Author's Note: Hey everyone I hope you like this story, it's my first LOTR fanfic, although not my first story. I haven't read the books yet since I'm currently waiting for the third installment of the LOTR trilogy to be released and then I'll get to all that wonderful leading. I'm just going to write this story to the best of my knowledge based on the movies, and I'm sorry if some things might be wrong and please go easy on me on the criticism, but nevertheless I welcome it. It takes place after the war of the ring. Hope you like my story.
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters besides the ones made up in my own little mind, they all belong to that genius Tolkien whom we all love for his world renown books and Peter Jackson. Wish I could own Legolas like any other girl but o well. The only character I own is Arianne and a few smaller characters other than that, no one please sue me, I'm not worth it.
~*Hidden Rose*~
~Chapter One~
Legolas was walking along the path with his horse by his side, the sun shone through the trees, it was a beautiful day, it was quiet along the trail. The only noise heard was the sound of his horse's breathing, tired from the long journey away from Mirkwood. He stopped his horse, his ears heard a slight rustle nearby, he grabbed his bow and arrow and whipped around but saw nothing. A voice rang out behind him.
"Don't turn around, for I have a clear shot of your head and I am not one to miss. Turn around slowly, drop your weapons and keep your hands where I can see them stranger."
Legolas slowly did as the stranger asked, he could not make out who it was for they were in the shadows of the trees. The stranger was covered in a dark green cloak, the hood was over their head covering their face in shadow.
"Who are you and what business do you have in Lorien?"
"I am Legolas Greenleaf, I was sent here by King Thranduil of Mirkwood to speak with the Lady of the Light. She is expecting me and I am no stranger and I present no harm towards Lorien."
"I sense that you are telling the truth, and I believe that you do not present any harm to my homeland," the stranger replied lowering her bow. "I was sent here to escort you, I admit you were not very easy to track, but I found you nonetheless. I did not expect for you to use this secret trail here, it is not known to very many. Although that does not excuse the fact that you are late," she pulled back her hood and revealed herself with a half smile.
"I am Lady Arianne," she said, bowing her head in recognition of the prince. She had a dark green tunic on with dark beige leggings and black boots. Her long dark blackish blue hair was put in a braid to keep out of her face, which was of milky complexion. She had bold turquoise eyes and full lips. By this the prince was in awe, he had never seen an elf like her before. She was different from all the other elf maidens he had known before in Mirkwood or any where else. She had a dark beauty which was not typical of the Lorien elves.
"It is impolite to stare my lord," turning her head away.
"I apologize my lady, I was a bit deep in thought, we must continue though."
"Yes, we are very close and we must get moving." She whistled for her horse, who then came running through the woods. "Hello Arlen." Arianne stroked her mane before she mounted on her horse, Legolas did the same and they rode through the woods toward Lorien.
"Follow me, I know these woods better than anyone, and it is imperative that you keep up, these woods are not safe at night." They galloped at high speed before Arianne slowed to a stop when they reached a waterfall.
Legolas looked around, there was a large waterfall dumping it's contents into a slowly flowing river. "You have been here many times before." he stated.
"Yes, follow me and watch your step, it is quite slippery," She led them behind the waterfall into the cave behind it, it was dim they walked for a long while, the only sound was the sound of the horse's hooves on the ground. They followed the end of the cave to an opening. The horses were first up the small ledge then Legolas. He held out a hand for Arianne helping her up, until she slipped on some loose rocks and landed in his arms and her forehead to his chest. She stood up, her eyes looking into his, and his arms still holding on to hers. He looked into her eyes and saw such hope and independence, and yet such sadness. She felt his compassion and trust, but she quickly broke free of his grip. "Thank you," she said curtly and continued walking forward.
Legolas was a bit bewildered at what had just happened but paid no mind to it. He quickly caught up with her with his long strides leading his horse with her.
~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~
It was late afternoon before they had reached the gates of Lorien. The guards recognized Arianne and quickly let her in along with Legolas.
"I will take the horses to the stables and see that they are fed, you should go rest, it has been a long journey and I'm sure that you would want some rest and some nourishment. Lady Galadriel will meet with you at dinner. "
Legolas reached out for Arianne's hand and never took his eyes off of hers, "thank you, it was a pleasure to be of your aquatance. I hope to see you at dinner." he bent down to kiss her hand.
"You will my lord, it would be an honor. Until then." She walked away with the reins of the horses leading them toward the stables.
Legolas was led into his quarters where he found Haldir waiting for him by the window. "Mellon nin, it has been too long,"
"Yes too long indeed."
"I take it you had no trouble in your arrival."
"Yes, I owe most of it to this elleth who escorted me. She's a mystery to me frankly, Arianne is different from any other elleth I've ever known."
"That is Arianne alright, there is no mistaking her. She has her own aura of doing things I guess you could say. And you are right she is like no other elleth. But I am warning you mellon nin, she is like a burning fire, if you do not handle her properly then you will get burned, if you do then she will burn brightest and is a beautiful flame to behold if not already."
"I can clearly see that about her."
"Are you so sure about that."
"Of course I'm not sure, can one be sure of anything when it comes to an elleth."
"Yes you do have a point there."
"I've sensed something different about her. It seems that she's trying so hard to hide her feelings from the world, as if there is a world of sadness underneath that she doesn't want anyone to find out."
"All I can say is that your instincts are correct, but it is not my place to tell you, it is getting late mellon nin. I will see you tonight at dinner."
"Yes, I will see you there." Legolas took a walk outside admiring the beauty of Lothlorien. Although he was drawn to some music nearby, he walked to a cluster of trees with the most beautiful blossoms, and petals raining down everywhere. Just above he heard the music elves practicing their songs for the dinner held tonight. He walked a little further and found Arianne dancing slowly and expressively to the slow and somewhat sad melodic music.
"I know someone is there," she softly called out, "now either come out or walk away." Legolas slowly walked out and showed himself. He was in awe with her graceful movements and her beauty among the falling petals around her.
"A beautiful elleth like you should not dance alone." said Legolas walking over grasping her hand.
"Hannon le, but I am no one's elleth," she replied, "you are not such a bad dancer, for a prince." she said with a grin.
"Not all can be as graceful as you Lady Arianne. Where did you learn to dance like that?" There was a pause before she answered, she avoided his eyes, "It was my mother who taught me." she said barely above a whisper. The music soon stopped, and the two slowly parted.
A chamber maid called out to Arianne, "My lady, we must prepare you for the dinner,"
"I will see you at dinner my lady."Legolas bowed as Arianne slowly parted, "As will I my lord" she nodded deeply.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The sun set and the moon began to show over the horizon, it seemed to add to the angelic glow of the elvan kingdom. Legolas got dressed in his formal attire and proceeded toward the dining hall. He was soon accompanied by Haldir. The hall was like nothing Legolas had seen anywhere else, it had it's own beauty and light which the Loriens were known for. Legolas was seated next to Lady Galadriel, he soon saw Lady Arianne making her way up to the head table, although being seated three seats away from him. She was dressed in a blue shimmering ivory dress that accented her features.
"Legolas, I am so please you have made it safely, I trust that Lady Arianne was a good escort. We will discuss matters tomorrow, tonight let us enjoy ourselves and relax." Music played and filled the hall with melodic sounds, elves began dancing all around.
Legolas made his way toward Lady Arianne, "Would you like to dance?"
Arianne stood up and took his hand, "I believe you have already had the pleasure of a dance, but how about a walk instead." They made their way to the side entrance and walked along the dimmed halls of the palace. Legolas felt a wave of sadness as Arianne passed these halls, her soul seemed to be crying and sullen. They made their way to a balcony on the north wing of the palace.
There, Arianne seemed to be comforted by the gleaming sky. "In all my years as an elf, I have never tired looking up at the sky, or saying hello to the stars," she held her hands up, closed her eyes and twirled underneath the endless beauty of the sky. Legolas softly reached and grabbed her hands in his and brought them down to his chest. "Arianne, what troubles you so, I can feel your pain from here, I have ever since I've met you, your longing sadness, hidden, but not unnoticed."
She looked at him with her turquoise eyes and simply replied "you are right, there are many troubles for me at this time," She walked away from him to the railing of the balcony, Legolas followed her, then she began telling her story, only a bit louder than a whisper.
"My mother was originally from the kingdom of Rivendell, and my father was born here in Lothlorien. They fell in love and she came to live with him, she was a noble elf, and she befriended Lady Galadriel. My father was Celeborn's Chief Guard of Lothlorien, my mother, a secret messenger for Lady Galadriel. My father did not even know of it until a few months ago. But I knew my whole life, and one day that I would have to take over for her and help aid the kingdom of elves. Two months ago, she was sent with a message to Mirkwood, the next day she was riding back, barely alive, who wounds too extensive for our healers to heal. She died in my father's arms, she was murdered by orcs a days beyond Lothlorien. She rode all the way out here to say good bye, and that she loved us. I was suppose to ride with her that day and help her deliver something of great importance, but she refused and told me to stay here. And I listened. All I have left of her is this locket that she gave me, with the rose carved in. My father soon left after her death, he left these shores, he was reminded too much of his grief. He said that I resembled my mother, and her dark beauty. But I know that for him the grief was too near and I was part of it. Haldir promised my father that he would take care of me, and has been my guardian since. But for me it just seems that the grief is still too near."
Legolas put his hand on her cheek and lifted her face up to his, "I can feel your guilt from here, it was not your fault, there was nothing you could do. Your mother knew the risks she took, she was just protecting you and your father, you can not blame her for that. Your father made the choice to leave, to start a new life away from here. It was not that he did not care for you, but that it was his own way of dealing with his grief, just like you are dealing with yours. The fates may not seem to be kind, but troubles pass in time, you have to be patient enough to wait." he said softly as he gently kissed her and wiping her tears with his thumb. He guided her to the bench nearby and held her close, her head rested on his chest, he could feel everything that she was feeling. Images from her mind flowed from her into him, then there was the feeling of trust that she had for him. She felt safe in his arms wrapped around her, Legolas stroked her long dark hair, and she fell asleep in his arms.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Another Author's Note: Okay I know that Haldir died in the Two Towers but I couldn't think of putting anyone else in my story besides him. But please I ask of you review and tell me what you think, I would love to know what you think of the story so far. And don't worry it will pick up soon. So please review if you want another chapter!
~Lady Elizabeth
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters besides the ones made up in my own little mind, they all belong to that genius Tolkien whom we all love for his world renown books and Peter Jackson. Wish I could own Legolas like any other girl but o well. The only character I own is Arianne and a few smaller characters other than that, no one please sue me, I'm not worth it.
~*Hidden Rose*~
~Chapter One~
Legolas was walking along the path with his horse by his side, the sun shone through the trees, it was a beautiful day, it was quiet along the trail. The only noise heard was the sound of his horse's breathing, tired from the long journey away from Mirkwood. He stopped his horse, his ears heard a slight rustle nearby, he grabbed his bow and arrow and whipped around but saw nothing. A voice rang out behind him.
"Don't turn around, for I have a clear shot of your head and I am not one to miss. Turn around slowly, drop your weapons and keep your hands where I can see them stranger."
Legolas slowly did as the stranger asked, he could not make out who it was for they were in the shadows of the trees. The stranger was covered in a dark green cloak, the hood was over their head covering their face in shadow.
"Who are you and what business do you have in Lorien?"
"I am Legolas Greenleaf, I was sent here by King Thranduil of Mirkwood to speak with the Lady of the Light. She is expecting me and I am no stranger and I present no harm towards Lorien."
"I sense that you are telling the truth, and I believe that you do not present any harm to my homeland," the stranger replied lowering her bow. "I was sent here to escort you, I admit you were not very easy to track, but I found you nonetheless. I did not expect for you to use this secret trail here, it is not known to very many. Although that does not excuse the fact that you are late," she pulled back her hood and revealed herself with a half smile.
"I am Lady Arianne," she said, bowing her head in recognition of the prince. She had a dark green tunic on with dark beige leggings and black boots. Her long dark blackish blue hair was put in a braid to keep out of her face, which was of milky complexion. She had bold turquoise eyes and full lips. By this the prince was in awe, he had never seen an elf like her before. She was different from all the other elf maidens he had known before in Mirkwood or any where else. She had a dark beauty which was not typical of the Lorien elves.
"It is impolite to stare my lord," turning her head away.
"I apologize my lady, I was a bit deep in thought, we must continue though."
"Yes, we are very close and we must get moving." She whistled for her horse, who then came running through the woods. "Hello Arlen." Arianne stroked her mane before she mounted on her horse, Legolas did the same and they rode through the woods toward Lorien.
"Follow me, I know these woods better than anyone, and it is imperative that you keep up, these woods are not safe at night." They galloped at high speed before Arianne slowed to a stop when they reached a waterfall.
Legolas looked around, there was a large waterfall dumping it's contents into a slowly flowing river. "You have been here many times before." he stated.
"Yes, follow me and watch your step, it is quite slippery," She led them behind the waterfall into the cave behind it, it was dim they walked for a long while, the only sound was the sound of the horse's hooves on the ground. They followed the end of the cave to an opening. The horses were first up the small ledge then Legolas. He held out a hand for Arianne helping her up, until she slipped on some loose rocks and landed in his arms and her forehead to his chest. She stood up, her eyes looking into his, and his arms still holding on to hers. He looked into her eyes and saw such hope and independence, and yet such sadness. She felt his compassion and trust, but she quickly broke free of his grip. "Thank you," she said curtly and continued walking forward.
Legolas was a bit bewildered at what had just happened but paid no mind to it. He quickly caught up with her with his long strides leading his horse with her.
~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~
It was late afternoon before they had reached the gates of Lorien. The guards recognized Arianne and quickly let her in along with Legolas.
"I will take the horses to the stables and see that they are fed, you should go rest, it has been a long journey and I'm sure that you would want some rest and some nourishment. Lady Galadriel will meet with you at dinner. "
Legolas reached out for Arianne's hand and never took his eyes off of hers, "thank you, it was a pleasure to be of your aquatance. I hope to see you at dinner." he bent down to kiss her hand.
"You will my lord, it would be an honor. Until then." She walked away with the reins of the horses leading them toward the stables.
Legolas was led into his quarters where he found Haldir waiting for him by the window. "Mellon nin, it has been too long,"
"Yes too long indeed."
"I take it you had no trouble in your arrival."
"Yes, I owe most of it to this elleth who escorted me. She's a mystery to me frankly, Arianne is different from any other elleth I've ever known."
"That is Arianne alright, there is no mistaking her. She has her own aura of doing things I guess you could say. And you are right she is like no other elleth. But I am warning you mellon nin, she is like a burning fire, if you do not handle her properly then you will get burned, if you do then she will burn brightest and is a beautiful flame to behold if not already."
"I can clearly see that about her."
"Are you so sure about that."
"Of course I'm not sure, can one be sure of anything when it comes to an elleth."
"Yes you do have a point there."
"I've sensed something different about her. It seems that she's trying so hard to hide her feelings from the world, as if there is a world of sadness underneath that she doesn't want anyone to find out."
"All I can say is that your instincts are correct, but it is not my place to tell you, it is getting late mellon nin. I will see you tonight at dinner."
"Yes, I will see you there." Legolas took a walk outside admiring the beauty of Lothlorien. Although he was drawn to some music nearby, he walked to a cluster of trees with the most beautiful blossoms, and petals raining down everywhere. Just above he heard the music elves practicing their songs for the dinner held tonight. He walked a little further and found Arianne dancing slowly and expressively to the slow and somewhat sad melodic music.
"I know someone is there," she softly called out, "now either come out or walk away." Legolas slowly walked out and showed himself. He was in awe with her graceful movements and her beauty among the falling petals around her.
"A beautiful elleth like you should not dance alone." said Legolas walking over grasping her hand.
"Hannon le, but I am no one's elleth," she replied, "you are not such a bad dancer, for a prince." she said with a grin.
"Not all can be as graceful as you Lady Arianne. Where did you learn to dance like that?" There was a pause before she answered, she avoided his eyes, "It was my mother who taught me." she said barely above a whisper. The music soon stopped, and the two slowly parted.
A chamber maid called out to Arianne, "My lady, we must prepare you for the dinner,"
"I will see you at dinner my lady."Legolas bowed as Arianne slowly parted, "As will I my lord" she nodded deeply.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The sun set and the moon began to show over the horizon, it seemed to add to the angelic glow of the elvan kingdom. Legolas got dressed in his formal attire and proceeded toward the dining hall. He was soon accompanied by Haldir. The hall was like nothing Legolas had seen anywhere else, it had it's own beauty and light which the Loriens were known for. Legolas was seated next to Lady Galadriel, he soon saw Lady Arianne making her way up to the head table, although being seated three seats away from him. She was dressed in a blue shimmering ivory dress that accented her features.
"Legolas, I am so please you have made it safely, I trust that Lady Arianne was a good escort. We will discuss matters tomorrow, tonight let us enjoy ourselves and relax." Music played and filled the hall with melodic sounds, elves began dancing all around.
Legolas made his way toward Lady Arianne, "Would you like to dance?"
Arianne stood up and took his hand, "I believe you have already had the pleasure of a dance, but how about a walk instead." They made their way to the side entrance and walked along the dimmed halls of the palace. Legolas felt a wave of sadness as Arianne passed these halls, her soul seemed to be crying and sullen. They made their way to a balcony on the north wing of the palace.
There, Arianne seemed to be comforted by the gleaming sky. "In all my years as an elf, I have never tired looking up at the sky, or saying hello to the stars," she held her hands up, closed her eyes and twirled underneath the endless beauty of the sky. Legolas softly reached and grabbed her hands in his and brought them down to his chest. "Arianne, what troubles you so, I can feel your pain from here, I have ever since I've met you, your longing sadness, hidden, but not unnoticed."
She looked at him with her turquoise eyes and simply replied "you are right, there are many troubles for me at this time," She walked away from him to the railing of the balcony, Legolas followed her, then she began telling her story, only a bit louder than a whisper.
"My mother was originally from the kingdom of Rivendell, and my father was born here in Lothlorien. They fell in love and she came to live with him, she was a noble elf, and she befriended Lady Galadriel. My father was Celeborn's Chief Guard of Lothlorien, my mother, a secret messenger for Lady Galadriel. My father did not even know of it until a few months ago. But I knew my whole life, and one day that I would have to take over for her and help aid the kingdom of elves. Two months ago, she was sent with a message to Mirkwood, the next day she was riding back, barely alive, who wounds too extensive for our healers to heal. She died in my father's arms, she was murdered by orcs a days beyond Lothlorien. She rode all the way out here to say good bye, and that she loved us. I was suppose to ride with her that day and help her deliver something of great importance, but she refused and told me to stay here. And I listened. All I have left of her is this locket that she gave me, with the rose carved in. My father soon left after her death, he left these shores, he was reminded too much of his grief. He said that I resembled my mother, and her dark beauty. But I know that for him the grief was too near and I was part of it. Haldir promised my father that he would take care of me, and has been my guardian since. But for me it just seems that the grief is still too near."
Legolas put his hand on her cheek and lifted her face up to his, "I can feel your guilt from here, it was not your fault, there was nothing you could do. Your mother knew the risks she took, she was just protecting you and your father, you can not blame her for that. Your father made the choice to leave, to start a new life away from here. It was not that he did not care for you, but that it was his own way of dealing with his grief, just like you are dealing with yours. The fates may not seem to be kind, but troubles pass in time, you have to be patient enough to wait." he said softly as he gently kissed her and wiping her tears with his thumb. He guided her to the bench nearby and held her close, her head rested on his chest, he could feel everything that she was feeling. Images from her mind flowed from her into him, then there was the feeling of trust that she had for him. She felt safe in his arms wrapped around her, Legolas stroked her long dark hair, and she fell asleep in his arms.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Another Author's Note: Okay I know that Haldir died in the Two Towers but I couldn't think of putting anyone else in my story besides him. But please I ask of you review and tell me what you think, I would love to know what you think of the story so far. And don't worry it will pick up soon. So please review if you want another chapter!
~Lady Elizabeth