Rejected.
Chapter 1
The trees swayed lightly as the soft breeze passed overhead. Legolas breathed in the fresh morning air and realised just how good it was to be home again, after the troubles in the south of the forest. Away from battle, away from orcs, away from the cares of the world. Here at his home in Mirkwood he could relax, and turn his mind to more pleasurable things. There was hunting each morning with his father and the elves of the court, and most evenings ended with a banquet. Legolas smiled to himself. Tonight there was to be a great feast, in honour of the guests that were to arrive shortly. Among them was Tarumil, a close friend of his father, King Thranduil. He was bringing his family, and this the whole of Mirkwood awaited impatiently, for it was said that Tarumil had the most beautiful and graceful creature in the world for a daughter. She was said to outdo even Arwen Evenstar in her beauty, and everyone knew that Arwen was famous for being as lovely as Ló thien herself.
Legolas dragged himself away from the thoughts of tonight's merriment at a movement in the trees. He drew an arrow from his quiver and silently moved forward, ready to shoot. At another movement he leapt towards the source, only to have a deer jump out in fright and flee through the forest.
Legolas laughed loudly. I'm getting too jumpy, he thought. All this war has put me on my guard. Suddenly the distant sound of trumpets indicated that the guests were approaching the palace,
and Legolas set off. He raced through the forest, jumping the clear stream, and ducking the low-hanging branches. As he came to the edge of the forest he could here voices. Then one of them addressed him:
"Legolas! Where have you been? Father has been looking for you, and I don't think he's very pleased with you."
Legolas sighed. He knew only too well his father's temper, as did all the children of Thranduil, being on the receiving end most of the time. War had put a strain on the king, and having his children run off to the forest rather than help with the affairs of state was not what he wanted. Legolas answered his brother.
"Well, he'll have to be displeased then, won't he, Doriel? And in answer to your question, I wanted some time to myself, so I took a walk by the stream."
Both brothers were silent for a while, remembering their beloved sister Galimdra, who had drowned in the lake further downstream a year ago to the day. Then the third brother spoke.
"We should be going. We are supposed to be present at the greeting of our guests."
"Well then, we shall not disappoint them!" And with that final comment Legolas sprinted back to the palace as swiftly as a deer and entered through the door from the kitchens. As he made his way to the great hall, he stopped. The party were walking into the hall, and Legolas did not want to be seen before he had freshened up. But Thranduil noticed him and frowned. Legolas knew what it meant- he was in trouble yet again. Luckily Lord Tarumil saved him by striding over.
"Ah, you must be Legolas, the heir to the throne."
"That is so, my lord." Legolas replied and bowed.
"I see you have a bow and arrow, do you hunt often?" But before Legolas could answer, Tarumil was off again. "I'm a keen hunter myself, we must hunt together one morning. See what game we can shoot for the evening."
"If you wish." Legolas was about to excuse himself, when Thranduil brought forward a young elf-maiden. He could not deny she was extremely beautiful, yet she lacked something, some form of inner light, which was common to all elves. She seemed empty to him, as though she were merely a pretty face, and had no real spirit. But Legolas smiled and bowed. Thranduil spoke:
"May I present my son, Legolas Greenleaf. Legolas, this is Dulorime , daughter of Tarumil."
"Your Highness." She had a soft voice. Thranduil and Tarumil glanced at each other smiling. The same thought ran through their heads: marriage. They both ruled powerful kingdoms; with an alliance between the two lands they would be stronger against the enemy. The meeting was soon over and Legolas was glad. He had some idea of his father's plan, and realised he had no choice but to agree. He still had the bruises from the last time he'd disagreed. Still heavy in thought, he made his way up to his room to change for the banquet.
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The hall was decorated in magnificent hangings and tapestries, and delicate strings of gold leaves hung from one end of the ceiling to another. Legolas entered, wearing a silver tunic and green leggings, and took his place at the high table with his family and the guests, and the dishes were brought in. As the court drank wine and feasted on wild boar and venison, jesters and troubadours entertained them. Then the musicians took their places as the dancing began. Thranduil made sure Legolas danced the first dance with Dulorim¾ , and so the court allowed the pair through to the centre, as they knew of the king's intentions for them. Legolas was a graceful dancer and always enjoyed himself, whatever dance it was. But tonight he was uncomfortable because he knew what everybody was thinking- they will fall in love and the kingdom shall have a future queen. He was determined to prove them wrong.
At the end of the dance he swiftly bowed to Dulorim¾ and hurried off to an antechamber where he could seek solitude. He entered his favourite room, which led onto a balcony overlooking the palace gardens. But he quickly realised he was not alone. An elf-maiden sat in the corner of the room, in Legolas's favourite chair. Her long blonde hair was braided in four separate plaits, each tied at the end with a white band. Across her forehead lay a thin band of gold. Her gown was a rich cream, with a gold leaf pattern embroidered on the material. Legolas stared at the elf in amazement. By the stars, she was beautiful, he thought. He was about to approach her when she turned towards him suddenly.
"Oh, I did not realise I had company."
Legolas smiled. "I apologise for intruding, my lady. I don't believe I know you. Are you here with Lord Tarumil?"
"Yes," she replied. "I am one of his daughters, Eliana." She rose from her seat and moved towards him. "And you are?"
"Legolas, son of Thranduil."
"Oh, the heir to the throne of Mirkwood. Aren't you to be married to my sister, Dulorime ?"
"I believe it is being arranged."
Eliana moved to the window and gazed out at the surrounding forest. The moonlight shone down and illuminated the treetops.
"She gets everything," she said in disgust. "Whatever she wants- clothes, jewels, husbands, all at her fingertips."
"You wish to be married?" he asked.
"Why would anyone want to put themselves into someone else's power?" She turned from the window and studied a tapestry instead.
Legolas took a deep breath. He knew it was inappropriate to move so soon, but he was already overwhelmed by her grace and beauty. She also possessed the fiery spirit her sister lacked. He decided to try. "Would you care to walk with me a while? The gardens are at their best in the moonlight."
"Thank you, your highness, but I must go back to the banquet." And with that she spun on her heel and marched swiftly back to the hall. Legolas sighed and followed. At least she was staying a while in Mirkwood. There would be plenty of opportunities to get to know her then.
As Legolas entered the hall, he found himself being pulled swiftly into the thick of the dancing crowd by a group of elf-maidens of the court. Prince Legolas was a favourite of more than one young lady. For the rest of the evening he remained on his feet, dancing with many different girls, but Eliana never seemed to be near him, nor was she without a partner. She even danced with Thranduil, which was a rare sight, as the king hardly ever danced.
Eventually the party dispersed, and Legolas wearily made his way to his room. He passed his brother's chamber on the way, but swiftly moved on when he realised Doriel was not alone. He was sat on a large couch surrounded by many young elf girls, all giggling between themselves and drinking wine.
"Ah, Legolas," said his brother, spotting him. "Care to join us?"
Legolas walked on without replying. But when he reached his room he found a similar group of women waiting for him. He quickly made his way to a small chamber at the end of the corridor and locked himself in for the night. He was not the same as his brothers; he had more respect for women, even if they were more than willing to please the princes. He sat down in the moth- eaten armchair and wiped the dust off the small table that stood to one side. The room had not been used for many years and cobwebs hung from the ceiling and furniture. Legolas settled down and tried to sleep, but all he could think about was her. Eliana. She shone like a star and it now seemed that she was just as untouchable.
Legolas's train of thought was broken by the sound of voices entering the room opposite. One was female- Eliana. It was graceful and pure, and he felt it would put a nightingale to shame were it to break into song. The other Legolas recognised as being Falidol, a member of Thranduil's royal council. They laughed together for a moment, then said goodnight. More footsteps told him Falidol had left, and Eliana closed the door. Legolas sighed and closed his eyes. He was asleep almost immediately.
Chapter 1
The trees swayed lightly as the soft breeze passed overhead. Legolas breathed in the fresh morning air and realised just how good it was to be home again, after the troubles in the south of the forest. Away from battle, away from orcs, away from the cares of the world. Here at his home in Mirkwood he could relax, and turn his mind to more pleasurable things. There was hunting each morning with his father and the elves of the court, and most evenings ended with a banquet. Legolas smiled to himself. Tonight there was to be a great feast, in honour of the guests that were to arrive shortly. Among them was Tarumil, a close friend of his father, King Thranduil. He was bringing his family, and this the whole of Mirkwood awaited impatiently, for it was said that Tarumil had the most beautiful and graceful creature in the world for a daughter. She was said to outdo even Arwen Evenstar in her beauty, and everyone knew that Arwen was famous for being as lovely as Ló thien herself.
Legolas dragged himself away from the thoughts of tonight's merriment at a movement in the trees. He drew an arrow from his quiver and silently moved forward, ready to shoot. At another movement he leapt towards the source, only to have a deer jump out in fright and flee through the forest.
Legolas laughed loudly. I'm getting too jumpy, he thought. All this war has put me on my guard. Suddenly the distant sound of trumpets indicated that the guests were approaching the palace,
and Legolas set off. He raced through the forest, jumping the clear stream, and ducking the low-hanging branches. As he came to the edge of the forest he could here voices. Then one of them addressed him:
"Legolas! Where have you been? Father has been looking for you, and I don't think he's very pleased with you."
Legolas sighed. He knew only too well his father's temper, as did all the children of Thranduil, being on the receiving end most of the time. War had put a strain on the king, and having his children run off to the forest rather than help with the affairs of state was not what he wanted. Legolas answered his brother.
"Well, he'll have to be displeased then, won't he, Doriel? And in answer to your question, I wanted some time to myself, so I took a walk by the stream."
Both brothers were silent for a while, remembering their beloved sister Galimdra, who had drowned in the lake further downstream a year ago to the day. Then the third brother spoke.
"We should be going. We are supposed to be present at the greeting of our guests."
"Well then, we shall not disappoint them!" And with that final comment Legolas sprinted back to the palace as swiftly as a deer and entered through the door from the kitchens. As he made his way to the great hall, he stopped. The party were walking into the hall, and Legolas did not want to be seen before he had freshened up. But Thranduil noticed him and frowned. Legolas knew what it meant- he was in trouble yet again. Luckily Lord Tarumil saved him by striding over.
"Ah, you must be Legolas, the heir to the throne."
"That is so, my lord." Legolas replied and bowed.
"I see you have a bow and arrow, do you hunt often?" But before Legolas could answer, Tarumil was off again. "I'm a keen hunter myself, we must hunt together one morning. See what game we can shoot for the evening."
"If you wish." Legolas was about to excuse himself, when Thranduil brought forward a young elf-maiden. He could not deny she was extremely beautiful, yet she lacked something, some form of inner light, which was common to all elves. She seemed empty to him, as though she were merely a pretty face, and had no real spirit. But Legolas smiled and bowed. Thranduil spoke:
"May I present my son, Legolas Greenleaf. Legolas, this is Dulorime , daughter of Tarumil."
"Your Highness." She had a soft voice. Thranduil and Tarumil glanced at each other smiling. The same thought ran through their heads: marriage. They both ruled powerful kingdoms; with an alliance between the two lands they would be stronger against the enemy. The meeting was soon over and Legolas was glad. He had some idea of his father's plan, and realised he had no choice but to agree. He still had the bruises from the last time he'd disagreed. Still heavy in thought, he made his way up to his room to change for the banquet.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The hall was decorated in magnificent hangings and tapestries, and delicate strings of gold leaves hung from one end of the ceiling to another. Legolas entered, wearing a silver tunic and green leggings, and took his place at the high table with his family and the guests, and the dishes were brought in. As the court drank wine and feasted on wild boar and venison, jesters and troubadours entertained them. Then the musicians took their places as the dancing began. Thranduil made sure Legolas danced the first dance with Dulorim¾ , and so the court allowed the pair through to the centre, as they knew of the king's intentions for them. Legolas was a graceful dancer and always enjoyed himself, whatever dance it was. But tonight he was uncomfortable because he knew what everybody was thinking- they will fall in love and the kingdom shall have a future queen. He was determined to prove them wrong.
At the end of the dance he swiftly bowed to Dulorim¾ and hurried off to an antechamber where he could seek solitude. He entered his favourite room, which led onto a balcony overlooking the palace gardens. But he quickly realised he was not alone. An elf-maiden sat in the corner of the room, in Legolas's favourite chair. Her long blonde hair was braided in four separate plaits, each tied at the end with a white band. Across her forehead lay a thin band of gold. Her gown was a rich cream, with a gold leaf pattern embroidered on the material. Legolas stared at the elf in amazement. By the stars, she was beautiful, he thought. He was about to approach her when she turned towards him suddenly.
"Oh, I did not realise I had company."
Legolas smiled. "I apologise for intruding, my lady. I don't believe I know you. Are you here with Lord Tarumil?"
"Yes," she replied. "I am one of his daughters, Eliana." She rose from her seat and moved towards him. "And you are?"
"Legolas, son of Thranduil."
"Oh, the heir to the throne of Mirkwood. Aren't you to be married to my sister, Dulorime ?"
"I believe it is being arranged."
Eliana moved to the window and gazed out at the surrounding forest. The moonlight shone down and illuminated the treetops.
"She gets everything," she said in disgust. "Whatever she wants- clothes, jewels, husbands, all at her fingertips."
"You wish to be married?" he asked.
"Why would anyone want to put themselves into someone else's power?" She turned from the window and studied a tapestry instead.
Legolas took a deep breath. He knew it was inappropriate to move so soon, but he was already overwhelmed by her grace and beauty. She also possessed the fiery spirit her sister lacked. He decided to try. "Would you care to walk with me a while? The gardens are at their best in the moonlight."
"Thank you, your highness, but I must go back to the banquet." And with that she spun on her heel and marched swiftly back to the hall. Legolas sighed and followed. At least she was staying a while in Mirkwood. There would be plenty of opportunities to get to know her then.
As Legolas entered the hall, he found himself being pulled swiftly into the thick of the dancing crowd by a group of elf-maidens of the court. Prince Legolas was a favourite of more than one young lady. For the rest of the evening he remained on his feet, dancing with many different girls, but Eliana never seemed to be near him, nor was she without a partner. She even danced with Thranduil, which was a rare sight, as the king hardly ever danced.
Eventually the party dispersed, and Legolas wearily made his way to his room. He passed his brother's chamber on the way, but swiftly moved on when he realised Doriel was not alone. He was sat on a large couch surrounded by many young elf girls, all giggling between themselves and drinking wine.
"Ah, Legolas," said his brother, spotting him. "Care to join us?"
Legolas walked on without replying. But when he reached his room he found a similar group of women waiting for him. He quickly made his way to a small chamber at the end of the corridor and locked himself in for the night. He was not the same as his brothers; he had more respect for women, even if they were more than willing to please the princes. He sat down in the moth- eaten armchair and wiped the dust off the small table that stood to one side. The room had not been used for many years and cobwebs hung from the ceiling and furniture. Legolas settled down and tried to sleep, but all he could think about was her. Eliana. She shone like a star and it now seemed that she was just as untouchable.
Legolas's train of thought was broken by the sound of voices entering the room opposite. One was female- Eliana. It was graceful and pure, and he felt it would put a nightingale to shame were it to break into song. The other Legolas recognised as being Falidol, a member of Thranduil's royal council. They laughed together for a moment, then said goodnight. More footsteps told him Falidol had left, and Eliana closed the door. Legolas sighed and closed his eyes. He was asleep almost immediately.