The Sea Calls Us Home

When Gimli finished his breakfast, which some kind soul left while he was still sleeping, he went looking for Legolas.

Not finding him in the room next door, the dwarf went wandering abroad in Imladris only to discover that his friend went out riding with Elladan and Elrohir. If the day before was any indication, Gimli did not expect to see Legolas until after luncheon, for it was well past midday when they rode in themselves and Radagast had informed them the elf brothers had just returned to the Last Homely House.

The goodwill he was feeling for the elf prince was quickly fading while he pondered what to do among people he did not know.

As he wandered aimlessly through the airy corridors and porticos of the elven village, he finally came upon a familiar face.

Eruwestiel was sitting on a carved bench beneath a great tree. Ostensibly she was reading, but Gimli noticed she looked up from her book frequently as she watched her fellow elves to and fro on their daily business.

Not exactly his first choice of companions, but she was someone to talk to at least.

“My lady,” he gave her a perfectly correct bow of his head, “would you mind some company? I find myself alone and looking for someone to pass the time with…’

The elfmaid looked somewhat startled to be addressed by a dwarf, but answered with her cool graciousness, “Not at all, Master Dwarf. Do have a seat…”

Her bench, however, was filled with her needlework and other books. As she made no move to clear them away, Gimli contented himself with a nearby tree stump.

“It’s been many years since I’ve been to Rivendell,” he commented as he looked around the courtyard, “but nothing seems to have changed much.”

She gave him a delicate shrug, “If you were to live as long as an elf you would see that real change comes along very slowly.” He had no answer to that and waited to see if she would pick up the conversation. “Your friend seems determined to make the voyage to the Undying Lands,” she said finally.

“Aye,” he sighed.

“Why now? Most of us left in Middle-earth have made the decision to stay.”

“He’s been putting it off for some time, so he says. What has kept him here, I do not know for certain.”

Coyly, she asked, “Is there perhaps an elleth waiting for him in Valinor that he is anxious to go to?”

“If he has,” Gimli’s eyebrows raised, “she left long before I met him. He’s never mentioned anyone in particular, so I doubt it.”

Her expression brightened, “So Prince Legolas is not spoken for?”

“Not that I know of, my lady,” he answered.

“Excellent,” Eruwestiel replied, and then added quickly, “I mean, it would be cruel to leave someone behind here if he is so determined to go. There isn’t anyone here in Middle-earth either, is there?”

Gimli crossed his arms on his chest and looked at her askance, “Why do you ask?”

Before she could come up with an answer, they were surprised to hear the dwarf being called from across the courtyard, “Gimli, there you are! I’ve been looking for you, my friend.” Legolas strode towards the pair, taking a moment to give Eruwestiel a polite nod of greeting.

“Looking for me?” Gimli grumped. “I’ve been looking for you, and was told you went riding. I didn’t expect to see you for hours.”

The elf prince gave his friend a tolerant smile, “Now, Gimli, would I leave you alone, in an unfamiliar place, to fend for yourself?”

“Humph!”

Legolas laughed at his friend. “I was going to see if you wanted to join me in a hike through the woods, but you seem to have found a more pleasant diversion.”

“Do not bother about me, my lords,” Eruwestiel gave the elf prince one of her most enigmatic smiles and stood. “I have much to do before this evening. My uncle wishes for us to open the Hall of Fire tonight in your honor. I do hope you have a song or two share with us.”

Legolas acknowledged her with a polite nod and she looked to Gimli archly.

“Dwarves don’t sing,” he stated firmly.

“No?”

“The only music a dwarf loves is the ring of metal on rock or the satisfying thud when an axe bites into an enemy’s flesh.”

Eruwestiel looked frankly appalled, and Gimli gave her a hasty smile to soften his words.

“Perhaps we’ll leave dwarf music for another time. Tenna telwan…”

After the elfmaid departed, Gimli chuckled heartily, and Legolas could not help but join in, though he admonished his friend, “Gimli, you are incorrigible.”

“That one needs taking down a peg, I think,” he explained. “And you need watch yourself, my friend. She has her eye on you.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. We’re leaving tomorrow. I’ve made no secret of it – why should she bother?”

The dwarf crossed his arms on his chest, “She thinks a lot of herself, that one. I imagine she believes she can convince you to stay.”

Shifting his weight, Legolas asked, “And what makes you think that?”

“She was asking a lot of questions about you – such as if you are spoken for.” Legolas’ elegant forehead furrowed with skepticism and Gimli added, “You mark my words, Legolas.”

The problem was, the elf-prince soon began to believe him.


Legolas enjoyed the evening in the Hall of Fire. Many songs were pieces that he had not heard for some time, and there were also quite a few he had not heard at all. He sang briefly, but left the bulk of the night to the more practiced singers.

Eruwestiel’s performance was the centerpiece of the evening, singing a long ballad written about the love story of Elessar and Arwen. He discovered later it was written by the elf brothers together when Elrohir presented a copy of the music and lyrics to him to take to their father, Elrond.

It was obvious Eruwestiel was keeping an eye on him, and he tried to ignore it. He supposed he should feel flattered. The elfmaid was the most eligible elleth in Imladris, perhaps even Middle-earth. Yet, he had no interest in any romantic entanglements while still in Aman. Perhaps had he not smelled the Sea and felt the longing to sail into the West, he would’ve already found a mate. Yet, knowing he would leave Middle-earth sooner or later he did not want to feel torn between taking the ship or leaving someone behind – leaving Gimli was going to be difficult enough.

Eruwestiel knew she sang well. She was sought after for her talent as much as her beauty or even her rank. However, the elf-prince remained unmoved, which piqued her. Did he not know what an honor she was conferring upon him? Why, she had three proposals alone this week! Stronger measures would need to be taken. Quietly, she slipped out of the Hall.


Legolas sent Gimli off to sleep long before he was ready to retire himself. The reveling finally wound down after moonrise, however, and the elf-prince slowly strolled back towards his room.

The Last Homely House was still and peaceful. Most residents of Rivendell had gone to their own lodging and only a few could be seen abroad, silently making their way home.

He was startled then to hear movement in his sleeping chamber when he arrived. Cautiously he drew out a small dagger from his belt, his other heavier weapons stowed away until the morning, and glided toward the door.

The intruder made no move to hide, for candles were lit and food was laid out on the bed table.

Unsurprisingly, Eruwestiel was reclining on the bed.

“Mae govannen, herumin,” she purred. I hoped you would join me soon. You don’t mind me coming, do you?”

Legolas tried to get out of the situation diplomatically. “While your invitation is flattering, arwenamin, I’d hope to get some rest before leaving early in the morning.”

Eruwestiel was not going for his tact, ”Why must you leave? You have plenty of time to visit your father. In fact, you don’t have to leave at all. I and Rivendell have much to offer you.”

He re-sheathed his dagger as he answered tolerantly, “While I have no doubt of that, arwenamin, I have made the decision to sail to the Undying Lands – and you belong with your family here. I would not play with your emotions to make promises I have no way to keep.”

She held out an inviting hand, “Then make no promises, Legolas. Just come lay with me for tonight – no regrets in the morning…”

“I can’t do that,” he solemnly shook his head. “I would have regrets, and so would you, Eruwestiel. Go find one of your other lovers to keep you company tonight, for I in good conscience cannot.”

Several emotions played across her pretty face: disappointment, disbelief, hurt and finally haughtiness before she finally answered, “Very well.” She got to her feet, her wine-colored shift showing all her lovely curves – and more, but she did not bother to adjust it for modesty’s sake. “You will regret this someday, Legolas of Mirkwood.”

“Then that will be a burden I will have to bear alone. Good night, arwenamin. I hope you find better luck with your next companion.”

“Humph!” she turned on her heel and departed in a huff, her filmy gown trailing seductively after her.

Trembling, Legolas sat on the edge of the bed. That was a close call. He had no interest in Eruwestiel as a wife, but her blatant invitation to be lovers for one night was appealing. Still, he sensed that once would not be enough for her, like it would be for him. He knew his own mind, and that was to take the ship. Eruwestiel would have to bed and wed one of her many suitors in Imladris instead.


The next morning, only Elladan, Elrohir and Celeborn saw Legolas and Gimli off on their next leg of the journey. Rúmil and Orophin stood by to escort them on their way, but no other residents took their time to wish them well. Eruwestiel, especially, was conspicuously absent.

Legolas sighed, “Lord Elrohir, I think I have insulted your daughter unintentionally last night. I’d hoped to make amends this morning, but as she’s not here I hope you will convey my apology for any hard feelings between us.”

The elflord cocked an eyebrow at him, “I will certainly do so, Legolas, though I think she may’ve learned a lesson in all of this. Thank you for not giving in to her whims.” Apparently Eruwestiel’s motives were more transparent than Legolas perhaps thought.

“The temptation was great, my lord, believe me,” he admitted. “But I don’t regret my decision not to give in to her. My mind is made up, as you well know.”

“Indeed,” Elrohir held out a hand, which Legolas shook warmly. “Safe journey to you both…”

Celeborn gave him a profound nod of the head, which the elf-prince returned, then Elladan spoke, “You said you would deliver any message I might have for my daughter Carantaliel…” he held out a vellum packet. “I hope you don’t mind?”

“Not at all, my lord,” he answered. “I will be happy to do you this favor.”

As Legolas accepted the letter and tucked it in his saddlebag, Elladan gripped his shoulder, “Hannon lle.”

Finally, the fair elf said, “Come, Gimli. Let us be on our way. We’ve disrupted our friends’ lives enough for two days. Shall we go impose on my father for awhile?”

-end of Chapter Four-