Japanese, sth like "I'll be off" (literally "I'll go and come back")

This is my "bye for now!" pressie, 'cause I'll be away for a month, or so. First I'm going to practice my Feng Shui knowledge for 10 days no Internet there, and my room's in a tower of a beautiful castle *g* and I'm pretty excited about it *ignores the fact that she's still poor at medicine, doesn't remember at least half of the things she should, not to mention her pendulum doesn't react to her* Then I'm going to Germany to do some dog-cat-and-two-rabbits-sitting for my Mum's cousin, while she's away there is constant Internet access there, but I doubt I'll use it.

So meanwhile... enjoy:
Vanima (EG/AE, G)
Title: Vanima*
Author: kandadze
Pairing: Elanor Gamgee/Arwen Evenstar implied
Rating: G
Summary: "3021 S.R. 1421 The Last of the Third Age: March 25. Birth of Elanor the Fair, daughter of Samwise (...)1436 King Elessar (...) gives the Star of the Dúnedain to Master Samwise, and Elanor is made a maid of honour to Queen Arwen."
Disclaimer: characters are Tolkien's; Quenya phrases are taken from sheelves
Feedback: yes, please
Author Notes: written in answer to a request posted on Library of Moria ages ago by Floria: "Unusual Pairing Femslash: preferably interspecies, NOT Arwen/Eowyn (no offense, but there's plenty of that pairing). For example, Galadriel/Fimbrethil the Entwife or Arwen/Elanor Gamgee. Need not be explicit, but should be in character. Extra points for humor."
As usual, biiig Kudos to zasjah for beta-job and everything else *hugs*


*******************************************************************************
Dear Mum & Dad,
The court is beautiful, everyone is friendly and I feel very fine here. One of the maids already told me what my duties will be... I can't wait for tomorrow!

~*~
Dear Diary,
Whoever said I resembled an elf, had obviously never seen one. And definitely had never seen Lady Arwen Evenstar as I saw her tonight. Dressed in silver and white she seemed to glow as if she was made of stars. Or was a star herself... *yawn* 'm too tired to write anything more... Good night.

~*~
Dear Mum & Dad,
I was serving Lady Arwen at dinner. I wish hobbits would know all these ballads I heard tonight, so beautiful!

~*~
Dear Diary,
Everytime I turned to her with wine or anything she'd smile at me and thank me in Elvish.
Finally I summoned up the courage to answer:
"Lle creoso**, My Lady."
"Oh? So you know my language?"
"Only a few words, I'm afraid..."
"Would you like to learn more?"
She laughed when I thanked her enthusiastically as if I was an overexcited child. I have to learn to control myself!

~*~
Dear Mum & Dad,
Lady Evenstar says I'm a fast learner...

~*~
... but she deserves all the credit for that. She's so involved in teaching me it seems effortless.[1] I wish I could learn twice as fast as I do, if only with it I can bring a smile to her face...

~*~
Dear Mum & Dad,
I was allowed to sit in on an audience. King Elessar looked so different from yesterday! His face was glowing with power and wisdom. Sometimes he would turn to Lady Arwen, as if to ask her opinion, and then his face would soften, just like yours when you look at Mum when you think she's not looking, Dad!

~*~
She didn't say much, but I felt reassured by her presence. I guess Elessar king feels the same way... Only... as they were leaving... there was something strange about her... I can't quite place it... *thinks hard* I know! Dad would wear the same face sometimes, looking out of the window. I asked Mum about it and she said... she said... I can't remember.

~*~
Being the smallest here has its advantages. I can sneak out of maiden-chambers and listen to Lady Arwen singing. Her voice is so fair, so sad. She must feel lonely at nights such as tonight, with all the stars seeming so close. She should not be alone... *pokes self* So you think you could ease her pain? You don't even know what's bothering her! *rubs temples* Right... I feel I should do something, though.

~*~
Dear...
Ack! First I'll wash my hands...
I baked Lady Arwen's favourite cake. The basic recipe's similar to one of Mum's, but then I got carried away and added some entwined layers, so that the whole thing looked as if covered with a piece of lace from Lady's dress. It took me the whole afternoon and dinner had to be delayed because of this... *sweatdrop* but it seemed Lady Arwen enjoyed it! She even took a second helping *beams*

~*~
Dear Mum, your cakes rule! (You really should write that cookery book!)
I baked some blueberry tarts today and OH NO! MY RING!!!

~*~
the same day, much later
"I believe this belongs to you?"
*blink*
*blink*
I must be dreaming... Lady Arwen in person, here... and she's handing me the ring I thought I'd lost for good. And why haven't I noticed it gone missing before?
"Thank you. I'm sorry..."
"I found it in the cake."
The CAKE?
"Are you alright, My Lady? I hope you didn't... choke on..."
I can't believe it...
"No, I am fine. So it was you who prepared it?"
"Yes. It's my Mum's recipe."
This is not happening...
"She should be proud of you. And I shall advise her to write a cookery book."
"I already did, My Lady..."
And then she smiled at me and left. Argh, why do I keep saying these stupid things? Let alone doing them?

~*~
Again in the garden. The Lady is not alone tonight. Still her smile is as pale as her fingers caged held in Elessar king's palm. She shouldn't be outside at this hour. She looks as if she's cold... Mum would have fed her with no small amount of one of her famous warming soups. And I would have added apple pie and pastries Oh, great, hobbit, you're talking about food again!...
Sorry.

~*~
Dear Mum & Dad,
I'm really glad I've accompanied you in the garden all those times. I can take care of that little plant I've found... or rather, it has found me. Just outside the palace walls, I tripped, fell... and there it was, looking at me out of the stone walking path. I've never seen a flower like this...

~*~
... but Lady Arwen has, apparently. She startled me a little, appearing by my side out of nowhere... She dug it out herself, very carefully, and handed to me as if it was the finest birthday present she'd ever got.
"It is strong, it wants to live. Help it, Elanor?"
I bowed. I felt so honoured that she'd entrusted this task to me... and it was still warm from her fingers.

~*~
I just love combing and plaiting My Lady's hair. It takes a long time, there's just the two of us... and it feels as if I hold a piece of the summer night in my fingers.
"Hanon lle***, Elanor."
"Ta nae seasamin****..."
"Untangle it, then, please."
Yaaaaay!
"Do you miss your family?"
"Sometimes, My Lady... But we write to each other. And I know they're there. Thinking about me. Sometimes..."
"Are you not lonely, Elanor?"
"With all those people around?... Um. No, I am not. I am... grateful for being here. And even if there are no others of my folk near me, I can feel them. Inside."
The very moment I said that, I would've gladly bitten my tongue off. Isn't that feeling the reason she hurts?
Before I could apologise, there was a knock at the door and Elessar king entered. I wonder if I ever be able to speak Elvish so beautifully... Lady Arwen's face lit up at his words and she looked just like Mum when she's happy. I'm so glad!

~*~
My eyes keep straying to her, and I keep following. I use every single opportunity to exchange a word with her, even if it's only a greeting. I know her routine with Elessar king. Yes, I am spying on her. Tonight he was kissing her with such a tenderness... I wonder what it would be like to kiss her that way what it's like to be kissed that way...
Oh, be honest! What it would be like for me to kiss her that way!
There. I said it...
*shakes self* pull yourself together, Elanor, you are a hobbit! And a girl! And she's...!
Someone's calling me.

~*~
Dear Dad, how did you know that Mum was the one you loved, really and
truly?

~*~
It wasn't her. I knew it wasn't her voice, and still... So dissapointing.
I forgot that I asked that girl to help me with party-plans, and that she was supposed to call me.
*facepalm* I'm so stupid.

~*~
Thanks, Dad!
Yes, I am fine. Yes, it's a good idea, I will ask Mum. No, nothing happened. Yes, I should have asked Mum instead.

~*~
*sweatdrop*
palms sweating
can't say anything sensible
want to be close
want to make her happy
want to see her smile
want to be there for her
want to...
I shouldn't have asked at all... everything sounds familiar enough. You may not know it, but you really hit the nail on the head here, Dad...

~*~
Spent the whole day preparing for tomorrow's party. There are so many
things that need to be taken care of!
And I tried very hard not to think about her the Lady Evenstar, I tried not to come too close... I don't want to make her uncomfortable in any way and a drooling hobbit would definitely fall into that category... and so I can't tell her.
Can I?

~*~
Dear Mum & Dad,
the party was a tremendous success. The guests enjoyed the food, the dances, the singing, and I participated in everything! The night was so enjoyable...

~*~
... and she was watching me. I could tell. Would it be easier, if she knew?...
Yes, she'd probably laugh at me... and I'd laugh with her. So funny...
"Elanor."
"I'm sorry... I don't feel like going any-"
CRASH!

~*~
Dear Diary
I... don't know what to say
SHE KNEW!...
She didn't laugh.
I...

***
"Elanor, sweetie,
what's wrong? We don't receive your letters anymore. If you don't answer this one, we'll have to ask for the King and Queen's assistance.
Mum and Dad"

~*~
I remembered. Mum told me about uncle Frodo... and something Dad had learned from him. To turn his pain into something beautiful...

~*~
My Lady,
I'm sorry I've made you uncomfortable. I'm merely a silly child...
Please try to forgive me.

~*~
Dearest Mum & Dad,
I'm sorry you worried because of me. I've caught a cold, kind of, as Lady Arwen put it. I think a short vacation would help me heal. Home must be beautiful right now and I'd like to see you again so much!

***
"Elanor,
there is nothing to forgive. Never regret being true to your feelings - 'tis what makes us beautiful.
Amin harmuva onalle e' cormamin*****, Elanor Vanima.
Yours,
Arwen Undomiel"


the end

* Quenya "Beautiful, fair"
** Q "You're welcome"
*** Q "Thank you"
**** Q "It was my pleasure"
*****Q "I shall treasure your gift in my heart"
[1] sth Viggo said about the scene in Lothlorien he shot with Cate Blanchett, where both of them spoke Elvish