Thanks for all the readers, followers, and review! It's nice to know that you guys do like my work! Do enjoy Chapter two this is where things start to get fun. I will try to update either every other day or at least once a week should I get Writer's block.
Chapter Two: A Hundred Years
Sauron the Deceiver knew his fate was being decided and war was at their doorstep. Sauron wasn't going to sit idly by and watch the people he desired to rule over destroy him. With every army he could muster up he started attacking knowing that a premtive strike to the forces of good he so deeply hated would give him the advantage he needed to win or so he thought. Through the Second Age the war had been building to this. Villages burning, many humans were displaced forcing the White Council's hand, war was not desirable but if they sat by Sauron would soon rule them all.
The Alliance between Elves and men was newly forming by this point; many opposed the idea of working with the elves had displeased some of the alliances of Gondor. Only speculation in history could tell you what really happened but the White Council had gathered in Rivendell hoping for secrecy and a chance at victory. Coming to this meeting was the King of Gondor Elendil and his son Isildur arrived at the invite of Elrond this was moment the White Council relished in. Gondor had accepted in the invitation of to Rivendell. This was a hope but many knew that Sauron from his tower may not have come down but many informants went to the tower to inform him of the doings of men who opposed him and the elves he had taught before but Galadriel had forced his hand for she did not trust him when had Celebrimbor make the elven rings.
Sauron had a silver tongue that held many lies within and turning a shoulder to the impending war would end in slaughter for those who did not join. Not much was said when the King of Gondor came to the meeting it was already known the Elves and men would fight side by side. Lothlorien guards were preparing for the war leaving a very curious four-year old Moriel to see what was unfolding between her eyes. She didn't understand as Celeborn was there to guide her away from the scene, no child of any should see the sight of war. Celeborn told her to stay away from the guards for now while they prepared weapons, bows, and arrows. Moriel was forced to understand even though she was still very young.
With the White Council's countless meetings it took Galadriel away from Moriel's side leaving her mostly alone to wander the halls of Lothlorien. Celebrian the daughter of Celeborn and Galadriel stayed mostly in Lothlorien since Elrond was preparing for war, they had been courting for several years now and it only made sense she stay far away from the war. Elrond had sent her home lovingly which made Celebrian almost sad because she knew many kin would die in this war. If Sauron wasn't defeated then she would lose not only love but family as well.
Sacrifices around Moriel were being made for the greater good of the world and Moriel couldn't help but feel guilty or somewhat responsible. She could hear Celebrian as she wept which made her hesistate knocking on her door; she was as close to a sister Moriel knew. She needed a sense of security that all this wasn't her fault. She knocked anyways which made her almost jump with fright when Celebrian actually opened the door for her. "What is it Moriel?" She asked as she could see the light eyes looking back at her. "Um…I wanted to see if I may keep your company for a while." Moriel spoke quietly waiting for the door to be slammed in her face or to be turned away like others did. Celebrian smiled as she walked out of the room closing the door behind her. "How about we take a walk and you can tell me what troubles your little mind." Celebrian offered Moriel her hand as Moriel smiled taking it.
Moriel had been having darkening nightmares which scared her beyond belief. She was left to her own vices to comfort herself. Galadriel was usually the one to calm her after nightmares but demands of war commanded the greater of her attention leaving the small child confused and unsure of the situation. They walked down the halls quietly looking over the trees as Celebrian looked down at Moriel. "For one so young you have much on your mind please tell me where your mind goes to?" Celebrian asked in a gentle tone. Her smile was warm and welcoming which made Moriel hesitant to open up about such dark dreams. Moriel looked up at her. "Dear sister, I only wish for joy and happiness but I feel it fading from this place. Nightmares haunt me and I fear they might come true." Moriel confessed as Celebrian's look went serious then gentle again.
Celebrian looked at the one her mother called "daughter", and she called "sister" as she knelt down to her level. Celebrian held the grace of Galadriel. "Sister, your nightmares are just dreams if they held any foresight you know mother would be here to listen. She leaves you in the care of me and father to keep you from losing your way here. You are still young should your dreams yield anything of the evil we are facing speak and you shall be heard I can promise you that." Celebrian assured her as Moriel looked saddened. "My dreams are just dark and fuzzy for now, never a clear picture to be seen. I fear there is something I am missing when I am there that is all besides the feeling of pure fear." Moriel replied as Celebrian hugged her close to her. "This war will end with evil's defeat and peace will come over the lands once again I promise you." Celebrian wasn't sure if she was promising something false or just to assure herself Elrond would come back alive.
When the day came to say goodbye to those marching to the war silence was observed for those who may not come back. Galadriel stayed behind to her husband march off with his troops as those of Mirkwood would join the battle as well. Moriel was upset to see them leave and Galadriel did what she could do to soothe the upset child. As the Last of Alliance of Elves and Men walked to the battlefield fighting Sauron's army every step of the way as they marched into Mordor, before the Mount Doom and all its fire. Sauron met his demise as he was slayed on the edge of Mount Doom. When Celeborn came back from the war with news that the ring had not been destroyed Galadriel was saddened by this news knowing that it would not be the end of the ring until it was destroyed. Knowing Isildur was now its keeper was a bit unsettling to the elves. This war thus marked the end of the Second age and began the Third Age of the world.
Entering the Third age Moriel was smiling again as she saw the change and Celebrian's promise of peace. News soon came of Isildur's death reached Galadriel who lost the ring in the Gladden River when murdered by orcs. Moriel was kept far from the reaches of the business of the world as now lessons of combat were in order for her as she grew and a fine warrior she was becoming. Her greatest joy was when she travelled for the first time to Rivendell to witness the wedding of Celebrian wed Elrond. There was never such a sight of beauty in Moriel's eyes. Many worried for Moriel but she was happy on this day for Celebrian as she watched them exchange vows of marriage and eternal happiness. Something she wondered if she would ever have or want in this life.
Moriel knew she was different from her fair-haired kin, they held a grace that she couldn't seem to match. She walked and blended amongst them but seemed to be the black sheep never shunned but stared at, talked about in whispers, and she knew it. Galadriel had started her training with the archers but they were wary of her skill when she showed she was a warrior, very talented with the blade and bow. Galadriel wasn't happy about her learning to fight with a dagger and sword but she knew it was necessary when Moriel would leave Lothlorien. Mithrandir was a frequent visitor much since Moriel was a child. She knew not much about the man who wore the grey robes. They called him the "Grey Pilgrim" which was Mithrandir's meaning. Ever since Moriel could remember he would always bring her something she held dear. He had made sure Galadriel was convinced it necessary for Moriel to learn the skill of the sword.
Mirkwood was happy to oblige a trainer of their own, the captain of their guard and he didn't come alone. His student was none other than Legolas, the Prince of Mirkwood. As far as elves go Moriel was still young the neatly age of 104 years old and so was Legolas. Galadriel and Celeborn welcomed their Mirkwood kin happily. "We come on behalf of Thranduil to check on the girl's progress thus far." The guard spoke as Legolas stayed quiet. He was quite alert looking around taking in Lothlorien for all it had to offer. Galadriel smiled giving a nod. "Of course your master will be pleased with Moriel's progress." Gladriel spoke as she sent an elf-maiden to fetch Moriel.
Moriel was feeding a falcon, small in size she was supposed to be a red tailed but her feathers held silver in them not seen around the forest before. Moriel had gladly accepted the gift from Mithrandir on his last visit to Lothlorien as the falcon was tasked of watching over her. She named her Morelen, friends were few Moriel gladly doted on the new found friend. A knock came on her chamber doors. "You are summoned Lady Moriel to train." The maid spoke as Moriel opened the door to greet her. Moriel wore a purple tunic with the leggings and boots. She nodded to the maid as she grabbed her bow and arrows. A sword and dagger held from her belt as she braided her long hair back. She headed for the main hall where the guests awaited her.
Moriel walked down the hall drawing closer she heard a male voice speak. "We shall see how well she does against my best student; the Prince himself is my best student." The guard spoke as Moriel came to Galadriel's side. "She is my best student…" Galadriel gave a small laugh. Moriel held a teenage appearance but that didn't take away from her beauty which was understated. Legolas found himself bewitched by the young Moriel. In a way he couldn't explain her beauty he felt could rival even that of Galadriel. Moriel looked at her Mirkwood kin as she was told she could be training be them. "May the best student win." He smiled as Legolas last followed his trainer as Moriel past him her silvery gaze catching him for a moment.
Legolas followed in a light haze to a training ground, which was still within bounds of Lothlorien. Galadriel didn't like the idea of Moriel being outside of the sanctuary that was Lothlorien. They were left to train with the Mirkwood guard as Legolas looked at Moriel who merely bowed to him out of respect. "I am honored to train with you much as been said about your arrival." She spoke to the trainer. "All is well, Legolas is the youngest son of our King Thranduil you will meet him in time." The guard spoke looking at her. "You are Captain of the Guard I take it?" She questioned as he was impressed. "Now that formalities are over I say we train, ready?" He questioned his student.
Legolas didn't say a word as he nodded as did Moriel turned to Legolas as he wasn't sure what to expect from her. As Legolas had sparred with many in Mirkwood, Moriel's stance was different as he studied her trying to predict what her first move was going to be. She moved with one move as she was quick to block his attack and disarm him. She pushed him to the ground in one easy move. Legolas was astonished and his pride a little hurt as she looked at him. "Back up and again." The trainer commanded as he stood as they took their stances again. Moriel could see Legolas still held surprise that he was taken down but her skill as she held much grace within her as she moved from one attack to another. Her motions were almost fluid making her fast and potentially lethal if the skill was nursed properly.
"Have I startled the Prince?" She asked as his gaze was taken back. "No, I am not let's stop the child's play and spar!"Legolas exclaimed as Moriel smiled drawing her dagger. "Then let's get on with it." Moriel spoke as Legolas drew his dual knives. Moriel was quick to sheathe the dagger pulling a short sword of elven make. It was given to her as a present from Galadriel known as "Aemir" a name given to it by its maker. The sword had a blue handle curving into the silver blade given to Galadriel when she arrived from Valanor. She was ready charging forwards as she clashed blades with Legolas who was delighted by an opponent who seemed to match his skill. They both disarmed each other after blow after blow was met, Legolas went for his bow but the Lady was quicker. "You are dead m'lord." Moriel looked at him as he smiled. "A fair match, indeed I look forwards to facing you again." Legolas spoke as she lowered her bow. "As do I." She bowed to him. He picked up her blade from where it had been thrown.
He seemed to inspect the blade with some awe. "The Sea jewel, so my eyes didn't deceive me Aemir is a legendary sword." He spun the sword impressed by its well-crafted way. Moriel took it from him when he offered it to her. "A gift from the Lady Galadriel when I was able to master the sword." Moriel explained sheathing it as Legolas grabbed his long knives. "What is next?" Moriel asked the trainer. "Archery, Legolas is a great archer. We shall test your skill as well." He spoke as she was lead to an archery field. "As you wish anything to please the King of the Woodland Realm." She spoke taking up her bow. Clearly the bow was of elvish make dark wood with silver inlay twisted like a vine around the bow. A darker make than usually seen in an elven bow but it matched Moriel well. "Fire when ready." He spoke as Moriel drew and fired hitting the target impressively again and again.
Moriel needed improvement in her skill, while Legolas clearly had the upper hand in his skills. The trainer was not disappointed but impressed by the young she-elf. Thranduil would be pleased with her progress for such a young elf she was seeming to learn fairly quickly much like Legolas. Legolas was happy he finally had someone who was a challenge to his skill. Moriel grabbed her arrows from the target as indeed she was unsure if she would indeed have the skills expected of her. For whatever reason even though she had lived in Lothlorien all her life she knew it wasn't her home. She longed to see the place Galadriel reminded her that was her home. Forests so green that didn't have the ethereal glow that Lothlorien had. This was where she needed to be for reasons she still didn't completely understand. Moriel sighed as Morelen came swooping in landing on her shoulder.
"A hawk?" Legolas questioned as Moriel looked at him. "Morelen, she was a gift from Mithrandir." Moriel explained as the hawk nipped at her as she untied a letter from the hawk's leg. "Who is that from?" Legolas asked as Moriel smiled. "Does it matter to you, Prince to whom I speak with?" Moriel replied with a question as Legolas was quick to trying to find words. "N-No…I meant no offence." Legolas stumbled as the trainer watching the younglings interact. "The letter is from Mithrandir keeps me informed on his adventures, there was no offence to be taken my lord." She bowed as she walked away from Legolas and his trainer as she had been excused.
Legolas watched her leave looking to Thalioner. "Indeed she is strange." Legolas commented as Thalioner was quick to speak. "I do well to remind you of your father's position of her. She is a deceiver, so keep to your place and she will keep to hers." Thalioner spoke almost harshly. Legolas knew much but very little about Moriel. "I do not understand his hatred for her, I see light where he claims there is darkness." Legolas spoke freely as Thalioner hushed him. "Speak none of it, keep your tongue still and your mind quiet." He spoke with a strict tone. "We are here for three days to help her train so keep to your place." He reinforced as they walked to their awaiting chambers.
The afternoon passed in some silence as Legolas was hardly still he went exploring Lothlorien inspired by all the beauty it had to offer. The elves were busy preparing the evening feast honor their Mirkwood kins' arrival. The smell of food and the sound of music filled the air with a peace that all elves welcomed. By evening Legolas had changed into a light blue garb with a dagger still in his belt. He was welcomed to the feast with welcomed arms from Celeborn and Galadriel. Legolas nodded to them and thanked them for being such gracious hosts to him and Thalioner as wine and food were being passed around.
Legolas was distracted as guards from Lothlorien were friends but he was looking for the familiar face of Moriel. He knew plenty of guards but Moriel was still a stranger to him and they would be training for a long time. Should ever the time call for war in Mirkwood he would have to trust her with his life and she would have to trust him with hers. Legolas could feel the draw to her as some elf-maidens were eyeing Legolas in plenty but Moriel held his attention as he found her. He eyed from afar watching her dance to the music with a smile as her smile seemed contagious. She had changed into the proper dress that was silver with the light haze of purple.
Legolas set down the goblet of wine making his way past the tables to where he jumped into the swing of the dance twirling a few partners until he held Moriel as his partner. She looked more than surprised to see him dancing. "Have I offended you?" He asked looking down at her as the song changed and another danced started as they started to move around the room. "No just surprise I didn't think you danced." She spoke softly as they danced on. "I am not completely a soldier I do enjoy music and other simple pleasures." He smiled as Moriel seemed bashful. She was shying away from him as she was unsure how to respond. "Well I am glad to have met you I look forwards to training with you more." Was all she could seem to get out.
The song was quick to end as Moriel bowed to him as she waded away from him as he watched her walk away. "She seems to bewitch you." He heard a voice from behind him making him turn seeing Galadriel. "I'm unsure of what you mean my lady." Legolas spoke as he bowed to her. Legolas stood confused by her statement. "The way you look at Moriel." Galadriel smiled as Legolas was taken aback by her observation. "It is merely curiosity I assure you." He found his words as Galadriel smiled. "Indeed she is very curious in nature." Galadriel replied as she took leave from Legolas as he was left confused by her reply. Moriel left the feast alone as gazes followed her, many were on the young prince as well as Legolas was heir to the throne of Mirkwood and quite pleasing to the eyes of elven women.
Legolas hardly noticed their gazes as he took a goblet of wine watching Moriel disappear into the halls of Lothlorien. He took a sip of wine as he sat there confused with hardly any clarity on the matter. He decided it was wise to listen to Thalioner's advice, staying silent and in his place for the sake of peace. By the next day of training the night was a forgotten memory in the wind, and it was hard training of balance and more archery. When she went to be alone she had seen the change in Legolas, which she knew her company wasn't welcome for long. She could never know why or place the way she felt. She sent Morelen away with a letter to Mithrandir hoping to take her worries away with it. She yearned for feeling of belonging only expressing her feelings of displacement to Mithrandir. She wanted to qualm these feelings before they could overpower her mind.
Moriel dimmed the light as she laid down in her bed, the blankets wrapped around her hardly offered any warmth. Sleep came slowly for her as she was surprised to who her thoughts wondered to her. Legolas who had treated her warmly then stole the warmth away leaving the cold emptiness behind. He made her heart feel less chilled she couldn't explain. She pushed him from her mind as far as he could get as sleep finally took her. By morning Moriel woke up to an unfamiliar feeling of coldness that she couldn't explain. The halls were eerily silent as she got up, no one had come for her, the hour was drawing late. Moriel dressed tying her hair back wearing a dark blue tunic she grabbed her sword as she slipped on her boots. She headed into the hall seeing guards weren't at their posts which lightly alarmed her senses.
Quiet was an eerie sound to her, it snuck up and bit her like a snake it seemed. She walked down the hall as she felt a presence behind her. She drew her sword quickly turning as her blade collided with Legolas' blades. He looked her over as she was quick to withdraw and sheathe her sword. "You look startled my lady." He spoke as Moriel bowed to him. "I am sorry the silence troubles me at times next time I will be more cautious to draw my blade." Moriel spoke softly as Legolas smiled at her. "Don't worry, there is an observation of silence for a fallen elf." He spoke as Moriel seemed more alarmed. "What?" She asked quickly. "An orc attack in the night took an elf on his patrol they found him this morning. The orcs were chased away from here and would do wise not return this way." Legolas explained quietly.
Moriel knew asking such questions about a slain kinsman were not considered of appropriate conversation. Legolas gave her the information as the silence of death disturbed her greatly. A star had fallen from this world into a void which many knew they wouldn't return from. Another face she would never see again as she looked down towards the glowing lights as elves were placing evening lilies on him to wish safe passage. She looked quietly back to Legolas. "If you'll excuse me I must go pay respects." Moriel bowed her head excusing herself before he could reply. She felt Legolas watch her leave as she felt a slight blush cross her face wondering why she had caught his attention. Moriel knew her place, knowing her proper place was what kept her in good graces with many. Moriel walked slowly and quietly down the dimly lit corridors towards to pay her respects in silence. She didn't even know the guard's name and that troubled her. A face that she had passed in the halls was now gone whether friendly or enemy she would never know.
She grabbed a brightly bloomed evening lily walking towards the slain guard. He had been cleaned and his arms laid crossed as his wife was crying from grief. She sobbed silently which only few were consoling her. She laid the evening lily on the stone and bidding him a silent farewell. "I may not have known thee, but I pray you find your way home across the sea." Was her only thought as she turned. She nearly was knocked over by the fact Legolas had been behind her. She wondered if she had lingered to long as she continued forwards taking her place beside Galadriel. Galadriel had been watching them with some amusement as they would pass each other. It made her wonder if indeed there was some truth to Elrond's vision of her being Queen of Mirkwood the Woodland Realm one day beside Legolas.
Second Chapter is done! Hope you enjoyed it! Please review I love reviews! Third chapter is coming promise Thank you for reading.
Aemir-means Sea Jewel
Morelen-means Dark Star
Morlom- Dark Echo (it's her bow's name)
Mithrandir-(For not the so hardcore Hobbits or Lord of the Rings fans this is Gandalf's name given to him by the elves)
Thalioner-means Strong one