Disclaimers: I don't own any of the characters, places, names, etc even if I wished. J.R.R Tolkien and Peter Jackson caught it all! ;)
~ Act One: Prologue ~
Mirkwood - Elvenking's Halls, June 21, 3018
Thranduil had summoned his only son to assign him with a mission. While Mirkwood was under attack, Gollum had escaped from the ElvenKing's Halls. He had to inform Gandalf and Lord Elrond. Thranduil acknowledged that the darkness around Mirkwood was slowly rising. More spiders, orcs and goblins placed attacked after attack. And they were powered by something stronger and mightier.
"Ada (Father), you needed me?" asked Legolas as he stepped into the throne chamber. He was wearing his green and brown Tunic and equal color pants underneath. His double long knives were resting against his back and he bore a bow from Mirkwood. "The captain of the guard told me that Gollum escaped last night."
"That is exactly why I ordered we should not treat the creature with kindness. Yet, neither you or the captain of the guard listened." Thranduil voiced strongly and cast a sharp gaze against his son. "I gave my words to Gandalf that we will keep the Creature under our watch. After Aragorn caught it"
"Goheno nin! (Forgive me!) Gollum was through enough darkness father. Keeping it us our prisoner was wise. However we could not mistreat him." Legolas responded gazing at his father directly "What would you want me to do!?"
"Ride out and reach Rivendell. Inform Lord Elrond and Gandalf. The best of our Guards will ride with you. Hear what they have to say and act upon." Thranduil ordered as he stood up from his throne and climbed down the stairs placing his hand against Legolas shoulder. "Be careful! Be safe!"
Legolas bowed and stepped back. He walked out of the throne area and into his bed chamber. It was not long since he had returned. After the battle of the five armies, Thranduil sent Legolas away. He hint him to find Aragorn and be by his side. Of course it was not they only reason the Elvenking had softened. After his wife's death, he hid himself inside his halls. Legolas, his only son, was the only important thing in his life. Lost in his own darkness and grief he pushed his son far away. He kept him trapped inside Mirkwood. Tauriel's outburst and Gandalf's harsh words brought him back to reality.
He traveled and sought the ranger that his father asked him. He crossed paths with Aragorn in Rivendell. Since that day they spend time together, they fought side by side. And Aragorn and Legolas became trusted friends. Legolas spotted Aragorn's interested around Arwen. And it was only a matter of time, until he figured out that his trusted friend was so in love with the daughter of Lord Elrond. And Arwen shared the same feelings.
It was not common for a human to be in love with an Elf. Legolas found it odd and not right, as it could bring great grief upon Arwen one day. But spending time with them, he slowly started to understand that the love and bond that they share could not be undone or forgotten. Both were deeply in love, even if they would never end up betrothal. Their emotions were genuine and both had Legolas support.
Legolas was dispatched to Rivendell to bring this ill news to Elrond and Gandalf. Truth be told, Legolas felt at ease that he did not have to remain in Mirkwood. He loved Mirkwood and wished to be around to keep the borders clean and safe from orcs attacks. Yet, being the Prince of Mirkwood weighed heavily on his shoulders. In this dark times, the Elves of Mirkwood were not only asking to see the prince married, but hopefully succeeding his father. Legolas knew it would eventually happen. His father should have crossed the undying lands centuries ago.
How the Elvenking managed to withstand the pain and grief, Legolas never knew. Thranduil was a strong King. He hid his weakness and showed only his pride and strength. He was known as the King of wood and stone. And Legolas could guess why. Of all the darkness and grief his father went through. He was still standing as a proud king at the aid of his kin. Mirkwood was not kept safe and secured of all the darkness, like Lorien and Rivendell. The three Lords owned three rings that balanced out the darkness. Thranduil kept his lands safe with the help of his people.
"Hîr nín, Legolas! (My Lord Legolas!) I will not follow you in this quest." Nastedir said. They both crossed paths outside his chambers. Nastedir was the new captain of The Kings guard, after Tauriel was banished.
"Nastedir! Boe i nadh egeno? (You are needed elsewhere?)" questioned Legolas.
Tauriel, Nastedir and Legolas had grown up together. They were the same age and all three had lost their mothers. They studied and trained by the same teachers. They were childhood friends and trusted and respected each other. Even when Tauriel went against the ElvenKing, Legolas and Nastedir took her side. Thranduil thought Legolas had feelings for the Silvan Elf. But he was mistaken. It was Nastedir, who loved her more than a friend. Legolas only thought her as a close friend. And Tauriel was in love with a dwarf.
Nastedir smiled and nodded "You know we have to keep the borders safe. With you gone Thranduil thinks I will be needed."
"Iston! (I know!)" Legolas said and stepped closer resting his hand against his shoulder "Nastedir! Keep the borders clean. Yet, always take as many guards with you as you can. Times are getting darker and I am afraid my journey will last longer than you might think."
"The Elvenking suspects you will never return!" he outlined casting a serious glance.
"That might be the case. My own father knows me better!" Legolas smirked at the irony.
"Amárië! (Farewell!)" Nastedir wished and bowed.
"Stay safe my friend!" responded Legolas and then turned around and strolled into his room slowly to get ready. It was time to leave from Mirkwood and reach Rivendell.
Erebor - The Lonely Mountain, June 22, 3018
A gaping hole in the Lonely Mountain, littered with tiny sparkling crystals not unlike the stars of the night sky, yet it was so mysterious inside the caves and through the halls. She felt the raw rock beneath her bare feet. In the darkness her blood returned to a comfortable warms she always felt inside the mountain. Her eyes as calm as they were in a nightly dream. She run through the corridors as her feet kissed the rocking land. Water floated ever so coolly from the cave opening down feeding springs inside the mountain. She followed the flaw of the water, breathing steady, heart strong; this girl was born to run.
It was half a mile into the mountain the walls above arched another hundred feet up to giant stalactites and the ground was curved and becoming dangerous. "Do not go any further Lass!" a loud gravely voice shouted after her. Gimli slide a strong arm over her shoulders and grabbed her stopping her. "No further! It's dangerous!" he insisted.
Growing up under Erebor, she was scolded every day to be careful of all the dangers that were hiding in the deep mountain. However, a stubborn soul like hers did never obeyed; adventures and danger was a must in her life.
"Yamurma!" [Let's move on!] she answered allowing her right hand to rest against Gimli "I've been living under the mountain Gimli all my life, almost 70 years. I climbed in the lower parts of Erebor since I was ten." she rolled her eyes.
"No Lassy! we are turning back. My father wanted to talk to us!" Gimli pulled her closer away from the darker parts of the corridors.
"Birashagammi, taflatiye." [Sorry, it slipped my mind.] she stepped back and freed herself from Gimli's grip. "Well, exploring the darkest secrets of north-east of Rhovanion has to wait for now!"
Gimli shook his head in disbelief, he knew her very well. Her tricks and playful nature revealed that her dwarf heritage. "I'm positive you forgot, Lassy!" he mocked her "That's why I come to fetch you and remind you!"
"Tada gulud!" [That's right!] she responded with all the irony that she was allowed. She tiptoed following Gimli back at the main caves, where his father Glóin was waiting for them.
"You two, what took you so long?" Glóin complained as he noted Gimli and Awarthrie finally walking towards him.
"Nê khuzrul." [Don't be angry!] she said gazing Glóin. "I lost track of time!"
Gimli rolled his eyes "Sallakhi, bilal?" [You're joking, right?] he lifted his shoulders as he walked and took a seat next to his father. "She totally forgot!"
Glóin gazed at them both as he wanted to share with them serious information. "Few of our folks and I will travel to Rivendell tomorrow. We have to inform Lord Elrond of a new devilry. Gimli and Awarthrie, you both will follow. Gandalf should be there. It is a great opportunity for Awarthrie to meet Lord Elrond, his children and few more elves." Glóin offered to take her with them.
"Nashfâkh gelek nanar!" [Maybe another time] Awarthrie responded and stood up ready to withdrawn "I'm not ready to take such a long journey. You know I will need at least to gather all my belongings. And what should I wear..."
"Itdin darami!" [Wait a minute!] Glóin cut her crazy speech off. "Awarthrie, you can't keep hiding under the mountain any longer. You reached adulthood, and it's time to slowly accept that Elven blood runs through your veins. You will follow us." Glóin uttered serious.
Her eyes opened widely as she did not believe that actually the man who raised her and knew her backstory, demanded for her to follow him in Rivendell. "Glóin, you cannot ask me that. Birashagammi, ma jubulabmi." [I'm sorry I don't agree.] she exhaled "I will not follow!"
Gloin sighed and gazed at the child in front of him "I understand Awarthrie, but not all the Elves are like the Wooden Elves. You can't keep living like that. Get ready we are leaving at dawn."
Awarthrie did not argue with him any longer. She retreated and went to her room. She started cursing under her breath, showing clearly her rage. 'Elves?' how could she trust them. She was only two years old when her mother returned back to Mirkwood asking for aid. The Elvenking denied them access. Indeed her mother had fallen in love with a dwarf. Tauriel shared a night with Kili during the battle of the five armies. And one year later Awarthrie was born. She never knew her father, he died defending her mother. Grief overtook Tauriel and she was ready to sail in the undying lands, when she found out that she was pregnant. Tauriel love her daughter more than life. But her grief was too much to bare and staying longer on Middle-Earth became a difficult task for her.
For two years she lived in Dale with the humans. But the human city was not a place to raise a child. And a child so different and special as Awarthrie. Half-Elf and Half-dwarf, confusing or the humans and even the child. She ignored her pride and rode to Mirkwood. There she met with Nastedir, her old friend, and asked him for a favor. To ask, or beg, the King to allow her return. Nastedir returned the same day, ensuring her that he spoke to Thranduil and he denied. Legolas had already left Mirkwood to find the ranger his father suggested.
Her only hope lay now in Erebor. She reached the lonely mountain and begged Gloin to help her. She already knew her days on middle-earth were limited. Durin's Folk accepted her and little Awarthrie. Gloin gave her his word, that he would raise her as his own daughter. A year later Tauriel perished due her grief, and her child grew up with the dwarves. Though she never forgot, how much hurt her mother was. And how the wooden elves treated them. Since that day she vowed that her people were Durin's folk and not the Mirkwood Elves.
She inherited the fair skin, the supreme hearing, even the balance and beauty from her mother. But Awarthrie seemed more like a Dwarf maiden. She had long dark brown hair, a few shades darker than her mothers color. And it was curly like her father. Also, her eye color was brown like her father. Awarthrie was 5' tall, she was taller than most dwarves but shorter than any elves. Her ears were not pointed, at least her body was slender like her mothers. Bottom line, no one could guess that she was actually a half- Elf.
Although, elven blood runs through her veins, she never acknowledged it. Honestly, she hated the elves like all dwarfs and made fun of them. She was born and raised with the dwarves and every detail, from the way she walked from the way she cursed showed that she was part of their folk. She was loud, careless, love fights, cursing and drinking. Gimli taught her to use the axes. Like her mother and father she had the warrior inside her. She learned how to two use small double axes. But she was fond more of hand to hand fight.
She was now around 75 years old, and she had reached adulthood twenty-five years ago. Gloin, thought it was time for her to stop hiding and slowly find her way. Last time he talked with Gandalf and Lord Elrond, they suggested she should spend some time in Rivendell. At first Gloin didn't agree, he would never let his daughter near the elves. But lately both his wife and he noticed that Awarthrie could not remain trapped with them for ever. She could act like a dwarf, but if someone looked closer they could notice the difference. Yesterday, they agreed that it was time for her to slowly find her own path. Since they would travel to Rivendell, it was decided to take her with them.
Mirkwood - Old Forest Road, July 25, 3018
The path at her feet faded as it leaded into the darkness of the woods, yet followed it she must. They had been traveling from Dale down the River running 'Celduin' for a month now by feet. They turned east and entered the forest of Mirkwood following down the Old Forest Road. They ran into a few groups of orcs several times. They fought their way through and escaped. Until today, their journey has been easy and cheerful. As their feet followed the narrow strip of naked earth among the giants of root and leaf. Their felt the darkness surround them, and the grey mist pointing out the dangers that were hidden.
"Men-i-Naugrim..." Glóin suddenly said "... the East road where it passed through the Anduin at the Old Ford and then through Mirkwood." His steps reached a halt, as he gazed at the creepy path in front of him. "It was probably laid out around the First Age to connect the Dwarves of the Far East with their kin in the Misty Mountains. If we follow this route we will reach Rivendell."
"Isn't it the most dark and dangerous parts of Mirkwood?" Awarthrie questioned confused "I thought you would want us to avoid danger and not walk into it!" In front of her the trees were black trunks against a bluish charcoal sky, the path would become deepest brown and the light dimmer. The heavy atmosphere hung awkwardly against her shoulders. She felt the darkness omitting closer and closer. "Glóin you think it's wise to pass through the Old Forest Road. We have been living under the mountain for so long, inside the dark and black caves. But this feels so wrong."
Gimli agreed "Most that did travel on it lost sight of it and usually never found their way back onto it again. Didn't Gandalf say so?" The sense of smell was sensitized, the loam in the earth and the decomposing leaves made the atmosphere close and thick.
"It is dangerous and dark. Yet, even the main Forest River Road is dangerous these days. Orcs, Goblins and spiders attack Mirkwood from every part. The Old Forest Road sounds safer these days. You will remain close to me. We walk fast and camp when the sun sets. Have your weapons close and your eyes open!" Glóin advised them.
It was the third day under a sunless sky, when a group of orcs cut their way. The first blow came from Gimli, his axe sparkled as it cut through the shoulder of an Orc and sent it to its death. Immediately, he went on fighting with the orc next to him. Few steps away Glóin leaped from his standing position and stroke his axe against a pair of orcs. Awarthrie balanced between the attacks and defended herself. She first had to read her opponent and then strike. Both her small axes danced and stroke orc after orc. The rest of the dwarves company followed and crushing and ripping orc flesh.
Clang! Clang!
Metal clashed against Metal, and the battle was one of the longest Glóin's party came cross. Orc after orc was soon falling and found its death. But they were outnumbered. Gimli had avoided few serious cuts with Glóin's help. Awarthrie was in a worse position as she was surrounded by the ugly creatures and there was no way she could fight all of them at the same time. She cast a glance at Gimli ready to shout for help, as she did not noted the orc behind her that was ready to strike behind her back and slay her.
Thwock! Thwock!
The moment she realized the danger, two arrows suddenly pierced against the orc and caused it to crash against the nearest tree. Tauriel's daughter scanned the area from where the arrows flew. But she could not spot anyone. A second later a storm of arrows was buzzing and fizzing through the sky. Most orcs died and the dwarves were saved.
Awarthrie stared at the arrows that slide through the orc next to her. She grasped it and broke the vanes and nock of the arrow. "Those are Mirkwood arrows!" she hissed and rushed few steps away searching to see, who helped them. "Show yourself!" she demanded. But again she was ignored.
"Awarthrie we are leaving, we can't remain here!" Gimli called her "Soon this parts will be filled with orcs. Come!"
She turned around and grabbed Gimli's arm pulling him back. She showed him the broken arrow "Aren't you curious who aid us? They were Mirkwood Elves! They dared to steal away our fight!"
Gimli grasped the arrow and threw it away. Then he rested his arm against her shoulder "We are leaving! We are thankful aid was offered." he responded and pulled away. "And it could be anyone!"
"No, Gimli! I know those Arrows. My mother had the same." she walked over and picked up the broken arrow. She secured it inside her pocket. "Elves craft their weapons carefully..." she tried to describe the way Elf crafted their arrows.
"Awarthrie, Inkhi!" [Come on!] Gimli called her again "You can tell me about your arrow theory and the Elves after we camp tonight!"
She cast a last glance before she turned and followed them. She cleaned her axes and placed them against her belt, but her mind was bothered. She was sure Elves from Mirkwood rescued them. "Those Shiny Pointy eared tree-hugging bastards!" she mumbled to herself "They think they are better than dwarves. Who asked them to aid us. We were perfectly able to safe ourselves."
Gimli smirked at Awarthrie's words. He could not denied, seen her cursing the elves was a sight that made him always smile. Glóin gazed at his son in disapproval and shook his head. "What! The lassy is right!" he said smiling.
Meanwhile, few yards rode the Prince of Mirkwood with his men. Although, he left the Elvenking's Halls a month ago. He was delayed at the borders with Dale. While they passed through, few major attacks took place. Legolas had to remain there until the captain of the guards joined them. That was the main reason he felt behind, and ended crossing paths with the dwarves.
"We should retrieve our arrows, My Lord!" said one of the guards "We don't know how many attacks we will come cross!"
Legolas nodded "After the dwarves are gone, you shall get them! We will follow the Old Road. The dwarf was right. It's dangerous but we will reach Rivendell faster."
"Why didn't we reveal ourselves? We could travel with them! They are also aiming to reach Rivendell." the youngest of the guards quizzed causing the rest of the Elves to stare at him oddly.
"Dwarves and Elves travel together? Have you drawn mad?" the first guard said laughing.
Legolas cast a glance against them. Dwarves and Elves were never friends. Specially Mirkwood Elves with Durin's folk had an awkward history to share. Traveling together was out of the question. Yet, the elves were wiser and purer by nature. He surely would not travel with them. Yet, he chosen to follow their route. Since they were faster than the dwarves they would encounter the enemies first and secure the path.
They would travel east through the Old Forest Road and reach the Old Fold by passing the River Anduin. Passing through the Misty mountains and soon reaching Rivendell. Their journey would last three to four weeks, until both parties would finally reach Rivendell.
((Next Act: 2 Imladris))
Note: The timeline of the story will start around the war of the ring (few months earlier and hopefully continue after the war has ended. Scenes and dialog that have taken place during the war and we have seen and read numerous of time will be avoided. And If needed they will be described with few lines and not in detail.
Thank you for taking the time to read this! Feel free to Review - Follow - Favorite!