

She looked down at her hands, still tingling from the feather light kisses Legolas had placed on them Yes, Legolas definitely had a tendency to upset her and her plans – a gift to disrupt her. She would not allow it interfere with her plans; she could not

Rhinure remembered the way Legolas’ eyes had shone because he was happy, the way they had invaded her, filling her. She would have to try much harder.

She thought of the way he had greeted his friends, the human and that dwarf. She was glad that she had sent Morion. Somewhere deep inside her – in that private place where she was allowed to feel - she felt glad.

x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x