Chapter 1… And he arrives home…
Eryn Lasgalen, Wood of Greenleaves, Formerly Mirkwood…
Legolas shielded his eyes as he scanned the horizon. The endless green forest was home to him. He remembered her, most of all. There was not a moment in his journey in which he did not rest his mind upon her visage. Not like the thoughts of a crazed lover, Legolas always told himself, never like that. His thoughts for her were only like the thoughts of his home, only like his home.
"What do you see, Legolas?" asked Gimli the dwarf. He had come with his friend as a bargain. Though he did not admit it, Legolas suspected that Gimli enjoyed the forests to some extent.
"Home, Gimli. Why grumble? I kept my end of the bargain. Now you keep yours," answered Legolas. He started down the hill where they stood, a place where he stood once alone before his journey.
Gimli kept his complaints, however, the entire way down.
An elf awaited them on horseback when they arrived at the edge of Greenwood. "Hello, Prince Legolas, son of Thranduil. Hello, Gimli, Elf- friend, son of Gloin. Welcome to Greenwood. Your sire is expecting you, highness," greeted the elf, turning to Legolas and giving a deep nod.
Legolas returned his greeting. "Very well. What be your name, friend?"
"Mesophas, My Lord," the elf answered promptly.
"Mesophas, ride ahead to my father and send news that I come shortly. I wish to show my friend Gimli the beauty of our home."
"Then be aware that he will not be the only to behold Greenwood. Our home has changed so much in a very short extent of time, My Lord."
"I noted that, and am glad of it. I enjoy change."
"Of course. I shall be away now, Lord," and with that, Mesophas turned his steed toward the trees.
Legolas hesitated. "Mesophas! I have a last question of you! Is there one named Cairnoé among the living? A maiden, known for her sharp tongue?" he asked.
Mesophas turned his head. "No, I have not heard of such a name. I have not been here long, having been removed from Lorien. Forgive me, lord," he answered obediently.
Legolas shook his head. "None to be forgiven, Mesophas. That is all I need, many thanks."
All the while, Gimli pondered at the look on Legolas' face. A look of hope had died there in his eyes. Grunting, Gimli shook off the triviality of it all and went forth into the wood. "A maiden, Legolas? It seems that your mind dwells not only in the land and in your bow, but also in the women. You are not as dull as you seem, friend. Tell me of this maiden," said Gimli, trying to diminish his friend's sadness. Legolas sad was a thing almost unheard of.
Legolas turned to him, almost as if he were waking from a dream. "She was… a friend, no more. Fairest of all I've seen, but I took no pursuit. She is much like the lady Eowyn in ways, Gimli, only more life-loving," he answered, and his face became wistful.
Gimli shook his head. "It is what they all say, Legolas. It is what they all say. I suppose that if she made you fall for her, she must be a pretty thing. But I will decide for myself. The Lady of the Wood, Galadriel, will always be fairest to me," he said, taking his turn to be wistful.
They spent a day amongst the trees of Greenwood; Legolas admiring the new light that shown in through the trees, Gimli listening gladly to his tales. They spent the night under the stars, both friends sharing tales of each glimmering light they recognized.
The next morning, Gimli and Legolas stood before Thranduil. He was clad in the rich greens of his people. A jewel rested upon his brow that was bound there by a ring of gold encircling his head. It was the crown of Greenwood.
"It has been long, my son, and your deeds have grown," greeted the Lord of Greenwood. He then turned to rest his gaze upon Gimli. "Elf-friend Gimli son of Gloin. Much has been heard of you. I have spoken of you with Galadriel and Celeborn. It seems that you are the greatest dwarf our people have ever seen. The people of Greenwood welcome you. There will be a feast welcoming you home, Legolas, though you came on short notice. The feast was to be for the Celebríve, who comes hither from the Sea."
Legolas seemed puzzled. "I have not heard of him. Who is this man with such a strange name?"
Thranduil nodded slowly. "The Silver Winter arrives from the Havens to assist us in our war with the outlaws of the North. Celebríve is a native of Greenwood. And a man he is naught. A fair maiden is more like it. You know her as Cairnoé, Legolas," said Thranduil, the corners of his lips turning upwards at the surprise of Legolas.
"There seems to be much that has changed since I stepped into Rivendell. Where can I find her?" asked Legolas quickly. The dying hope that Gimli beheld had been lit again.
Then Thranduil smiled. He had not done so in five hundred years. "I know you are anxious. Perhaps you should listen to Treebeard, Legolas. 'Do not be hasty' indeed. She will be present at the feast. Get reacquainted with your home," he said in his serene mood.
Legolas opened his mouth to talk but thought better of it.
"Gimli son of Gloin, I must speak with you," continued Thranduil. He turned to Mesophas and called him forth with a raising of his hand. For the first time, they saw that Mesophas stood in the corner silent and watching. His bow was stretched. "Mesophas, lead Legolas to his chambers. They have been kept ready for him," he said, and Mesophas bowed and did as Thranduil ordered.
After Mesophas had left Legolas to his own devices, Legolas walked about his chambers for a moment before turning to the baths. His baths, really. The cloak of Lorien was fondly folded away. His bow, quiver, and long knife he stashed away. After removing his travel-stained garb he settled into the soothing bath water that was kept ever warm. Almost instantly, his muscles relaxed and he let out a heavy sigh. Legolas looked about him. The bathhouse was enormous. Its white marble walls gleamed with moisture. He missed being home. So many days past, small little days.
Legolas closed his eyes, letting his thoughts mull over in the water. The thoughts mulled over very much. The beauty of Ithilien came back to him. His promise in Gondor came as well. Then there was Cairnoé, who he saw in his mind's eye. The blood-red hue of her hair and the brilliance of her bright green eyes stood out. Cairnoé in war? He never thought it possible… He brushed several other thoughts out of his mind and finished his bath.
"You know Legolas better than I do, Elf-friend. What do you suppose we do about the Prince of Greenwood?" said Thranduil, walking with Gimli among the gardens of Greenwood. They walked past the symblmyne that grew upon the graves of the Lords of Old slain in battle, their blossoms tossing sweet scents in the wind.
Gimli looked up at the lord. "You are correct in that I know Legolas well, My Lord. It would be unlike him to love in secret, as you have aforesaid. He cares more for the trees and now the sea than for an elf-maid. Perhaps it is like he has said: 'No more than a friend, Master Gimli.' I do not know. If they do plight their troth, do you give consent, Your Highness?" he asked, fingering the edge of his axe fondly in thought.
Thranduil's face tensed. Gimli could see that Thranduil loved his son very much. The Lord of Greenwood stooped to pick up a small stone, plain against his finery but bright red in hue and polished. "I have not seen, in all my long life, among halflings and elves, among men and dwarves, a maiden so wild. She is more cold and unforgiving than Caradhras. She once possessed a heart until Legolas left upon his journey. She caught sight of the sea, Elf- friend. She followed the elven desire. The desire of the Sea lies dormant in all our people's eyes.
"I do not believe that they will come together in the end. Legolas will feel only pain. The Silver Winter will feel naught. Unless by some chance my foresight tells a lie, no one will be bound to anyone," he finished, his fingers clenching the stone tightly.
Gimli only nodded in silence. He thought to speak again when Mesophas came unto them.
"The hour for merrymaking draws near, lord. Guests arrive and the fires are lit. Celebríve is waiting, lord," he informed, bowing low.
Thranduil nodded slowly and slipped the stone into his pocket. "Then we shall prepare also. Come, Master Gimli, let us make our appearance," he said, starting back to the gardens where the feast was held.
Again… do not kill me…. It's not my fault I write like pleh! I know this doesn't sound like it has a plot just yet, but it will next few chapters guaranteed!! This is just to get started…
Eryn Lasgalen, Wood of Greenleaves, Formerly Mirkwood…
Legolas shielded his eyes as he scanned the horizon. The endless green forest was home to him. He remembered her, most of all. There was not a moment in his journey in which he did not rest his mind upon her visage. Not like the thoughts of a crazed lover, Legolas always told himself, never like that. His thoughts for her were only like the thoughts of his home, only like his home.
"What do you see, Legolas?" asked Gimli the dwarf. He had come with his friend as a bargain. Though he did not admit it, Legolas suspected that Gimli enjoyed the forests to some extent.
"Home, Gimli. Why grumble? I kept my end of the bargain. Now you keep yours," answered Legolas. He started down the hill where they stood, a place where he stood once alone before his journey.
Gimli kept his complaints, however, the entire way down.
An elf awaited them on horseback when they arrived at the edge of Greenwood. "Hello, Prince Legolas, son of Thranduil. Hello, Gimli, Elf- friend, son of Gloin. Welcome to Greenwood. Your sire is expecting you, highness," greeted the elf, turning to Legolas and giving a deep nod.
Legolas returned his greeting. "Very well. What be your name, friend?"
"Mesophas, My Lord," the elf answered promptly.
"Mesophas, ride ahead to my father and send news that I come shortly. I wish to show my friend Gimli the beauty of our home."
"Then be aware that he will not be the only to behold Greenwood. Our home has changed so much in a very short extent of time, My Lord."
"I noted that, and am glad of it. I enjoy change."
"Of course. I shall be away now, Lord," and with that, Mesophas turned his steed toward the trees.
Legolas hesitated. "Mesophas! I have a last question of you! Is there one named Cairnoé among the living? A maiden, known for her sharp tongue?" he asked.
Mesophas turned his head. "No, I have not heard of such a name. I have not been here long, having been removed from Lorien. Forgive me, lord," he answered obediently.
Legolas shook his head. "None to be forgiven, Mesophas. That is all I need, many thanks."
All the while, Gimli pondered at the look on Legolas' face. A look of hope had died there in his eyes. Grunting, Gimli shook off the triviality of it all and went forth into the wood. "A maiden, Legolas? It seems that your mind dwells not only in the land and in your bow, but also in the women. You are not as dull as you seem, friend. Tell me of this maiden," said Gimli, trying to diminish his friend's sadness. Legolas sad was a thing almost unheard of.
Legolas turned to him, almost as if he were waking from a dream. "She was… a friend, no more. Fairest of all I've seen, but I took no pursuit. She is much like the lady Eowyn in ways, Gimli, only more life-loving," he answered, and his face became wistful.
Gimli shook his head. "It is what they all say, Legolas. It is what they all say. I suppose that if she made you fall for her, she must be a pretty thing. But I will decide for myself. The Lady of the Wood, Galadriel, will always be fairest to me," he said, taking his turn to be wistful.
They spent a day amongst the trees of Greenwood; Legolas admiring the new light that shown in through the trees, Gimli listening gladly to his tales. They spent the night under the stars, both friends sharing tales of each glimmering light they recognized.
The next morning, Gimli and Legolas stood before Thranduil. He was clad in the rich greens of his people. A jewel rested upon his brow that was bound there by a ring of gold encircling his head. It was the crown of Greenwood.
"It has been long, my son, and your deeds have grown," greeted the Lord of Greenwood. He then turned to rest his gaze upon Gimli. "Elf-friend Gimli son of Gloin. Much has been heard of you. I have spoken of you with Galadriel and Celeborn. It seems that you are the greatest dwarf our people have ever seen. The people of Greenwood welcome you. There will be a feast welcoming you home, Legolas, though you came on short notice. The feast was to be for the Celebríve, who comes hither from the Sea."
Legolas seemed puzzled. "I have not heard of him. Who is this man with such a strange name?"
Thranduil nodded slowly. "The Silver Winter arrives from the Havens to assist us in our war with the outlaws of the North. Celebríve is a native of Greenwood. And a man he is naught. A fair maiden is more like it. You know her as Cairnoé, Legolas," said Thranduil, the corners of his lips turning upwards at the surprise of Legolas.
"There seems to be much that has changed since I stepped into Rivendell. Where can I find her?" asked Legolas quickly. The dying hope that Gimli beheld had been lit again.
Then Thranduil smiled. He had not done so in five hundred years. "I know you are anxious. Perhaps you should listen to Treebeard, Legolas. 'Do not be hasty' indeed. She will be present at the feast. Get reacquainted with your home," he said in his serene mood.
Legolas opened his mouth to talk but thought better of it.
"Gimli son of Gloin, I must speak with you," continued Thranduil. He turned to Mesophas and called him forth with a raising of his hand. For the first time, they saw that Mesophas stood in the corner silent and watching. His bow was stretched. "Mesophas, lead Legolas to his chambers. They have been kept ready for him," he said, and Mesophas bowed and did as Thranduil ordered.
After Mesophas had left Legolas to his own devices, Legolas walked about his chambers for a moment before turning to the baths. His baths, really. The cloak of Lorien was fondly folded away. His bow, quiver, and long knife he stashed away. After removing his travel-stained garb he settled into the soothing bath water that was kept ever warm. Almost instantly, his muscles relaxed and he let out a heavy sigh. Legolas looked about him. The bathhouse was enormous. Its white marble walls gleamed with moisture. He missed being home. So many days past, small little days.
Legolas closed his eyes, letting his thoughts mull over in the water. The thoughts mulled over very much. The beauty of Ithilien came back to him. His promise in Gondor came as well. Then there was Cairnoé, who he saw in his mind's eye. The blood-red hue of her hair and the brilliance of her bright green eyes stood out. Cairnoé in war? He never thought it possible… He brushed several other thoughts out of his mind and finished his bath.
"You know Legolas better than I do, Elf-friend. What do you suppose we do about the Prince of Greenwood?" said Thranduil, walking with Gimli among the gardens of Greenwood. They walked past the symblmyne that grew upon the graves of the Lords of Old slain in battle, their blossoms tossing sweet scents in the wind.
Gimli looked up at the lord. "You are correct in that I know Legolas well, My Lord. It would be unlike him to love in secret, as you have aforesaid. He cares more for the trees and now the sea than for an elf-maid. Perhaps it is like he has said: 'No more than a friend, Master Gimli.' I do not know. If they do plight their troth, do you give consent, Your Highness?" he asked, fingering the edge of his axe fondly in thought.
Thranduil's face tensed. Gimli could see that Thranduil loved his son very much. The Lord of Greenwood stooped to pick up a small stone, plain against his finery but bright red in hue and polished. "I have not seen, in all my long life, among halflings and elves, among men and dwarves, a maiden so wild. She is more cold and unforgiving than Caradhras. She once possessed a heart until Legolas left upon his journey. She caught sight of the sea, Elf- friend. She followed the elven desire. The desire of the Sea lies dormant in all our people's eyes.
"I do not believe that they will come together in the end. Legolas will feel only pain. The Silver Winter will feel naught. Unless by some chance my foresight tells a lie, no one will be bound to anyone," he finished, his fingers clenching the stone tightly.
Gimli only nodded in silence. He thought to speak again when Mesophas came unto them.
"The hour for merrymaking draws near, lord. Guests arrive and the fires are lit. Celebríve is waiting, lord," he informed, bowing low.
Thranduil nodded slowly and slipped the stone into his pocket. "Then we shall prepare also. Come, Master Gimli, let us make our appearance," he said, starting back to the gardens where the feast was held.
Again… do not kill me…. It's not my fault I write like pleh! I know this doesn't sound like it has a plot just yet, but it will next few chapters guaranteed!! This is just to get started…
