Daughter of Mirkwood [Lord of the Rings | Haldir]

Chapter 3

Another Dawn Among Many

It was on the divan overlooking the Hidden Valley that Legolas found his little sister the following morning, curled up on the seat, the bed forgotten. The morning light streamed into the room from the multitude of windows around the room, bathing Aeslin in sunshine. Legolas couldn't help but be impressed by the Lord Elrond's choice of quarters for his sister. Growing up in Mirkwood under the overly protective eye of their father, especially since she was too young to remember it as the Greenwood, Aeslin had rarely, if ever, truly seen the sun in all of her near three hundred years. This room was perfect, for he could think of nothing Aeslin would love more than to be woken by the first rays of the morning sun and to bask in its warmth throughout the day. The view alone was breathtaking. Even now, as he approached her sleeping form, she was stirring as the first rays of sun fell across her face.

The first attempt to open her eyes was met with little success, as the light was too bright, causing Aeslin to squeeze her lids closed again. Eventually, blinking rapidly, she managed to adjust to the sunlight streaming through the archway, only to focus on Legolas sitting at her feet. He sat very still, gazing out at the valley that lay before Rivendell.

With little in the way of words, the siblings wished each other a good morning before Legolas retreated to the sitting room, allowing Aeslin to prepare herself for the day. Shedding her well-worn travel clothes, she stood in her shift before the wardrobe, suddenly struck with uncertainty once again. What exactly was appropriate attire for her situation? She was a guest, but also Lord Elrond's pupil and a Princess of the Woodland Realm. Was she expected to adhere to a certain level of dress or was she free to wear what she pleased?

Throwing a robe around herself, Aeslin turned to the latticed table next to the door and poured out some fresh, clear water into the basin. After splashing a bit of water on her face, she dried her hands on the cloth next to the basin. Turning, she noticed the chest at the foot of her bed. Moving the cloth and the candleholder aside, she opened the chest to find several gowns, robes and other clothing items, all of which seemed perfectly chosen for her. After a few moments of perusing the options and debating whether or not she should pull one out to wear, Aeslin finally pulled a pale blue gown out from among the others and slipped into it, quickly doing up the lacings and pulling darker blue robe over that. After securing a silver embroidered girdle around her hips, she felt she was ready to face her new life.

Joining her brother outside, the young elf was led to the same hall where they had dined the night before. Breakfast was already served, and as Aeslin came to learn, the morning meal was not a formal affair and that everyone came and went as they pleased. It was there that Legolas and Aeslin met up with Elladan. With a smile that was far gentler than his teasing one the night previous, he bid the two wood-elves to join him. Aeslin couldn't help but eye him warily.

"You are suspicious of me, Aeslin of Mirkwood." Elladan's eyes sparkled as he spoke. Legolas restrained his own smile as his little sister flushed, but having rested her spirits were bolstered since last night.

"A little, Master Elladan. How could I not be for the way you and your brother have treated me thus far?" Elladan chuckled, drawing a small smile from Aeslin.

"I suppose there is truth to what you say."

"Of course there is."

"Then I shall make it up to you, Milady. I would be honoured if you would permit me to introduce you to my home." This time Aeslin did smile, her pale blue eyes lit with amusement.

"I would be honoured for you to do so." She turned to Legolas, who was watching the exchange with an amused silence. In answer to the silent question in her eyes, Legolas graciously demurred to join them, earning a flicker of panic that played across her features. Still, once they had all broken their fast, Aeslin allowed herself to be led away by Elladan.