Alright and here's the second chapter as promised! Oh and also, I always forget to do this but none of these characters are mine, they all belong to the amazing J.R.R. Tolkien. All except Faeneth, Mithrildis, Belegnir, Gilorthor, Amathion and any other characters that may pop up later on down the road that I came up with. I may just even add a third one but I'm not sure, I'd like to finish my other fanfic before going on with this one. So let me know how you did, I love getting reviews, don't be shy about it!
The forest was quiet and seemed to be vacant from all life as the trees swayed with the wind that came down from the mountains. The leaves singing their songs and dancing but the farther one would walk into the great forest, the less lively it would get. The trees became bigger and older as they stood tall and proud. And any human would find the forest to be an eerie one with how little movement there was and how little light was able to peak through the dense trees. But as it were, a creature of the forest would see that everything was alive and moving. The trees sang songs slow and deep within their roots, the birds made their nest high above in the trees near the sunlight while rabbits, deer and other four legged creatures roamed around on the bottom searching for food.
Then stuck in the middle of those animals above the forest floor but not so high in the trees were the elves as they walked from tree branch to tree branch, moving among the trees as if they were on solid ground. Their homes built around the tree trucks and among the branches. Elegant building yet simple and camouflaged easily within the forest. They would have gone unseen by those who did not know what to look for. Farther into the woods a clearing was seen with a grand hill that had equally grand doors to it. They seemed to be impossible for anyone to move but with a little forest magic the elves easily came and went. Passed the doors and into the long cave down into the earth until all natural light was replaced by fire and the glow of the elves themselves.
It was a maze down in that cave but it was shelter for the elves for when war came and it was easier for them to do business with the dwarves and humans on the ground rather than up in the trees. But dwarves and humans alike have long sense stepped foot into the beautiful cave and its halls have only seen wood elves for many years. But the place was still kept alive and thriving as the elves went about their lives. Outside it was a beautiful day and up in the royal home where King Thranduil did most of his business with his people water could be heard splashing against the wooden floors.
With a wicked grin on Faeneth's face she turned to her older brother, Legolas. "Ready?" He smiled back at her and crotched down low looking down the long hallway before them. The soapy water still making its way down the hall. "Go!" Faeneth yelled as they both leapt forward and slide across the floor on the soapy water and down the hall. The two of them laughing all the way down until they slide right into the pyramid of buckets filled with more soapy water and with a loud bang they came crashing into them.
Laughter and curses filled the air as the two elves giggled and rolled around in the water while other elves tried their best to escape the foamy mess untouched. The two elves remained laying on the floor, soaked through with soap and water as they continued to giggle at what they had done. A few of the passing elves glared at the two but it didn't take long for soft smiles to form on their lips as they watched the two youngest royal children laughing and enjoying their time together. For they loved their royal family dearly and would do anything to protect them from harm and the growing evil.
"Well, I see you've made a mess of things even though you were told to clean." A soft but stern voice said calmly over the laughter. Faeneth and Legolas instantly stopped laughing and looked to see their mother standing with her arms crossed; her face emotionless save for the one eyebrow that was raised.
They looked at each other and then got up quickly, "We just thought we'd clean up faster this way. After all the hallway is already washed, just needs to be dried now." Legolas said with a sheepish smile on his face.
"Well, we need clean water to wash away the soap of course." Faeneth added with a wide grin on her face as she thought about how they would go about doing that.
Queen Mithrildis sighed and put her hands on her hips as she frowned at her two youngest children. "Enough you two. Clean this up the normal way and go get dried off and changed. And no more mice in the lady's bathing area or baby spiders in the weapons room." She looked at both of them pointly, "By the valar I don't understand how the two of you could get into so much mischief when it isn't even time for lunch yet."
Legolas and Faeneth frowned as they were lectured, knowing that they were really in for it this time since they're mother usually wasn't so irritated with their little pranks and stunts. It was usually their father who would get angered first, not the other way around.
Looking between her children, Queen Mithrildis' face softened and she smiled slightly. "I don't mean to be so strict with you two but your Ada does not need any distractions today. He has been talking with the councils all night and morning." She pulled the two of them into a small hug, not caring about getting wet herself, "Give this kingdom some much needed peace for a little bit." Laughter rang in her voice as she smiled at the two of them, unable to believe that Legolas was already taller than her and Faeneth was just about the same height as herself.
"Is everything alright, Nana?" Faeneth asked as she looked up at her mother, remembering that morning waking up and going down to breakfast to find out that both her parents had been up all night with the councils.
"Yes, everything will be fine. Now go on and clean this up before someone gets hurt." She shoed her two children off and with a last glance over their shoulders Legolas and Faeneth cleaned up the mess they had made. Walking into her room, Faeneth stripped off her wet clothing and dried her hair before getting dressed. She would have to go to lunch soon and she hoped that her Ada and older brother, Belegnir, would be joining them. They had been in council all morning and he wanted to know what was so important that it demanded so much of their time and attention.
Even her Nana would not tell her what was going on, even though they always shared each other's dreams together. Faeneth took after her mother's race, nymphs, mostly because she was female so her brothers weren't as affected by their nymph blood as she was. But ever since she was little she remembered having dreams every now and then that would come true and as she grew older the less frequent they became. At first she was concerned but her Nana had told her it was normal and that when she was a child nature was only preparing her for the important dreams to come.
Her Nana rarely ever dreamt anymore, she was after all the Queen of her own race and so wasn't bothered with the small problems though Faeneth could see that she'd much rather be bothered by them than have the dreams that she does have. However, none of her dreams had she ever kept from her. Faeneth remembered even as a small elfling, her Nana still told her of her dream when she had one. Whatever this dream, it must have been very important to keep her Ada and brother so busy.
Biting down on her lip she looked out of her balcony and watched as elves busied themselves with today's work. A few smiled and waved at her as they noticed her but other than that everything was peaceful. So what was it that could have her Nana so worried about? Shaking her head, she turned around and walked out of her room, headed for the hall where they always ate their meals together. It was something her Ada always insisted on doing, eating their meals together. He was only scared of losing his family; Faeneth only knew this though because she had dreamed about her grandfather's death when she was a small child. Much to her Ada's grief and anger but over time he had come to terms with it, knowing that he couldn't make her unsee what natured had her see.
Soon all dark thoughts were lost from her mind as she saw her longtime friend and personal guard, Amathion. He was Legolas' age and those two were good friends as well, Amathion was practically family by now as well. Amathion smiled back at her, his green eyes sparkling with laughter. He suddenly straightened up slightly and took a deep bow, "My Lady." He said formally as he straightened back up and placed a hand on his chest, "May I have the pleasure of walking you to the ball this afternoon? Or perhaps it tis the gardens that are calling your name? Or-"
"Oh shut up." Faeneth laughed and shoved him slightly before wrapping her arms around his arm and resting her chin on his shoulder, "It's not like you haven't seen me wear a dress before."
Amathion chuckled and began to guide them down the hall to the dining room. "True but it is very rare that you dress up with nothing to gain from it." He smiled down at her, mischief plainly shinning in his eyes.
Faeneth couldn't help but match his smile, "Perhaps I do have something to gain and I just don't want to tell you what that is."
"Who are you trying to get something from?" A deep voice drifted over to them from in front of them. "Because it won't work on me, nîth bîn."
Looking ahead of them, Faeneth squealed and ran towards the tall elf who stood in front of the doors to the dining room. She wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face in his chest as he wrapped his arms around her, returning the hug. "Goodness, you act as if I've been gone for years instead of hours." Belegnir laughed and smiled down at his little sister.
Faeneth stuck her tongue out at him, "What? I'm not allowed to miss you when others are keeping you from even family meals?"
"Why don't I get a greeting like that?" Amathion pretended to pout as he stood next to the two of them and crossed his arms, acting like a little elfling.
The two of them laughed and Belegnir slapped his hand down on his shoulder, "Come, let us go eat my friend." Amathion chuckled and followed them into the dining room where their Nana and Gilorthor were talking quietly. They both looked up as they entered the room and smiled, the wind blowing gently into the room, making both their silver hair fly softly in the air.
Gilorthor got up and clasped his older brother's arm in greeting before moving over and giving Faeneth a hug as well. "So that was you squealing like a pig down the hall." Gilorthor teased as he smiled down at her.
Belegnir busted out in laughter as he sat across from his mother at the table, having already given her a kiss on the cheek in greeting. Faeneth frowned and lightly punched Gilorthor on the arm, "I didn't sound like a pig, it was a very graceful and lady like squeal, thank you very much." She said as she turned her nose up in the air and flipped her hair back.
Everyone laughed as Faeneth smiled and chuckled, sitting down next to her mother with Amathion next to her and Gilorthor across from her. "Is Ada coming for lunch?" Gilorthor asked as he looked at Belegnir.
Frowning, Belegnir shook his head, "Most likely not. He doesn't want to leave the room until the council has agreed on something. It's like a battle field in that room, nothing but politics and verbal sword play. I'd much rather be out on patrol right now then in that room."
Gilorthor chuckled, having always been more of a councilor himself rather than a warrior like their brother. But Belegnir was their Ada's heir and so he had to be present for such matters. "What are you arguing about?" Faeneth asked just as Legolas walked into the room.
"Hello family!" He yelled, his voice echoing off the walls as he greeted everyone and took his seat next to Gilorthor, "Oh and Amathion." He smiled ruefully at Amathion who playfully glared at him before chuckling.
"Well?" Faeneth asked as she looked at her brother and then her Nana as the servers started to set down platters of food in front of them. Legolas looked up confused as he reached out for a grape and popped it in his mouth.
"As of right now, we are discussing about possibly rebuilding our connections with Rivendell and Lothlorien." Belegnir said as he grabbed himself some finger sandwiches and placed them on his plate before looking up at his siblings. A mixture of feelings washed over the room as they sat there in silence.
Looking up, Faeneth frowned at her Nana, "So that's what you dreamed about?" She asked as she searched her Nana's eyes for answers but found none as Queen Mithrildis sighed and shook her head.
"No, I dreamt of what would come to pass should we not reconnect with our neighboring elves." Her lips pressed in a line as her eyes glazed over and she was in a whole other world as she thought back on the dream and the dark promises it held. Looking over at her children and Amathion, she smiled softly but sadness and fear remained in her eyes as nymphs were never used to covering their emotions. "Don't worry, your Ada loves all of you very much and will never let anything hurt you. Even if that means he must put his pride to the side and have a well-mannered talk with Lord Elrond."
Belegnir stuffed his mouth with sandwiches and didn't say anything as he had been discussing this all morning and would rather talk about other things with his family. Gilorthor looked a bit pleased though as he nodded his head, "It's about time. We cannot go on ignoring people of our own race. It's so childish." He shook his head and looked over at Belegnir, "Is that why Ada hasn't asked me to come in yet? Too scared I'll convince the council to go ahead and start making peace." He was angry that he wasn't asked to attend but that wasn't going to stop him from saying his opinion on the mater. "What do you think, Belegnir?"
"I think I don't want to talk about this with my family. You can come back with me after lunch if you wish; it is more of your field than mine." Belegnir said a bit annoyed now.
Faeneth looked over at Amathion wondering why he was so quiet as he seemed to only stare down at his food and she could see the tension in his shoulders. She placed a small hand on his shoulder and his head snapped up to look at her, the laughter gone from his dark green eyes but the emotion that was there was soon masked with a smile and before she could say anything Legolas' voice drifted over to them.
"So I was thinking, to lighten the mood a bit and to get Ada out of that room." He looked over at everyone with a grin on his face, "Smoke bomb anyone?" he asked as he pulled out a small bag filled with little clay bombs that were stuffed with pine. Once lit, the pine would burn and a most terrible smoke would emit from the little bombs.
Faeneth and Belegnir laughed as they agreed with Legolas and their Nana chuckled shaking her head while Gilorthor looked terrified. "What do you want to do, set the whole woods on fire?" He said angrily.
Belegnir though laughed some more and pointed at Legolas, "That just might work, Legolas. How many do you have?"
"No, no, no!" Gilorthor's voice rang between the two, "That's too dangerous."
"Well, I have about twenty or so in this bag." Legolas said as both he and Belegnir ignored Gilorthor.
"Hm, how are you going to get it in there?" Faeneth said over Gilorthor's protests.
"Gilorthor can carry them in with him when he goes with Belegnir back to the room." Legolas said animatedly.
"What? No!" Gilorthor said angry now and looked over at their Nana, "Nana, will you please put an end to this!"
Queen Mithrildis looked around at her children before a mischievous grin formed on her face and she leaned forward, "We could possibly get some guards and servers in on this. They could set the bombs off unnoticed by anyone easier than any of us could."
Gilorthor groaned as everyone agreed loudly and they started to discuss how they were going to go about with their plan while Amathion remained seated with a smile on his face as he watched the royal family plot the councilors' doom.
Blonde hair blew in the wind as the large elven party moved out from the mountains on their way to Lothlorien. Horses whinnied and moved slowly along the rocky path as out on the horizon the forest could be seen. They looked like any other party but their leaf shaped ears marked them as elves and their dark hair showed that they were coming from Rivendell. All except for one whole rode up front with the Lord and Lady of Rivendell.
Glorfindel sat proudly on top of his white steed as he guided the party to Lothlorien. Erestor was slightly behind him on his own brown mare while Lord Elrond and his sons rode next to Glorfindel. Lady Celebrían was back with Erestor and their daughter, while the rest of their party was behind them, following peacefully and excited to almost be in Lothlorien.
With a look around the grassy plain ahead of them, Glorfindel turned to look at Elrond. "I still can't believe that King Thranduil is asking for peace after all these years. It's not in his nature to bend first."
Elrond chuckled, "I must agree with you old friend. I was very shocked when I received news from him. But I am grateful that he seems to finally be coming to terms with his father's death."
Glorfindel shook his head, "There seems to be something more to it. I feel a darkness is making its way into Greenwood but how bad it is, I can't say." He looked back out ahead of them as they fell silent in their own thoughts on the mater.
It was a great shock when he heard news from his father in law about Thranduil wanting peace between them. Ever since the last alliance, Thranduil had blamed him and his people for his father's death and over the years his people had lost all contact with any elf outside of Greenwood. It had been years until finally a month ago they had received word from them. So that is why they are on their way to Lothlorien, to meet with Thranduil and his family as well.
"Ada, what are the wood elves truly like?" Elladan, Elrond's eldest son, asked as he looked over at his father. His identical brother, Elrohir, looking over at their father as well, curious to hear his answer since neither one of them had ever truly met a wood elf before.
Elrond didn't answer at first as he thought about the answer; it had been a while since he had been among the wood elves of Greenwood. "Their culture is different from ours. In some ways we are more formal where they rather be casual and vice versa. They are graceful and skilled like any other elf though they are known for their flawless us of the bow. It is said that they are even better than the Lorien elves."
"Sounds like a challenge to me." Elladan said happily while Elrohir chuckled.
"I believe we'll have to set up some sort of contest to set things straight, brother." Elrohir added as they smiled at each other, a glint of mischief in their eyes.
"Not until we have settle things first." Celebrían's voice floated up towards her sons and they looked back at their Nana who had a stern look on her face. "I don't want to cause any trouble since things between us and the wood elves are uneasy enough. We don't need you running around challenging every wood elf in sit."
"Perhaps a friendly game between elves to settle the mood." Glorfindel said as he looked back. "We could host a competition in their honor as a way of welcoming them back. It would be a great way to let them mingle as well as let the elves from each kingdom show off their stuff."
"I like that idea." Elrohir said as Elladan agreed, "Yes, it sounds rather fun and that way no one can blame us for challenging every wood elf we come across." Elladan said, using his own Nana's words against her.
She chuckled and shook her head, smiling over at Elrond who smiled back and slowed down so that he was beside his wife. He wrapped an arm around her and kissed her on the forehead. Celebrían blushed slightly and rested her head on his shoulder as they rode forward and came ever closer to her beloved home, Lothlorien.
nîth bîn – little sister
