Aeweth was unsure of how long she'd remained crying. Not nearly long enough, she decided. However, the Princess had sat up as she tried to calm herself. However, still tears fell. A short moment later, she heard the sound of someone clearing their throat. The sound startled her though she recovered quickly. "My lady I do not mean to pry and if you wish I will leave you alone. I however do not wish for you to be alone while you are upset. You know your brother is only looking out for what he thinks is best, he loves you Aeweth and he does not wish for any harm to come to you."
Haldir's voice was soothing. The Princess slowly rose from her seat. She had quickly tried to wipe the tears from her face. She did not want the older Elf seeing her in such a way. Only once she was certain that there was little remaining of her tears did she slowly approach the Elf. Within a short moment, Aeweth had reached Haldir. She looked up at him, her gaze filled with relief at seeing him. "I would have you stay." She said softly.
She hesitated for only a short second before she slid her arms about him loosely. She wanted nothing more than for him to hug her..to assure her that everything would be alright. She was silent for a long time, simply taking comfort in Haldir. She was unsure of how long had passed before she finally spoke up. She kept her head on Haldir's chest, remaining still. "Legolas acts as my Atar does. Though I know he loves me..he cannot see clearly. To him, I may be his sister though I shall never be anything more than that in his eyes. The moment we return, I've no doubt that I will return to Mirkwood..to disappear once again. I understand where he comes from..but that does not mean that I care for his actions."
She went silent once again, allowing the Efl to speak if he wished it. A few moments passed and then Aeweth moved. She got on her tip toes, placing a gentle kiss upon Haldir's cheek. It was not something she would have normally done, however, he'd come to be a big help so far on their journey. As she pulled away from the male Elf, Aeweth offered him a smile. "Thank you, Haldir. I do not know what I would do without you."
Aeweth hoped that he could see that she was being honest with him. Truly, Haldir was someone who Aeweth never wanted to leave her life. "Haldir..can I ask you something?" She paused only long enough for the male Elf to answer her before she continued. "Do you see me as a child?" She knew that he'd heard their argument. She simply wanted to know if everyone saw her as Legolas did.
Legolas made his way from his sister's tent, ignoring Pippin's questioning gaze. He would not indulge the Hobbit. The Elf breezed through the tent, coming to Valaina's tent. He did not announce himself, simply entering and closing the flap behind him. The woman rose, her gaze on him. She moved quickly, her hands cupping his face on bother sides. "I was so worried for you, my love. I feared that those creatures would be the death of you."
He took in her words, allowing himself to lean into her touch. He was fond of the woman though she would never hold his heart. Even if he and Sérëdhiel were to end their binding..he would always love her. He just couldn't understand why she was always intent upon fighting. He'd been so happy at seeing her well and alive. Yet, she'd not been as far as he could tell.
The King pulled his future Queen closer, placing a gentle kiss upon her soft lips. "You are unhurt?" She asked as they pulled apart. "I am fine. It was you I was worried about. I am glad to see that Haldir protected you. He is a good warrior. I do hope, however, that in the future you will keep at least a small weapon upon you. At least that way you can try to defend yourself should the need arise."
Valaina smiled up at the King. "Anything for you my love." Legolas remained near the woman. She'd been the last thing on his mind during the attack. A thought that bothered him. Sérëdhiel had been at the front..a place that she should not have been. He simply could not understand it. Valaina was speaking and it took Legolas a moment to realize that she was wanting to eat. He nodded, allowing her to take his arm. Together, they exited the tent and made the way to the fire where Pippin had been still working on a meal.
The Hobbit looked up as they approached smiling. "It's almost ready. Just a minute or two longer." Pippin said and then glanced back down to the pot he'd been stirring. Legolas helped Valaina to take a seat but he remained standing. Where had Aragorn gone? And Haldir? He did not understand how they could simply disappear after the attack they'd just suffered.
Silence settled between them and Aragorn allowed it. He did not care to interrupt the woman's thoughts for he could see that she was struggling with something and it had to do with Legolas. The feeling of Sérëdhiel lightly touching the necklace that was about his neck caused the Human to turn his gaze to her once again. Their eyes met and he held her gaze steadily.
"You are a good man, she is lucky to have you. I've missed you too, your kindness has been ever present with me. Your are not easy to forget my king. Legolas is letting his selfish pride run him and it will destroy what he love. But, I will not dwell on what he refuses to see. I admire you though, for sticking by his side." The Elf said. Aragorn was silent, still, for a moment before he spoke.. "Legolas will hopefully see what he is doing before the end. We must have faith in him. He is a dear friend to me and we have been through much together. I could not abandon him now."
Sérëdhiel continued after he'd stopped talking. "I've been alone for so long. Even before we first meet when you brought the Marchwarden to me. It is nice to know that you think no different of me, then again to you I was never a monster." Aragorn smiled gently at her words. "I could never think any less of you, Sérëdhiel. You are now as you were then. I shall always admire you. You are different than most."
He placed a gentle hand upon her shoulder before he rose from his seat. He then turned to offer her a hand up. "We should probably return. Pippin should be finishing up the meal soon. Food will do us all some good. Don't worry...I will remain by your side and the King shall not bother you this day. Besides, it is likely that his Queen will be demanding his full attention."