Connections
“There you are, I wanted to see if you would like to join us.” Gilriant smiled at Legolas as he walked towards him. It was the young elf’s turn to seek out his friend. He certainly didn’t want the blond archer to think that he only accepted, did not actively look for, his company. He wanted to include Legolas, his presence was nearly always welcome. “What is the plan? There is nothing I need to do at the moment that cannot be done later.” The older prince smiled back at his friend. “Going to look for early plants, see if anything is on my brother’s list to cultivate with magic. Or if any other plants started to become magical due to the wards.”
Considering the matter with a tilt of the head, the blond archer asked, “Would traveling the path work for that? As we have what is going to be the only safe path through the forest, it is likely more will make use of it. It is best that it is inspected.” Gilriant gave a slow nod, “That should work just fine. As long as there is no issue with ranging to either side if I sense something.” “That is more than acceptable.”
“Is your father willing to accept more travelers across his realm?” That was the most diplomatic way he could think to word, the King doesn’t like outsiders. While it was true he was becoming more tolerant, he was still very protective of his people. Legolas seemed to understand exactly what he was asking and smiled slightly. “More resigned to it. Better that we make the path clear so there is no temptation to wander off it. He’s less likely to become aggravated then.” “Ah, now that makes more sense.” The two shared a smile.
“I think this will also give me an opportunity to test the skills I have been learning.” Legolas looked contemplative. “I know you will discover more than I, but it is worth knowing what I can do.” Gilriant studied his face and then nodded. “Alright, we best take it slow then. It is of no matter if this takes time. Better to be thorough and help you learn. That way we also won’t miss anything about the path.” This would be to everyone’s benefit.
“That will make the task take far longer,” Legolas pointed out. “Is there a reason to rush, or any other pressing matter? If not, I see nothing wrong with that.” Gilriant lifted his eyebrows as he responded to the inquiry. “I mention it as you always seem like something is on your list of things to do. I would not keep you from it.” The younger elf studied his friend for a moment. “Legolas, part of the reason I am here is to spend time with you. Yes, I will likely have many things on that list for the foreseeable future. It will take a long time before that list shortens. I appreciate you checking to see if I am pressed for time, however the priority is also about including you.”
The sincerity in Gilriant’s eyes more than convinced Legolas that his friend meant it. It also was accompanied by the slight tug he could feel. The one that was coming more frequently, stronger, and getting more difficult to push to the side. He supposed that meant Tindil would be showing up when they left the halls. The deer typically did after a moment like that one. “Well I certainly would not argue about that. Alright, let me get what I need, you can let Haldir and Maethel know about the change in plans. I’ll let Ada know.”
“It’s perfectly safe with the wards, why do I need to let Maethel know,” the young elf complained. “Well, it is have Maethel and your guards come along or have Ada send twice the number after us. Which would you prefer?” “Please tell me your father will get less protective in time.” At that Legolas’ smile just grew larger. “Of course it will, you just might have to pass the millenia mark first.” “That . . . that’s not going to be helpful.” Gilriant tried to remind himself it wasn’t a bad thing to have Thranduil want to be involved in his life. “Or you could just stay inside the halls.”
“Somehow I don’t think that will make things better.”
*
Maethel followed Gilriant as he stepped off the path to move deeper into the woods. Haldir was aiding Legolas with his connection and it was best if the younger elf moved a short distance away. Apparently his presence could be overwhelming if one was too open. The older prince described it as looking into the sun. It helped that after the latest letters from Imladris he had a side goal. A leggy young ginger cat raced past him eager to join in the exploration.
“I can’t believe you brought Weasley.” The captain of his guard was more amused than anything else. “It was bring him, or Bob. Weasley is slightly easier to manage and Bob can be left with enough water and he’ll be fine.” “Ah, are they still at it then?” The half grown cat and the animate plant were having a bit of a territorial dispute at the moment over the best patches of sunlight. So it was best not to leave the two alone. “Unfortunately.”
Gilriant followed the cat as he dashed up to one tree and put his front paws on it. Weasley looked back at his person and gave a rusty mew. He had graduated from the very squeaky sound to something a little deeper, but no less rough. Time would only tell if it smoothed out. Walking up the tree he looked at the cat. “This one, alright then.” Placing his hand on the bark, the young elf closed his eyes and focused. Before long there was a loud crack from high up in the tree right before a long broken off branch dropped down next to them. “Is everything alright,” Maethel asked with some trepidation. Not an entirely unwarranted question considering the last time the forest provided him with a branch was when they asked for his aid.
“Not to worry, this is for Mellessin.” Gilriant reached down and shook the branch. As he pulled it up, excess bark slid off and a long staff came free in his hand. This one had flowers carved along the length. That gave Maethel a pause before she asked. “Mellessin needs a staff?” It was difficult to imagine the cheerful elleth wielding any such thing. “No she needs a fancy walking stick to wack people with when they fuss too much.” Glancing at his captain he saw her confusion and came to a realization.
“Ah that’s right. I wasn’t telling everyone until it became common knowledge. Which apparently it is now based on the most recent letter including the complaint.” Gilriant whistled while he pulled a letter and a bit of string to attach it to the wack annoying people stick. Hedwig winged her way over to land on his shoulder. “Here love, can you take this to Mellessin? If you want to spend some time with her go ahead. Just remember elves do not nest the way birds do so you don’t need to give her too many feathers.” The ice phoenix trilled a cheerful agreement before giving his hair a short preen. When he held the staff out, she lept and snatched it up in her claws before disappearing in a burst of snowflakes.
“Nest?” Maethel could no more keep the trace of hope out of her voice than she could stop herself from asking for clarification. Gilriant just smiled at her. “Yes, Mellessin is pregnant. Don’t worry I already promised her I would come for the birth. We’ll spend plenty of time visiting Imladris as her child grows. She’s got Elrond and Lindir looking after her right now.” “Eru be praised, an elfling being born after all this time.” The captain radiated quiet joy at the news.
“I am most pleased that we will be there. I must ask, is there a reason Mellessin wants you there for the birth?” Gilriant sighed and scooped up Weasley before the cat could try to start climbing up his leg. He placed the ginger on his shoulder before he started to move again. “The theory we currently have is that my working with the energies of the land, both balancing and cleansing of corruption allowed it to support a new elven life.” Pausing to crouch down and inspect some plants, the elf and cat easily balanced together for the latter to retain his perch. “I am not going to argue with a pregnant elf that wants me present for the birth of her child, just in case.”
Mentally noting the plants and their location he rose to his feet again. On their way back is when they would dig up a few of the plants. Others would be left where they were for monitoring. “I suppose the true proof of it will be if someone in the Greenwood has a child in the next decade or so. Considering the wolves keeping the land clear and now the ward as an added layer of protection and power. If what I am doing is affecting things, that is what should happen.” As he looked at the wistful shine to her eyes Gilriant added. “I do not think there will be too many elves born at all, but it is possible. I especially do not want many to connect me with the births.” After a moment she nodded slowly. “I can understand why, I will keep your secrets my prince. Is sharing the news of the new elfling to come allowed?”
Gilriant looked to gauge the distance they were from the others and then off in the direction of Imladris. While true he could feel his brother and father from here, he had yet to try to actively use onsanwe from this distance. He already believed that he could, with his powers growing, there was nothing for it but to try. Closing his eyes he mentally reached, projecting his thoughts. Elrond? Being the first person he connected with this way, and the one he did this the most with outside of Haldir, he was the one he could most easily reach. First he felt his brother’s startlement and then a rush of warmth and welcome.
Hello little brother, you have been growing stronger. I am very proud of you. A pleased smile bloomed on Gilriant’s face, and he knew Elrond could feel his reaction. Thank you, I have a non-urgent question if you had a moment. Always a good idea to make sure he wasn’t interrupting anything. For you? Always. The simple instant welcome Elrond always had for him was something he would never take for granted. He didn’t bother to resist sending the wave of affection back. Are we telling people about Mellessin’s pregnancy now? I gather it is now obvious because she was complaining to me about people fussing. I just sent her a walking stick to hit people with if they got too overbearing. A wave of amusement came from his brother even as the tone of his mental voice was on the dry side. That would explain the sounds I heard a short time ago. I will have to check to make sure she didn’t break anyone. Yes, we are sharing the news now. I expect it will be spreading as Gildor is on his way there with Mithrandir.
Both things were news he should share with Thranduil when he could. When Hedwig was back he’d send a note, or see if Legolas could reach his father. Gilriant wasn’t sure how much the two had practiced onsanwe together. Not everyone did. He did for Elrond because he was aware of the depth of the bond his brother had, and lost, with Elros. His father was both incredibly strong and fragile, so he established a firm connection there. Which had exasperated his Atar at times as Maglor felt compelled to point out he was the parent, not Harry. Haldir by necessity for his training and because of the depth of their bond. Gilriant came to the startled realization he probably could reach Legolas if he wanted to. Which of course Elrond picked up on. Is everything okay?
Gilriant had two choices here, tell his brother, or deal with his brother's prodding until he told him anyways. Elrond could be annoyingly persistent in making sure his family was okay, and about talking things out. I was coming to the realization that I could likely have an osanwe connection to Legolas. I recently discovered my connection to him is a great deal deeper and more well developed than I thought possible. Which didn’t exactly explain everything. I see. Elrond could pack so much meaning into two words and he could feel the tips of his ears reddening. Don’t you dare interrogate him the next time we are in Imladris. As far as I know he’s unaware of it. Of course he should have expected the response of, I find discussing things with the individuals involved is very effective.
Which could mean Elrond thought Gilriant should talk about it with Legolas, or that his brother intended to talk to the elven prince. Either way, Leave it alone for now please. Let me handle things. I certainly won’t be initiating osanwe without talking to him first. He could almost predict Elrond’s response to that. Let me know how that goes. The urge to facepalm was strong. His brother was not going to let this one go. Give everyone my love. Let Atya know I’ll try to reach him tonight. This distance requires a little bit of focus so it is not as easy to do something else at the same time. He could feel the affection from Elrond. I will. You have been calling him Atya now. He knew his brother would feel the emotion so he smiled. He is our father, it made sense to me. Love you. A rush of love and affection was sent to him as he released the connection.
Opening his eyes he saw Maethel looking at him with a raised eyebrow. “Elrond says they are sharing the news so we are good to tell others.” “And that caused you to blush?” Gilriant gave her a baneful look. “No, it did not.” The unfortunate side effect of making friends out of your guards, they felt free to tease you. “Well you were blushing so something interesting must have come up.” Ignoring that he turned to head back towards the trail. “We might as well tell the others the good news.” That at least should serve as a distraction.
*
They had been traveling in spurts. Sometimes he would go ahead with a couple of the guards and let Legolas explore the area behind him. Other times the older prince would go ahead to explore before he joined them. Which was not exactly what Gilirant wanted out of this trip. Yet currently Legolas was still having difficulty regulating his presence to the back of his awareness. The young elf had an idea that might help. There was equally a possibility it would make things worse. However he had the most experience with letting strong sources of information or power fade into the background. It let him find the ‘quieter’ things. Still there could be consequences either way. What do you think?
The easiest way to keep a conversation completely private, have it mentally. It should fix the issue. Are you prepared to deal with whatever happens as a result? Haldir’s concern for Gilriant was unmistakable. What affects me affects you. Better question, will you be okay with either potential consequence? The marchwarden took his time answering, and for that the younger elf was thankful. I would prefer the former over the latter, either way you are right in thinking this needs to be resolved.
They were settling in to rest when Gilriant had Legolas join in. Settling cross-legged he waved to the space in front of him. “I think I might know why you are having such trouble using your senses when I am close. I may have a solution.” The blond archer watched with an amused expression as Weasley took advantage of things to climb into the younger elf’s lap for attention. “Most things come at me strongly. In order to hear what is more subtle I need to identify, acknowledge, and then let the louder things fall to the background. Then I get the quiet I need to really focus on whatever it is. Even if it is something I don’t want to deal with at the moment, I still need to go through that process.” The archer nodded, “I can understand how that would be helpful.”
“I think what is happening here is that the two of us have a connection that is strong. Which is not entirely unexpected as you are my very good friend and very important to me.” His lips quirked in a smile and Legolas gave a soft laugh. “Yes, that part is mutual. I am glad to have you in my life.” “Right, well, the problem is the bond itself hasn’t really been acknowledged, so it is basically demanding attention and won’t stop until it gets it.” A look of understanding dawns on Legolas’ face. “So it is like dealing with Tindil. If I don’t pay attention to him he gets more persistent until I do, only then he settles down.” A sigh escaped Gilriant. “That’s exactly right, and should have been obvious from the start. Typically they don’t act this way but involve my headstrong magic and there is nothing typical about it.” Legolas reached forward to put a hand on the young elf’s knee.
“That has never bothered me. You are unique, and that is part of what makes you special and being friends with you is interesting.” Gilriant raised an eyebrow with that. “That’s actually a curse in some cultures. May you live in interesting times. Interesting does not necessarily mean good.” “Well in this case it does.” Legolas states firmly. “Everything you do is to help. Rarely do you do anything for yourself alone.” The young elf flushed at the compliment bowing his head forward. The dwarven braid at his temple swung forward. Weasley batted at it until the elf tucked it behind his ear. “Sometimes I do. I can be very selfish.” The archer gently squeezed his leg. “Everyone is sometimes, and you deserve to do things for yourself.” Gilriant looks up to meet Legolas’ earnest gaze before his eyes flick to the side.
“Anyways, I think I have a way that will help us both acknowledge the connection, its strength, and what it means to us. Then you should be able to let it exist in the background until you want to use it.” “Oh?” Legolas regarded him calmly as Gilriant nodded and straightened up. “In attempting osanwe I am hoping will settle it for us both in our minds. With the wounds your father was suffering from, I am guessing you are not overly practiced at it?” The blonde prince shook his head, “No, while I have used it with Ada before, not very often. I do not have anyone else in my life I have desired to attempt it with.”
“There is nothing wrong with that. Many elves never use it all. It is entirely dependent on comfort level, ability, and having someone that you are close enough to share it with.” At Legolas acknowledging nod, he continued. “On that note it is perfectly acceptable if you do not wish to share that with me. Not everyone wants to share that kind of intimacy with others. I use it extensively with my brother, my father and of course it was an important part of my training with Haldir due to the strength of my gifts. It has a high probability of strengthening things further which is not easily undone later on.” Legolas inclined his head to show he understood. GIlriant looked down at Weasley, scratching the half grown cat behind his ears.
“The other options are taking steps to dampen it down. Which could be I just stay away whenever you are trying to make those connections to nature. The last would be to try and make the bond more dormant. Which I should be able to do, or my -” “No!” Legolas’ sharp refusal had more than one head in their group turning in his direction. Even the cat seemed taken aback as Gilriant looked up and recognized the very stubborn set to the expression on his friend’s face before it softened. “No. I do not want that. I want to try osanwe.” “I needed to give you the options,” Gilriant replied mildly. “I am still keeping things from you.” “And I told you, I know you will tell me when you are ready or when the time comes. I trust you.”
Gilriant turned his head at the soft huff next to him. Hallows was there, giving him a look, before she moved to settle down behind him as a form of support. So it didn’t shock him to look back to see Tindil had arrived to do the same around Legolas. “Apparently my concerns on your behalf are being outvoted,” he remarked dryly. Moving his hand from the young elf’s knee, the archer scratched around the base of Tindil’s antlers as the deer’s head curved towards him. “Or they are just telling you that you are worrying over nothing.”
“Alright alright,” A small smile played on Gilriant’s face. “I get it. Very well.” He reached and offered both hands, palm up to his friend. “Physical contact can help. As I am directly in front of you, eye contact can help, but it is not required. It works just as well if you shut your eyes if that helps you focus.” With the close connection between fea and hroa for elves, it was one of the reason casual touch was rare, or perfunctory. Legolas accepting and placing his hands in the young elfs was more than symbolic. “Just relax and be open to me. I will reach out to you, all you have to do is accept it.” Legolas kept his eyes open as he gave a small nod.
For Gilriant it was easy as breathing to reach out to his mind to those he was connected to. For Haldir he didn’t even need to consciously make the choice to do so. It was also a sign of utter trust because of his past. A past that Legolas was not ignorant of. The archer understood the significance of what had been offered to him. Gently he reached out to the older elf. Hello my friend. Easy enough to pick up on Legolas’ bright happiness as he replied. It is good to hear your voice this way. Those watching could see an increased shine to the deer’s antlers at the connection.
It was impossible to ignore the way the bond between them hummed at the contact. As they connected it came to life stretching before settling into a new vibrancy. Impossible to ignore but very much a part of who he was. You feel it? You need to identify that connection with your very self. Know it, know that it is a part of you. Then it should settle down. It is likely even when we do not speak this way that you will retain a low level awareness of me. Emotions should not leak through outside of osanwe unless it is a very strong one, or it is deliberate.
He could see the way Legolas’ eyes unfocused as he turned his attention more inward. His delight at finding it sparkled along the bond between them. I know this, this is how I have always been able to find you, is it not? A flicker of trepidation caused Legolas’ eyes to refocus on his friend. About that, there is something I should probably tell you. A playful sort of amusement rippled from the archer. I already know. There are only so many times one can go looking for their friend, and find someone else in their place. What is the saying you taught me? Once is happenstance, twice is coincidence, three times is purposeful action. I think we have gotten well past that point. As I said, you can talk to me about it when you are ready. I was also enjoying the opportunity to teach you something. Deliberately Gilriant let the gratitude and easy affection echo down the bond between them.
Considering the only people with them already knew about Tauriel, deliberately they invoked the change in front of him. Linked like this it was easy to feel his reaction as well as see it and hear his words. “And you are okay with this?” While the clothes were ones for Gilriant, most had been adjusted so that if need be they could be made to fit. She spoke out loud this time for the benefit of the others, and Legolas responded in kind. “You are still you. No matter what you look like on the outside. You are still the same person inside, and my friend.” He shifted his hands to hold hers more securely and gave them a little squeeze of reassurance. Words, actions and emotions all in harmony.
Tauriel looked over at Haldir, feeling him smirk even if it wasn’t obvious in his expression. “So, who had bet that Legolas had already figured it out by now, because they won.” There was assorted cursing and the sensation of smug satisfaction from the marchwarden gave her the answer. “Of course it is you, what did I expect otherwise.” “They bet on me?” Legolas looked over at the group. Rather than being offended she got the distinct feeling of amusement from him. “Gossip and betting, I don’t know if it was in their repertoire before going to Imladris, but it certainly is now.”
Looking back at the prince, she smiled easily, “So what else gave me away?” Looking back at her, Legolas replied, “Two things really. First, as I said, so few treat me informally here. Then there were your eyes.” Hers widened a faction at that. “In all my years I have only ever seen that shade of green on you, and your two friends here.” Tauriel really did not know how to respond to that one. She could feel the tips of her ears color. Finally settling on, “Well, they are my mother’s eyes. I thought of her when I settled on this for my female self.” “She must have been quite beautiful then.” Deciding to deliberately ignore the other possible interpretations of that statement, Tauriel responded with, “She was.”
“I found out I could do this by helping another that had been born into the wrong body. I accidentally shifted us both at the same time. From there it was easy to decide on a different appearance. I just wanted to explore this side of me without outside expectations.” Legolas inclined his head in understanding. “No one will hear about it from me. I take it they were all there the first time it happened?” “I don’t know why any of us were surprised it happened,” Gonben contributed cheerfully.” They had not bothered to pretend that they weren’t watching the pair after Tauriel addressed them all.
“And the name choice?”
“Completely on the spot I hadn’t thought about it before you asked for a name. In a way it has been a benefit because it is easier to separate out what side of me is suited to what, or how they move differently.” Legolas grinned, “And this also explains the anger at suddenly being good at archery. I’m well aware of your past struggles.” Her head whipped around to glare at Haldir. “No laughing.” The marchwarden held up his hands in surrender.
“Haldir also incited Elrond to have Fawkes kidnap me at just the right time to discover it.” She looked back at Legolas. So there is some family that knows because of my appearing to them this way. You are the first that I’ve even tried to tell, outside of the necessity of telling Fawkes and Hedwig, and you already knew.”
Legolas looked down at the hands he still held. A little different but still the same touch. “I find I rather like the fact that no matter where you go or what you look like I’ll still be able to find you.” Okay she was just going to shove that to the side to unpack later. Muuuuuuuuch later.
“Well, we should see if this worked. I’m going to pull back.” When his hands reflexively tightened on her before loosening Tauriel gave him a gentle smile. “It won’t hurt, and nothing is actually going anywhere. You just won’t be actively picking up my emotions or hearing me speak to you mentally. You should still be able to reach me when I’m close by.” “And if I want to reach you from a further distance?” “That is about developing the ability to connect. Which comes in part from repetition and cultivating the bond between us.”
“Then that is what we will do.”
If Haldir did an ‘I told you so’ later, he was going to end up with feather fluff in his bedding. Lots of it. He had been the one bringing up the connection between herself and Legolas. She’d been avoiding talking about it.
Mentally she gently withdrew even as she pulled her hands free. Tauriel scooted back out of easy reach. “Okay, think you can test it now with me right here? Just remember, acknowledge our connection and then let it fade to the back of your awareness. It is a part of you, as much as the air you breathe is.”
With a nod Legolas closed his eyes and focused, Haldir coming up next to them. After a moment he opened his eyes again and smiled. “You were right, it is much easier now. I can still tell you are there, and that you are bright but it is not overwhelming everything.” Tauriel smiled at him. “Good, I’m glad.”