A/N: DISCLAIMER! I do not own any of the LOTR or THE HOBBIT characters. I just own these OCs. I hope you love them as I love them… Here we go~ :3 Please review….PLEASE! :D
CHAPTER TWO | Grief
A day later, the festivities to welcome those that served in the war was held. It started with beautiful music and Lord Elrond inviting everyone to rejoice that their sisters and brothers are home. The guest of honors are not to be found as of yet though and it worried the eldar. "Elladan, are you sure that they were informed of the proper time?"
The tall elf nodded his head. "Of course, Adar. Elrohir went to their quarters an hour ago. I'm sure."
"Do check on him, Elladan." Elrond whispered, eyes focusing on the crowd and raising his cup to acknowledge a noble passing by. "We can't have a jovial celebration if the cause for such festivity is not present."
"Very well, Adar…" Elladan discretely left the room heading straight for the west wing where the guestrooms are. As he turned a corner, he nearly bumped into a sobbing Idhreneth. "Cousin, what ails you?"
The dark haired maiden covered her face as she explained the predicament. "We have been searching for an hour now, Elladan. Maeng-engwen le-left." Idhreneth stuttered. "My sister is amiss. Lady Corumeth was taking a bath when she left and never to be found. Elrohir went to the stables to check but Corumeth told me that Maengwen has a distant look in her eyes earlier when they were walking around the gardens… I'm afraid that…that…" Idhreneth's body shook. "…these gardens remind her too much of Thiadir…"
Elladan sighed and hugged the crying maiden. "Hush now. I'll look for her. In the meantime, get the Lady Corumeth to join adar in the hall. The audience is getting impatient." He kissed her eyebrows to calm her and said, "Dry those tears…everything will be alright." Seeing Idhreneth nod, he stood straight and run for the gardens. It was clear to him that something is indeed wrong. Maengwen is very serious when it comes to celebrations especially when it comes to his father. Ever since before, Maengwen enjoyed the festivities. It must be the grief… He sadly concluded as he arrived in the garden where Maengwen frequents. She was not to be found.
"Brother!"
"Elrohir! Have you found her?" He ran towards his twin.
"I have not." Elrohir looked around saying this. "I have asked the scouts inquiring if Suldal left the gates. The horse is not in his stall but he did not leave Imladris either."
They both looked at each other. Unlike their sister Arwen, Maengwen never told them of the secret places she shares with Thiadir. Imladris is vast…there is no way they can find her immediately. "Let's look for her in haste, brother. I fear that she might be in grief and fade if not helped."
Not far from the gates and finally reaching the high road leading to Imladris, Legolas Thrandulion accompanied by his good friend, Gimli son of Gloin rode down. It did not pass Legolas' keen sense that something is not right. The winds talk of urgency and looking down at the elven home, he can sense commotion…not exactly dangerous…but bothering nonetheless.
"Arr ye alright, laddie?" Gimli tapped the elf on the shoulder.
"I am fine, Gimli…" Legolas whispered but kept his eyes about Rivendell. As they were descending slowly, a sudden movement from below near an end of the water way took his attention. Is she… With a sudden movement, he urged Arod down the path sending Gimli to clasp strongly around his middle.
"Seems yer a wee bit too fast, lad!" Gimli shouted as Arod sped down the path and across the bridge. Several elves were surprised at their arrival but Legolas jumped off the horse before it stopped and he is now left staring at the elves that looked at him curiously. "Ma-mae…govannen?" He greeted in hesitation. Legolas has been teaching him elvish words and he hopes it doesn't get him imprisoned.
Legolas leaped over several branches and took several unconventional paths to reach the location as fast as he can. When he arrived just a few feet away from the lady he saw standing at the ledge of one waterfall, he stopped. "My lady…" He called out softly fearing he might astonish her. He wondered who it is. It couldn't be Arwen… He last saw her with Aragon in Gondor. They are married. The lady turned to face him and his heart broke. The elleth stared at him with such sad gray eyes devoid of life. "Mellon, what has driven you to stand there? It is dangerous…" He stopped when the lady smiled softly.
"Prince Legolas…"
Legolas blinked at the haunting voice. "You…you know me?" The elleth nodded. "Then…my lady… Please come forth. I will escort you back to your quarters. It is a wonderful night…" He said with his best smile trying to convince the lady to leave the ledge. She is beautiful under the night sky dressing in a white satin gown like Lady Arwen with dark tresses framing her face. "…and I would like to spend it with you." A tear ran down her face and Legolas' heart broke once more.
"You do not have to cheer me, Prince of Mirkwood." Maengwen closed her eyes not moving from where she is. "I…have lost him…" She said in a choked whisper. "He has left me…"
Legolas finally know what it was in her eyes – grief. This young elleth is fading. "He has not, my lady… I assure you… Your love is alive." He desperately needed for her to be distracted before she leaps. He slowly made his way towards her without breaking eye contact.
Maengwen shook her head slowly. "No…no…he was killed by the orcs….protecting me." She explained now crying. "I was supposed to be the one who died! I'm not supposed to…to be here…" She softened at the last realization and turned to look back at the ledge and beyond.
In this instance, Legolas took his chance and pulled the lady away from the ledge with one strong motion. She lost consciousness and Legolas looked at her in his arms. He has been staying in Imladris for centuries but has not seen this lady before. Slowly, he tucked the tresses away from her pale face cradling her in his arms. With one swift movement, he stood with the lady safely with him and walked back to the main entrance. It was then he saw Elrohir and Elladan running towards him. "Mae Govannen."
"Legolas…" Elladan said breathlessly seeing that their cousin is safely in the arms of the prince. "Where did you find her?"
"She…being?" Legolas asked curiously.
Elrohir nodded. "Lady Maengwen from the House of Elros, our cousin." He looked sadly at the sleeping elleth. "She has lost her beloved in the war… They both served under Haldir, the Marchwarden of Lorien in Helm's Deep."
Legolas nodded slowly as he looked down at the elleth. "She is a warrior…a Galadhrim?"
Elrohir stepped forward and took his cousin into his arms. "Yes, mellonin. She has been training in Caras Galadhon for centuries. By the time of the Fellowship, she came home thinking that it would be wise to finally settle down with Thiadir, her betrothed. But they were greeted by the grim news of the war and being warriors, they enlisted hoping for a better future."
Elladan looked back at the other visitor who's waiting for the by the steps. "I have heard you've befriended a dwarf… I'd never imagined you'd bring him here, Legolas."
"Gimli has been here…" Legolas looked to his friend who is obviously grumbling his complaints. He grinned at that. "We have traveled from Gondor a fortnight and expect to stay here and enjoy your father's hospitality…" He turned back to the twins. "Before I finally go back home."
"Of course, Legolas…." Elrohir led them back to the entrance. "You are always welcome here."
TBC
A/N: Any luck on reviews? ^_^
